First Assistant Attorney General - Transportation Unit Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/4800961) Apply  First Assistant Attorney General - Transportation Unit Salary $139,751.00 - $186,917.00 Annually Location Denver, CO Job Type Full Time Job Number LAAA-09108-01/25 Department Department of Law Division Civil Litigation & Employment Law Opening Date 02/03/2025 Closing Date 3/3/2025 11:59 PM Mountain FLSA Determined by Position Primary Physical Work Address 1300 Broadway, Denver CO 80203 FLSA Status Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Department Contact Information Human Resources Unit, HR@coag.gov Type of Announcement This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. How To Apply Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed. + Description + Benefits + Questions Department Information Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General! The Colorado Department of Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section is recruiting for a First Assistant Attorney General to lead the Section’s Transportation Unit. This is an exciting opportunity to provide legal services to our state transportation partners to make a difference in the lives of Coloradans! The Transportation Unit provides a broad spectrum of legal counsel and representation to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), one of the largest state agencies in Colorado. The First Assistant Attorney General will serve as general counsel to CDOT and its many divisions, enterprises, and boards as well as the Transportation Commission. The position will form lasting and rewarding client relationships while also leading a team of talented transactional and litigation attorneys and professional staff. The Office of the Attorney General offers the opportunity to be involved in challenging, interesting, and meaningful work in a collaborative environment supported by leadership committed to effective and innovative legal work. Application will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. WHO WE ARE The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together. Visit our website to learn more:https://coag.gov/. Description of Job WHAT YOU WILL DO This is an incredible opportunity to serve in a leadership role in the provision of litigation, transactional, and general counsel services to one of the largest state agencies in Colorado. The First AAG position will oversee high-impact litigation that often involves multi-million-dollar disputes and some of the State’s most sophisticated enterprises. In addition, the position will supervise various high-impact and often high-profile transactional and advice matters. This First AAG leads and supervises the work of the Transportation Unit within the Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section. The Transportation Unit acts as a general service law firm to CDOT and the Colorado Transportation Commission, with the exception of personnel and tort matters. The Unit also advises and represents TABOR-exempt Enterprises, including the Statewide Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise, the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (d/b/a Colorado Transportation Investment Office), and the Clean Transportation Enterprise. The Unit files condemnation actions on behalf of CDOT, defends inverse condemnation actions, and brings and defends administrative actions. The Unit also handles access control, highway beautification, and billboard permit disputes, and assists CDOT with protests brought under the Procurement Code. The Unit advises CDOT on construction matters and represents CDOT in construction dispute review boards, arbitration, and litigation. The Unit attorneys serve as issue counsel in public financing matters, assisting with bond and loan issuances. Members of the Unit also review, revise, and approve CDOT contracts, assist in drafting and negotiating contracts, including public-private partnership contracts, and provide legal advice on rulemaking, legislation, and any other legal matters that arise. The work of the Transportation Unit provides an opportunity to learn, explore, and engage with the law and critical programs that enhance the quality of life and environment of the citizens of Colorado by facilitating an integrated multi-modal transportation system throughout the state. As the First Assistant Attorney General in the Transportation Unit, you will have the opportunity to do the following: Unit Leadership + Facilitate the work and operations of the Unit, promoting collaboration, engagement, integrity, and exceptional legal service. + Assign and oversee advice matters, litigation, and other legal responsibilities, and coordinate workflow. + Provide guidance, strategy advice, feedback, and general transactional and litigation assistance to attorneys and paralegals as needed. + Work closely with the Section and DOL employees to develop systems and processes designed to increase efficiencies, streamline litigation, enhance client services, and promote practice excellence. + Lead the Unit in the development and maintenance of strong client partnerships, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective legal services to clients while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Supervision and Administration + Lead a collaborative team of 6 attorneys and 1-2 professional staff consistent with the values of the DOL that recognize that members of the DOL are public servants, principled, innovative, and better together. This includes making hiring and salary recommendations, performance management activities, approval of leave requests, resolution of personnel matters, and other administrative tasks. + Report to the Civil Litigation and Employment Law Section Deputy AG and/or Assistant Deputy AG on legal, operational, and personnel matters on a regular basis and seek supervisory or managerial assistance from the Deputy and/ or Assistant Deputy. + Assist the Section Deputy AG and Assistant Deputy AG with personnel, budget, and various administrative duties affecting the work of the Unit, Section, and the DOL. + Participate in management and leadership teams for the Section and the Office. Client Service– The First AAG carries a meaningful and independent workload, including the important work listed below. + Serve as the lead advisor to CDOT, its enterprises, boards of directors, divisions, and the Transportation Commission on a broad variety of legal topics including state transportation issues, policy issues, procurement issues, legislative mandates, and subpoenas. + Support the Unit’s public contracting expert, negotiate and draft complex agreements with CDOT’s governmental partners and private parties, assist with bond and loan issuances. + Monitor legislative and legal developments related to CDOT, its enterprises, board, divisions, and the Transportation Commission. Interpret new legislation collaboratively with CDOT and DOL members. + Review policies, rules, statutes, and applicable law to advise CDOT with respect to compliance and operational issues. + Serve as the DOL’s subject matter expert on state transportation issues. + Litigate matters for CDOT in administrative court, state and federal district courts, and appellate courts, typically in collaboration with other attorneys. + Research and draft legal opinions. + Draft rule opinions and memoranda. + Attend board and commission meetings. + Advise on board and commission conduct, including applicability of the Colorado Open Meetings Laws, conflict of interest, and Colorado Open Records Act. Conduct mandatory annual training for multiple boards and commissions. + Represent Boards in administrative challenges and hearings. + Advise, recommend, and coordinate training specific to current legal issues or areas of concern. Conduct trainings as requested or needed by the client. + Provide general counsel and advice to CDOT and related agencies on all matters and connect them with the appropriate specialists within the DOL for further advice and guidance. First Assistant Attorneys General at the Department of Law ensure the Unit consistently provides high-quality legal representation. The First Assistant Attorney General serves as a frontline leader and is responsible for assisting the Deputy Attorney General with personnel, budget, and various administrative duties affecting the work of the Unit and the DOL. Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR The First Assistant Attorney General is part of the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law leadership team. As such, the strongest candidates will demonstrate excellence in the following competencies: Communication & Listening– Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff. Inspires confidence through active listening and effective communication with clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff. Flexible & Adaptable Management– Accepts, adapts, and contributes positively to change; leads with new concepts and ideas; and encourages others to be equally adaptive and flexible. Coaching & Developing People– Invests in our talent through coaching and sponsorship and by pushing individuals outside of their comfort zones to grow as professionals. Creative & Strategic Problem Solving– Takes a result-oriented, open-minded, and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and dealing with crises. Enterprise & Growth Mindset– Balances the goals of clients, leadership, colleagues, and staff with the broader interest of the enterprise. Client Service, Interpersonal Skills, and Emotional Intelligence– Demonstrates and models self- awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and sensitivity in working with clients, colleagues, and staff. Applicants for the First Assistant Attorney General – Transportation Unit position must have the following qualifications: + Qualified applicants must be admitted to the Colorado Bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme CourtOffice of Attorney Regulation Counsel (https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/index.asp) . + A minimum of 7 years of general counsel, litigation, or transactional legal experience. While we understand that no candidate is perfect, we are looking for candidates who can check most of the following boxes: + Prior management or supervisory experience; + Broad range of litigation and/or general counsel experience; + Experience in transactional activities such as negotiating and drafting complex agreements; + Experience with public contracting including knowledge of Colorado state procurement code and Colorado fiscal rules; + Experience with public and commercial finance; + Interest in public service; + Relishes the opportunity to work as part of a team and values the insights and contributions from all team members; + Demonstrates an ability to lead with empathy; + Has strong critical thinking skills and ability to find creative solutions; + Approaches issues objectively and with flexibility, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and situations; + Has excellent oral and written communication skills, with a commitment to superior client communication in a fast-paced environment; + Is confident in working with clients, including executive leadership, and developing strong working relationships with clients; + Demonstrates excellent organizational skills; + Has strong analytical and litigation skills; + Wants to independently navigate new and unfamiliar issues on a regular basis while engaging as part of a team with other attorneys and staff; + Works collaboratively with a variety of personalities; and + Possesses excellent judgment as to when to consult with teammates and elevate issues to leadership. The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Conditions of Employment: + Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. + This position offers flexible work arrangements. Newer employees are encouraged to work in the office 2 or 3 days per week, however alternate in-person and remote work arrangements will be considered. + Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado Bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme CourtOffice of Attorney Regulation Counsel (https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/index.asp) website. + Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights. Supplemental Information WHY WORK FOR US We Embrace Flexibility We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members – which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible. We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be! We Have Strong Core Values Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate. We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our attorneys grow and succeed. We Offer Excellent Benefits In addition to the comprehensiveState of Colorado benefits package (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/) including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans withColorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/members/retirement-benefits) , and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including: + Public Service Loan Forgiveness (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) : As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan + Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center + Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program + Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program + Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues + Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities. HOW TO APPLY Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the online application. Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter; 2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents. Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. ADAAA Requests The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher,julie.christopher@coag.govor 720-508-6511. Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon. 01 To apply, you must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references. Failure to attach these documents may result in your application not being considered. Please confirm that you have attached the required documents. + Yes + No 02 Please provide your bar registration number, state(s) in which you hold a license, and bar date. Assistant Attorneys General in the Colorado Department of Law must be admitted to the Colorado Bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. 03 Please draft a brief narrative response to the question below. Your responses should be no more than 200 words maximum. Please note, your response will be evaluated as part of the assessment of your qualification for this position. What strengths do you possess that make you an effective leader? Provide an example of a time when you have used these strengths in a supervisor or team lead role. Required Question Employer State of Colorado Address See the full announcement by clicking the "Printer" icon located above the job title Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email