Closing Date: 24th May, 2024

Description:

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:
The PUC Litigation Unit, which is part of the Revenue & Regulatory Law Section, has a caseload which focuses on energy law (gas and electric utilities litigation) and transportation matters (transportation for hire, towing, movers, and common carriers). Attorneys also work on telecommunications, railroad, and gas pipeline safety cases, too. The selected attorneys will handle a diverse caseload in these areas and are typically partnered with one or two other attorneys in the Unit, and occasionally, may handle cases solo.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulates the rates, charges, services, and facilities of public utilities within Colorado. Our attorneys work with Trial Staff (e.g., engineers, accountants, rate analysts, transportation investigators, and economists) in all aspects of the PUC's unique litigation process including: preparing and filing interventions; drafting and propounding discovery requests; working with Trial Staff to produce pre-filed testimony; preparing responses to discovery requests; preparing for evidentiary hearings (including witness preparation); performing direct examinations; cross-examining witnesses; writing post-hearing statements of position; drafting exceptions to decisions; and negotiating settlement agreements. Throughout these stages, our attorneys are actively involved in strategy discussions with co-counsel and Trial Staff. Litigated matters before the PUC in energy law matters are document intensive, detailed, technical, and can sometimes involve more than a half dozen other parties and their legal counsel. These proceedings involve not only utility rates and ratemaking, but also matters concerning the implementation of Colorado's clean energy goals. Litigated matters before the PUC in transportation matters often concern hearings against a single defendant, many appearing pro se, but can also be complex, involving multiple defendants or regulated companies. The Unit is made up of 9 attorneys and a legal assistant, all of whom typically devote 100% of their time to cases before the PUC.

Senior Assistant Attorney Generals in the Unit must demonstrate:

Significant subject matter expertise and/or exceptional fundamental legal (writing, litigation, etc.) skills.
The ability to independently litigate both the typical and more complex cases the Unit litigates.
Advanced litigation strategy skills such that the candidate will provide significant value as part of the litigation team on complex matters.
Advanced strategy skills and consistently sound judgment.
The ability to return consistently high quality and timely work product without significant supervisorial oversight.
Superior written work product that requires minimal editing.
Oral communication skills exceeding the standard expectations for the Unit's cases.
The ability to model professionalism for Unit peers, the DOL, and the legal profession.
Disciplined work habits.
The ability to become recognized by peers and supervisor as an exceptional team member.
A willingness to take on significant legal responsibilities.

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.

In order to be appointed as a Senior Assistant Attorney General, candidates must have a minimum of five years experience as a litigation attorney. If the position is filled at the level of Senior Assistant Attorney General, the pay range will be $106,309 to $140,000/year.

If the position isn't filled as a Senior Assistant Attorney General, the pay range will be at that of Assistant Attorney General II, which is $94,426 to $120,000/year.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:
What we are looking for:

To be considered for this position, 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 Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. (
https://www.coloradosupremecourt.com/index.asp)

Further, while we know that no candidate is perfect, we are seeking applicants that have most of the following attributes:

A minimum of five years of practice as a litigation attorney (for Senior AAG consideration) or a minimum of three years of practice for Assistant Attorney General II
Strong litigation abilities, including legal writing, oral argument, client counseling, cross-examination, legal strategy, and settlement negotiations
Knowledge of or strong interest in energy law, transportation law (e.g., towing, transportation for hire, common carriers), Colorado public utilities law, Colorado administrative law, and/or environmental law/issues (e.g., solar, wind, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, clean energy, renewable energy, social cost of carbon, and greenhouse gas reduction)
Ability to assume diverse caseload with moderate supervision and have good judgment as to when to consult teammates and supervisors
A well-developed ability to work collaboratively with a variety of people
Self-starter who is eager to learn and develop professionally
Excellent self-awareness and judgment
Well-developed client service, interpersonal skills, and negotiation talent
Passion for producing excellent work product and keen attention to detail
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and public service

We are seeking Senior Assistant Attorney General candidates possessing most of these additional attributes:

A passion for mentoring and coaching new attorneys in the Unit and at the DOL
Excellent client counseling skills
Enthusiasm for continuously learning complex subject matter the Unit's litigation concerns

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
Applicants must be willing to work at least 2 to 3 days per week in-person.

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.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.