Staff Attorney (COA)

POSITION INFORMATION

Job Code: R45310
Full Time Salary Range: $7,097.00 - $9,816.00

FLSA Status: Excluded

Click here for information on employee benefits.

This posting may be used to create a Talent Pool. Talent Pools may be used for a period of 10 months after the closing date on a job posting.

MISSION STATEMENT

At the Colorado Judicial Department our mission is to provide a fair and impartial system of justice that:

• Protects constitutional and statutory rights and liberties
• Assures equal access
• Provides fair, timely and constructive resolution of cases
• Enhances public safety
• Supervises offenders
• Facilitates victim and community reparation

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement Of Duties:
Provides highly complex legal services to the Court of Appeals, including advising the court regarding jurisdictional issues and motions presented to the court during the appeal process; independently review appellate briefs, prepare draft opinions in accordance with Colorado law; provide legal research, training, and advice to members of the court regarding resolution of highly complex or novel legal issues.

Distinguishing Factors:
Positions in this classification are distinguished from Appellate Law Clerk positions based on the depth of expertise, specialization, and independent judgment required to fulfill the Staff Attorney’s duties. Positions in this classification are distinguished from the Deputy Chief Staff Attorneys by the level of supervisory responsibility. Supervision is received from a Deputy Staff Attorney or the Chief Staff Attorney.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We expect to hire 3 Staff Attorney positions in the Court of Appeals as follows:

2 writing staff attorneys:

One of the attorneys filling the writing positions will initially work on appeals in dependency and neglect and domestic relations cases. The other will work on dependency and neglect and civil cases, such as workers’ compensation, unemployment, and prisoner litigation. The position may be expanded to include other areas of specialization as the needs of the Court require. Flexibility and a willingness to work in more than one subject matter area are required. Experience as an appellate court law clerk, in appellate practice, or in civil practice is preferred.

1 motion and jurisdiction attorney:

The attorney filling the motions and jurisdiction position will work on a team reviewing motions, orders, and jurisdictionally screening appellate cases. This position requires strong oral presentation skills, writing skills, and organizational skills. Experience as an appellate law clerk, a trial court law clerk, or appellate practice is preferred.

Please submit the following items: the electronic application, a resume, a cover letter explaining your interest in these positions, and a writing sample that is your own work of ten pages or less. Please note that these positions require that the applicant be currently admitted to practice law in Colorado, with an active license, and a minimum of four years’ experience in the practice of law, as measured by bar admission date. Please see the full job description by clicking on the box. The salary for this position begins at the minimum of the salary range. Please see the Judicial Branch website under “Careers” for a summary of employee benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintains a high level of expertise in one or more subject areas by reviewing new rules, legislation, Colorado cases (both published and unpublished), applicable federal cases, including U.S. Supreme court cases, and other materials as appropriate.
Screens appeals for jurisdictional defects; analyzes issues relating to jurisdiction and appellate procedure and advises the court regarding the resolution of those issues; prepares orders as needed.
Independently reviews appeals in areas of expertise, analyzes issues presented, researches applicable rules, statutes, and case law as needed, and reviews relevant portions of the record. Determines whether issues have been preserved for review, whether they should be resolved procedurally or on the merits, and the correct resolution of each issue based on the controlling legal authority and the facts of the case.
Prepares draft opinions, clearly and concisely stating the relevant facts, the issues presented, the applicable legal authority, and the resolution of each issue. If necessary, drafts alternative resolutions and provides a recommendation as to which resolution is most appropriate and why. Recommends publication of cases as appropriate based on novelty or significance of issues, need for clarification of existing law, or other factors.
Consults with and advises judges regarding complex or novel legal issues.
Serves as a legal resource in areas of expertise for Law Clerks, other Staff Attorneys with different areas of expertise, and judges of the Court of Appeals. Prepares and maintains substantive and procedural resource materials in areas of expertise for judges and staff of the court. May also serve as a legal resource for the larger legal community through service in professional organizations, preparation and presentation of continuing legal education materials, or other appropriate activities.
Attend meetings and required training.
Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.

Supervisor Responsibilities:
Responsible for one's own work product and provides guidance, assistance, and mentorship to law clerks, less knowledgeable or experienced coworkers, volunteers, or interns, including scheduling of work, instructing in work methods and reviewing work products. May provide input into the hiring and discipline/termination processes. Normally has input into performance evaluation process.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Colorado; eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Colorado; and a minimum of four years of experience in the practice of law or equivalent experience.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; may be subject to interruptions and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.