Staff County Attorney | Assistant County Attorney

Full Job Description

Provides legal services, advice, and representation to the Department of Human Services (DHS); advises DHS staff on legal aspects of casework and assists staff in preparing for litigation. At-will employee; serves at the will and pleasure of the County Attorney. This position is part of the County Attorney – Human Services career progression series, which includes Staff Attorney – Human Services, Assistant County Attorney – Human Services, and Senior County Attorney – Human Services. An employee is eligible to advance to the next position within the series when the employee has met the criteria for advancement as notated within the classification specification and has received a recommendation from the Hiring Authority. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function.

Requirements

• Presents cases before all relevant courts and administrative bodies.
• Organizes trial and hearing preparation; drafts and files legal documents and prepares questions and arguments necessary for hearings or trials; notifies and interviews witnesses; reviews evidence.
• Prepares memoranda of law and opinion letters as needed and directed by the Chief Deputy County Attorney.
• Researches and interprets the Colorado Children's Code, Probate Code, Social Services Code, and the Colorado Code of Regulations pertaining to same.
• Researches other State and Federal statutory and common law, regulations, policies, agency letters, legal treatises, articles, manuals, and writing in the field as needed to prepare all cases or legal issues for hearings, trials, or other resolutions.
• Interprets and applies Colorado Rules of Civil, Juvenile, Probate, and Appellate Procedure.
• Meets with counsel representing parents, children, at-risk adults, and other parties to identify litigated issues, resolving them through mediation, negotiation, stipulation, and/or trial.
• Provides training to DHS staff regarding legal aspects of case preparation, trial/hearing preparation, testimony, and related legal processes as needed.
• Provides other legal services as requested by the Chief Deputy County Attorney and/or County Attorney.
• Executes administrative duties as requested by the Chief Deputy County Attorney and/or County Attorney.
• Attends meetings with DHS staff to coordinate legal services and policies with client.
• Participates in rotation of 24-hour on-call consultation service to El Paso County DHS Intake.
• Attends meetings at the direction of the Chief Deputy County Attorney with agencies, organizations, and groups within the legal and child welfare communities.
• Utilizes State court and State agency computer systems. Conducts computer-based legal research.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Colorado Children's, Probate, and Social Services Codes; civil, probate, juvenile, and appellate procedure; the Colorado Code of Regulations pertaining to the same, and the Colorado Revised Statutes as they pertain to local government.
• Sufficient knowledge of social work, medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment of children involved in the juvenile court system.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to manage high-volume court divisions and handle complex legal issues; ability to prepare and organize cases.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with clients, court, court staff, opposing counsel, fellow employees, and all others with whom contact is had in this professional capacity.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish effective working relationships. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or direction.
• Sufficient computer skills to perform essential job functions; proficiency with Microsoft Office and various databases, software, and computer systems.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to and a member in good standing with the Colorado Bar required within one year of employment; or
  • Authorized to practice law in Colorado pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure 205.6.

Assistant County Attorney:

• Three years of experience as a practicing attorney; two years of the required experience must pertain to juvenile law.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Two years of juvenile legal experience.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• License in good standing as Attorney and Counselor at Law issued by the Colorado Supreme Court required within one year of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Additional Information

Duties are performed in an office, remote, and court environment; some travel may be required. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.