<p>Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!</p> <p>The Civil Litigation & Employment Law Section of the Colorado Department of Law is seeking a Legal Assistant to join its collaborative and mission-driven team! This unique position supports three impactful units: the Public Safety Unit, the Tort Litigation Unit, and the Cross-Unit Litigation Team. Together, these units provide legal services to protect public safety, defend the state and its employees, and support complex litigation across Colorado. From assisting with criminal justice records and open records matters to preparing for trials and supporting high-stakes litigation, this role offers a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding opportunity for a detail-oriented legal professional. If you're a strong communicator with excellent organizational skills and a desire to contribute to public service, we encourage you to apply! </p> <p> </p> <p>WHO WE ARE</p> <p>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. Learn more about the Colorado Attorney General's Office here.</p> <p>WHAT YOU WILL DO</p> <p>This Legal Assistant position provides comprehensive support to three legal teams within the Department of Law: the Public Safety Unit, the Tort Litigation Unit, and the Cross-Unit Litigation Team. The role includes organizing and maintaining legal files, supporting attorneys with discovery and trial preparation, assisting in responses to records requests and subpoenas, and facilitating communication between attorneys, clients, and other legal stakeholders.</p> <p>In addition, this position's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:</p> <ul> <li>Track and report status of legal advice matters, rulemaking processes, and board/commission support for CDPS </li><li>Develop and maintain systems to support discovery and subpoena response management </li><li>Review and redact records in line with legal and confidentiality standards </li><li>Prepare exhibits, trial notebooks, and hearing materials </li><li>Draft, cite-check, and file routine pleadings and motions </li><li>Conduct legal research and assist with formatting tables of authority and contents </li><li>Communicate with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and witnesses </li><li>Organize and manage case files using legal document management systems </li><li> Monitor case progress, deadlines, and trial preparation timelines </li></ul> <p>This recruitment may be used to fill other Paralegal positions in the Civil Litigation & Employment Law Section.</p> <p>Salary note: 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.</p> <p>WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR</p> <p>Residency Requirement:</p> <p> This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. </p> <p>Class Code & Classification Description:</p> <p>H5E1XXLEGAL ASSISTANT I</p> <p>MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: </p> <p>Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:</p> <p>Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution</p> <p>Substitutions</p> <p>Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate</p> <p>A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate</p> <p>If qualifying under the substitution, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcripts.</p> <p>This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, is proactive and detail-oriented, and is passionate about supporting meaningful legal work on behalf of the State of Colorado.</p> <p>Necessary Competencies: Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.</p> <p> </p> <p>Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, the preferred applicant will demonstrate some or all of the qualifications below:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Paralegal experience managing civil or criminal cases, litigation deadlines, and trial preparation</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with criminal cases involving subpoenas duces tecum and discovery of forensic laboratory data and results.</p> </li><li> <p>Familiarity with state and federal court rules, appellate procedures, and administrative processes</p> </li><li> <p>Experience maintaining litigation dockets and court calendars</p> </li><li> <p>Proficiency with legal software such as ProLaw and Relativity</p> </li><li> <p>Strong written communication skills</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work independently as well as with team members</p> </li></ul> <p>Conditions of Employment: </p> <ul> <li>Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. </li><li>The CLEL Section offers flexible work arrangements. Please note, flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.  </li><li>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.   </li></ul> <p>Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.</p> <p>HOW TO APPLY</p> <p>Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the online application.</p> <p>Required Application Materials: Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.    </p> <ul> <li> <p>A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position.  Applications left blank or marked "See Resume" will not be considered.</p> </li><li> <p>Resume: A detailed resume outlining your background skills and experiences including previously held positions and academic background. Any information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, etc. and how you meet any of the listed preferred qualifications is highly encouraged. Your resume will be reviewed as part of the comparative analysis process.       </p> </li><li> <p>Cover Letter: A brief cover letter detailing your interest in the position, relevant experience and any additional information you'd like to share as it relates to your interest in the position. </p> </li></ul> <p>Veteran's Preference: In order to be considered for veteran's preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.</p> <p>Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.  If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position.  If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Vanessa Rhea at vanessa.rhea@coag.gov. </p> <p> </p> <p>Assessment Information:</p> <p>Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.  </p> <ul> <li> <p>Technical Competence - Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement. </p> </li><li> <p>Depth and Breadth of Experience - Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned. </p> </li><li> <p>Job Fit - Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position.  Current experience is preferred. </p> </li></ul> <p>It is imperative that the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.</p> <p> </p> <p>Appeal Rights:  </p> <p>An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.</p> <p>As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.</p> <p>Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.</p> <p>For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.</p> <p>WHY WORK FOR US</p> <p> </p> <p>We Embrace Flexibility</p> <p>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. </p> <p>We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion</p> <p>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!</p> <p> </p> <p>We Have Strong Core Values</p> <p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p>We are Committed to Developing our Employees</p> <p>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 employees grow and succeed.</p> <p> </p> <p>We Offer Excellent Benefits</p> <p>In addition to the comprehensive State of Colorado benefits package including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with Colorado PERA, and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:</p> <ul> <li>Medical and dental health plans </li><li>Employer-paid life insurance </li><li>Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month </li><li>11 paid holidays per year </li><li>Public Service Loan Forgiveness - The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a repayment plan while working full-time for a qualified employer. </li><li>Free access to an on-site fitness center </li><li>Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans </li><li>Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system </li><li>Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program </li></ul> <p> </p> <p>The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.</p> <p>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, at hr@coag.gov.</p>