Senior Assistant City Attorney (Child Welfare and Youth Services)

ABOUT THE ROLE The Denver City Attorney's Office is seeking a Senior Assistant City Attorney to join the Child Welfare and Youth Services Unit within the Human Services Legal Section. This role serves as in-house counsel to Denver Human Services, providing legal consultation and representation in Dependency and Neglect litigation and Juvenile Delinquency proceedings. The position involves high-impact legal work shaping outcomes for children, youth, and families across Denver. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide legal consultation and representation to social workers and staff throughout all stages of Dependency and Neglect litigation in state trial and appellate courts. - Prepare and support social workers in Juvenile Delinquency proceedings, including drafting motions, conducting discovery, representing the City in hearings, and handling appellate briefing. - Regularly appear in state courts, including Denver Juvenile Court, advocating on behalf of the agency. - Participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary meetings to inform decisions impacting the treatment, placement, and support of families and youth. - Negotiate and draft settlement agreements and other legal documents essential to case resolution. - Draft high-quality memoranda, motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents for judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings. - Conduct legal research and provide analysis, guidance, and advice to colleagues and personnel. - Serve as a lead attorney when assigned, providing case leadership, mentorship, and coaching to junior attorneys. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Doctor of Jurisprudence degree or Bachelor of Laws degree. - 3 years of experience as an attorney at law. - No substitution of experience for education is permitted. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Possession of a license to practice law in Colorado from the Colorado Supreme Court by the date of hire, or a reasonable expectation of becoming licensed by the date of hire in accordance with C.R.C.P. 203.2, 203.3, 203.4 and 205.6. - Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment. - Applicants must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the US. SELECTION PROCESS - Ideal candidates will have robust experience handling Dependency and Neglect cases, deep expertise in juvenile law, strong litigation and appellate skills, and experience advising agencies on regulations. - Mediation experience, coaching or mentoring experience, and a background in youth-focused programs or restorative justice are highly desired. - Candidates must demonstrate exceptional written and oral advocacy skills, excellent judgment, and a clear commitment to public service. HOW TO APPLY - Submit application as soon as possible and no later than August 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM to ensure consideration. - To request language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning, or disability-related accommodations, contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with 3 business days notice. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: City Attorney's Office - Location: Richard T. Castro Building at 1200 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO. Hybrid workplace model with 3 days per week on-site. Off-site days must be worked within the state of Colorado. Free employee parking is available at the building. - Position Type: Unlimited - Job Profile: CL0357 Assistant City Attorney Senior - Job Requisition ID: R0081571 - Benefits include a guaranteed life-long monthly pension vested after 5 years of service, 457B Retirement Plan, 140 hours of PTO earned within the first year, 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day, 1 volunteer day per year, and competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date. - Employees may be redeployed to work in other capacities during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor. - The City and County of Denver is an equal employment opportunity employer.