Entry Level Environmental Attorney Jobs in Colorado

Salary: See Position Description
Location : El Paso County, Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2600208
Department: County Attorney's Office
Division: Human Services
Opening Date: 05/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
HR Contact Information: Yolanda Smith: YolandaSmith@elpasoco.com
Need help with applying? Visit our Talent Acquisition page here for application guidance and resources.
VISION
El Paso County will be a trusted regional leader known for excellence in county service delivery.
PURPOSE
We provide essential public services to the Pikes Peak Region in support of our residents, businesses, and communities, enhancing the freedom for all to thrive.
VALUES
Service Focused • Collaborative • Accountable • Trustworthy • Transparent
Job Summary
El Paso County is seeking a Staff County Attorney (Entry Level) or an Assistant County Attorney (Experienced)specializing in Human Services to protect the rights and well-being of children, families, and at-risk adults. This role is designed for attorneys who value professional autonomy and the confidence to manage cases independently, while working within a collaborative legal team that provides guidance when needed. As part of the Human Services career progression series, attorneys have the opportunity to grow professionally through structured development, supervision, and advancement based on experience and performance. This position is ideal for attorneys committed to public service who value meaningful work, professional growth, and a team environment focused on long-term sustainability. Join a team where your work protects vulnerable populations, and where sustainability and professionalism matter.
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter created by the applicant without automated or
third-party content generation at the time of application.
Staff County Attorney - Human Services
Full Salary Range: $84,220.00 - $ 126,430.00 annually
Hiring Range: $87,000.00 - $93,000.00 annually
Assistant County Attorney - Human Services
Full Salary Range: $96,140.00 - $144,250.00 annually
Hiring Range: $105,000.00 - $110,000.00 annually
This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; Rotating on call schedule, subject to change.
Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.
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.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• 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.

Work Conditions
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.
El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.
El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Onsite health centers
• Onsite fitness centers
• Reach Your Peak wellness program
• Short and long term disability
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts to include dependent care
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• Deferred compensation (457b)

Click on links for and the El Paso County Retirement Plan
01
How did you learn of this position?

• I am currently employed by EPC
• El Paso County Website
• Indeed.com
• Employee Referral
• Social Media (Twitter/Facebook)
• LinkedIn
• University/College Career Site
• Industry-specific Career Site
• Professional Membership Career Site
• Career Fair
• Other

02
Do you have a J.D. from an accredited law school?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have admission to or are a member in good standing with the Colorado Bar?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you authorized to practice law in Colorado pursuant to Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 205.6.?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have three years or more of experience as a practicing attorney?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have 2 or more years of juvenile law experience?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have the ability to possess and maintain a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

08
If not already obtained, do you have the ability to obtain a license in good standing as Attorney and Counselor at Law issued by the Colorado Supreme Court required within one year of employment?

• Yes
• No

09
Have you read, and do you accept the work conditions as outlined in the job posting?

• Yes
• No

Required Question