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Government Attorney Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Government & Regulatory Compliance We're looking for practical, entrepreneurial lawyers who want to own their results -- not just report their hours. Practice Areas at JWL Business Formations ...

Staff Attorney

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$93K - $103K/yr

... government for all Coloradans and help write the law. Consider a career with the Office of ... Description of Job The OLLS is seeking full-time Staff Attorneys with a tentative starting date in ...

Staff Attorney

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$93K - $103K/yr

... government for all Coloradans and help write the law. Consider a career with the Office of ... Description of Job The OLLS is seeking full-time Staff Attorneys with a tentative starting date in ...

Attorney - Litigation

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$30/hr

Successful candidates must complete the process to secure a government security clearance before ... Interested and qualified Attorneys should submit a resume, in Word format, for immediate ...

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Government Attorney information

See Colorado salary details

$42.6K

$103.4K

$201.9K

How much do government attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for government attorney in Colorado is $103,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $126,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a government attorney do?

A government attorney is a lawyer who works for a government agency at the federal, state, or local level. Their responsibilities include providing legal advice to government officials, representing the government in legal proceedings, drafting and reviewing legislation, and ensuring government actions comply with the law. Government attorneys can specialize in various areas such as criminal prosecution, civil litigation, regulatory law, or policy development. They play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the public interest.

What are some common challenges faced by government attorneys in balancing public interest with legal requirements?

Government attorneys often face the challenge of serving the public interest while ensuring strict compliance with laws and regulations. They must carefully navigate complex legal and ethical considerations, especially when legal requirements may appear to conflict with public expectations or policy goals. Additionally, government attorneys frequently handle heavy caseloads and tight deadlines, requiring strong organizational and time management skills. Collaboration with various government agencies and stakeholders is also common, making effective communication and negotiation essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong understanding of administrative, constitutional, and statutory law. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and experience with case management systems are typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and sound ethical judgment set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure effective legal representation, compliance with public policy, and integrity in government legal affairs.

What is the difference between Government Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectGovernment AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar licenseJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courts, legal departmentsPublic defender offices, courts
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, legal departmentsPublic defender offices, government-funded
Common Search & ComparisonLegal roles in governmentCriminal defense for indigent clients

While both Government Attorneys and Public Defenders work within government legal systems and require similar credentials, their roles differ. Government Attorneys typically serve in various government agencies, handling a broad range of legal matters. Public Defenders focus specifically on defending indigent clients in criminal cases. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations within government legal services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Attorney jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Government Attorney jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Government Attorney jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Government Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Attorney job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,396 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Assistant Attorney General - Federal Initiatives (Litigation)

The Colorado Attorney General's Office

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$85.79 - $132.90/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Assistant Attorney General โ€“ Federal Initiatives (Litigation)Details

Section: Office of the Attorney General Position Number: LAA-09200 Salary Range: $88,197.00 -$136,558.00 Yearly Apply By: Monday, February 9, 2026, 11:59 pm FLSA: Exempt

Work Unit: Federal Initiatives Job Location: 1300 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 Release Date: Friday, January 9, 2026 Employment Type: Full-Time Position Type: Non-Classified

Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Colorado Department of Law is seeking experienced litigators to serve as Assistant Attorneys General in the Office of the Attorney Generalโ€™s Federal Initiatives Unit. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in high-impact litigation that shapes and safeguards the Stateโ€™s interests in the face of significant federal actions. Attorneys in this role will represent the State of Colorado in complex trial and appellate mattersโ€”defending its programs, residents, and the rule of law. Candidates with substantial federal litigation experience, including those who have led major cases or handled multifaceted legal challenges, may be considered for appointment as Senior Assistant Attorneys General.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Assistant Attorneys General in the Federal Initiatives Unit play a vital role in safeguarding the interests of the Attorney General, the State of Colorado, and its residents. This position is an opportunity to shape the Stateโ€™s legal strategy in high-impact federal matters and to defend the rule of law. In this role, you will serve as litigation counsel in complex trial and appellate matters, focusing on protecting state programs, funding streams, and Coloradoโ€™s interests. This role is part of a collaborative, mission-driven team that provides strategic support to the Attorney General and state agencies on issues involving the federal government. This role will report to the Deputy Solicitor General for Federal Initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Advisory Responsibilities: provide counsel to the Attorney General and client agencies regarding federal executive orders, federal agency and administrative actions, and federal legislation affecting Colorado government, residents, and the rule of law; and monitor evolving federal policies and analyze their impact on Coloradoโ€™s legal and regulatory landscape.

Litigation & Trial Responsibilities: serve as litigation counsel in key litigation and trial matters protecting the interest of the State of Colorado, including coordination with other state attorney general staff on multistate matters; develop and execute litigation strategy for federal litigation and trials, trial moots, and after-action review for major cases; analyze complex factual and legal issues; prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery; appear in court and collaborate with multi-state coalitions; and work closely with agency counsel, providing strategic advice to ensure aligned, effective advocacy.

Administrative & Appellate Responsibilities: lead or support the preparation of comment letters, motions to intervene and amicus briefs related to federal initiatives; and review and advise on multi-state amicus briefing opportunities and multi-state attorney general correspondence and letters on nationwide federal issues.

The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidateโ€™s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). The salary range for an AAG I is $85,795-$95,437/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $99,318 โ€“ $132,901/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, meaningful work in service of the people of Colorado. We are an equal opportunity employer and value a diverse workforce that brings broad perspectives and lived experiences to the work we do. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

  • At least 4 years of legal experience, including significant federal litigation experience (civil or administrative).
  • Experience with administrative and regulatory law.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience representing or advising public-sector clients or government agencies.
  • Experience litigating for or against the federal government or federal agencies.
  • Background in investigations, federal grants, or civil rights matters.
  • Experience leading complex multi-party litigation or working in multi-state coalitions.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
  • Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application and application for Practice Pending Admission before the first day of employment. For more information about admission to the Colorado bar please review information on the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website.

This position is non-classified and is not subject to appeal rights.

Please view the full job announcement for more information, including information about compensation and benefits, and to apply online.

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