Chief Legal Counsel

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The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. 

Colorado For All - Colorado Employee Reflections

Department Information 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is committed to building a Colorado For All, a place where everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the Colorado way of life. Governor Polis is focused on lowering health care costs for hardworking Coloradans, transitioning the state to renewable energy sources, ensuring every Colorado child gets a quality education, making housing more affordable and available, improving public safety, and building an economy that works for everyone. The Office of the Governor's staff includes budgeting, communications and outreach, legal counsel, legislative liaison, operations, policy and research, and scheduling.

The Governor’s Office of Legal is committed to working with the Governor to further a Colorado for All. We provide legal advice and analysis to the Governor, the Governor’s Office, and his cabinet in areas of legal complexity and importance. The attorneys in the office play key roles in legislative bill review and engagement, policy research and development, drafting of executive orders, judicial appointments at all levels of Colorado courts, granting of clemency, media responses, and designing and implementing strategic policies and goals. Further, we represent the Governor in discussions with stakeholders and elected officials, advocate for the Governor’s agenda and policy objectives, and work with the Office of the Attorney General to manage litigation involving the state, the Governor, and agencies. 

Position Title: Chief Legal Counsel

Department: Office of Legal Counsel

Salary: $210,000 to $220,000

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organizational Relationships: This position reports to the Chief of Staff, is part of the Governor’s Executive Team, and leads the Governor’s Offices of Legal Counsel and Human Resources. 

Supervisory Authority: This position supervises the Office of Legal Counsel, including  Deputy Legal Counsels, Paralegal, and Executive Assistant to the Office of Legal Counsel, as well as the Governor’s Office of Human Resources, including the Human Resources Director and Human Resources Specialist.

Expected Annual Travel: Regular meetings of membership organizations and, otherwise, as needed. Overall travel expectations are minimal.

Summary of Functions: Provide legal, policy, and strategic advice and counsel to the Governor, the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor, and Cabinet and their senior staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal, policy, and strategic advice and counsel to the Governor, the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor, and Cabinet and their senior staff.

• Develop, counsel, and train members of the Governor’s Office on laws and policies.

• Monitor and provide legal and strategic guidance regarding the Governor’s calendar and communications.

• Monitor and provide legal and strategic guidance to successfully pass the Governor’s legislative agenda, including drafting and negotiating bills.

• Represent the Governor in stakeholder meetings.

• Oversee Colorado Open Records Act requests for the Governor’s Office

• Oversee judicial selection process for all vacancies to be filled by the Governor.

• Oversee clemency process for commutes and pardons granted by the Governor.

• Serve as a liaison between the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General.

• Serve as a liaison between the Governor’s Office and the Judicial Department.

• Oversee the Office of Legal Counsel and Human Resources.

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor Degrees required, must be a licensed attorney in good standing in Colorado.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Experience: Preferred candidates will have a minimum of 10 years progressive experience, or otherwise demonstrate a high acumen in the areas of public law, government affairs, or advising executive-level leadership.
• Licensure: Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Colorado Supreme Court, or eligible for immediate admission on motion.
  

• Demonstrated experience with the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), Amendment 41, state rulemaking processes, and the Colorado legislative system.

• Experience leading and managing professional teams across both legal and human resources or operational disciplines.

• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-scrutiny environment requiring rapid problem-solving and absolute confidentiality.

To Apply:

A cover letter and resume must be submitted with the application for consideration. Your cover letter and resume must provide sufficient detail about your background and experience to allow the screening panel to properly assess your experience in the required elements, including your experience and achievements.  

The State of Colorado/Office of the Governor offers a generous benefits package including:

• Annual leave accrued at 13.33 hours per month (4 weeks a year)

• Sick leave accrued at 6.66 hours a month (10 days a year)

• 12 paid holidays per year

• Medical and dental plans

• State paid life insurance policy of a minimum of $50,000 or 1x annual salary

• Choice of 2 retirement plans

• 401K and 457 plans

• State paid Short Term Disability coverage

• Additional optional life and disability plans

• Credit Union Membership

• RTD pass

• Training and professional development

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits.

Inclusion and Belonging

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.

ADAAA Accommodations

The Office of the Governor 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 Staffing Coordinator (the Senior Human Resources Director) at [email protected].