Assistant Attorney General - False Claims Unit

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. 
Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

This position in the False Claims Unit presents a truly unique opportunity to combat fraud, safeguard public funds, and help shape the future of the Colorado False Claims Act. The Unit investigates allegations that corporations and individuals have defrauded the critical state infrastructure and social programs. Attorneys in the unit work together, with other state Assistant Attorneys General, and with investigators to evaluate whistleblower complaints, issue subpoenas, take testimony, and evaluate evidence. As an Assistant Attorney General in the Unit, you will appear before state and federal courts on behalf of the Attorney General, litigate complex civil cases, and negotiate settlements that will make a meaningful difference for the State of Colorado.

An Assistant Attorney General in this position must have an entrepreneurial spirit and be ready to learn about a vast array of state programs and areas of law ranging from educational grants to mineral royalties to state contract procurement. This team member will be expected to exercise their knowledge and discretion to enforce the Colorado False Claims Act in a manner that will set constructive legal precedent. This position will require an experienced litigator and team player with a strategic mindset to support this developing practice.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Section, False Claims Unit you will have the opportunity to:

• Independently manage a caseload of investigations and active litigation in state and federal court.
• Work with attorneys and investigators in the Department of Law and other state agencies to evaluate complaints and claims.
• Draft civil investigative demands, issue subpoenas, take testimony, and otherwise pursue the lawful collection and evaluation of evidence to determine the validity and likelihood of proving claims.
• Make timely determinations of whether to intervene, or file motions to dismiss, in cases brought by whistleblowers and served on the Department of Law.
• Evaluate the evidence to determine whether action is warranted, and if so, whether and on what terms to settle or resolve the claim pre-judgement.
• Litigate FCA actions in state and federal court.
• Advise agency counsel regarding the False Claims Act (FCA) throughout the Department of Law, as well as municipal entities and their counsel. 
• Work with other members of the Department of Law and other State agencies to create awareness of the FCA and to assist in developing contractual terms to enable FCA enforcement for non-performance.
• Participate as a team player who enjoys collaborating with colleagues to achieve the best results for Colorado consumers.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple attorney positions within the Consumer Protection section at the Department of Law.

Salary note: The Department of Law uses an attorney compensation model. 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.

In order to be appointed as a Senior Assistant Attorney General, candidates must have a minimum of ten years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in False Claims Act practice, government or internal investigations, and/or federal or state litigation. Relevant expertise may include experience with federal or state false claims laws, government or internal investigations, qui tam matters, complex civil enforcement or litigation, fraud investigations, or other matters involving allegations of fraud against government programs or public funds. If the position is filled at the level of Senior Assistant Attorney General, the pay range will be $112,564 to $150,453/year.  

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 $89,964-$119,047/annually.

Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney may be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The salary range for an AAG II is $102,099 - $136,468/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualified applicants must be admitted to the Colorado Bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. 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.

The ideal candidate will also have many of the following attributes and experiences:

• Litigation experience, including with investigations, discovery, and depositions; and courtroom experience (trial or oral argument), and understanding of the Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure and Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Experience with the federal or other state’s False Claims Act and/or knowledge of the Colorado False Claims Act.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines, jump-start investigations, analyze evidence and exercise excellent judgement to make recommendations and determinations whether to bring or intervene in actions under the Colorado False Claims Act.
• Strong skills in oral and written advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution, and communication.
• Experience working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated desire to serve the public.

For the Senior Assistant Attorney General position, we are seeking applicants who have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney and demonstrate significant subject matter expertise in False Claims Act practice or other legal experience directly related to the assignment. Relevant expertise may include experience with federal or state false claims laws, government or internal investigations, qui tam matters, complex civil enforcement or litigation, fraud investigations, or other matters involving allegations of fraud against government programs or public funds.

The strongest candidates will also have most or all of the following attributes and experiences:

• First-chair or comparable lead responsibility in complex civil enforcement or litigation in state and/or federal court.
• Significant experience conducting or leading complex investigations, including evaluating evidence, identifying potential legal violations, and developing investigative or litigation strategy.
• Experience with False Claims Act or qui tam matters, government enforcement actions, fraud investigations, or other complex matters involving government programs or public funds.
• Experience managing a substantial portfolio of investigations and litigation involving complex factual and legal issues, competing priorities, and significant deadlines.
• Experience working collaboratively with governmental agencies, investigators, agency counsel, whistleblowers and their counsel, or other stakeholders in the investigation, litigation, or resolution of complex matters.
• Experience leading investigative or litigation teams and mentoring or coaching attorneys and professional staff.
• A demonstrated commitment to public service and to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, accountable, and respectful work environment.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• This position offers flexible work arrangements. 
• 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.
• 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. 

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

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility
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.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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!
 
We Have Strong Core Values
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.
 
We are Committed to Developing our Attorneys
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 attorneys grow and succeed.
 
We Offer Excellent Benefits

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:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a state government employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
• Free access to a recently renovated on-site fitness center
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
• Employer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid annual attorney registration dues
• Employer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entities.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must establish an account with governmentjobs.com and complete the on-line applications including the Contact Information section. Applicants are not required to complete the Work Experience, Education, or Additional Information sections of the on-line application.

Applicants must provide 1) a cover letter detailing their interest in the position and their relevant experience;  2) a resume; 3) a writing sample, and 4) three professional references. Use the "Attachments" feature of the online application to add documents. Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.  

ADAAA Requests
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 [email protected].

For general information regarding this position and other attorney opportunities at our office, please contact our Legal Talent Director at [email protected].