Assistant Attorney General (Marijuana, Liquor, and Bankruptcy)

The Revenue & Regulatory Law (R&R) section of the Colorado Department of Law is seeking a dynamic and committed Assistant Attorney General to join the Marijuana, Liquor and Bankruptcy (“MLB”) Unit. In this role, you will address a wide variety of interesting and complex legal issues of significant importance to the State of Colorado. The MLB Unit represents the Colorado Department Revenue's Marijuana Enforcement Division, Natural Medicine Division, Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division and Firearms Dealer Division in licensing and disciplinary litigation.The MLB Unit is one of 10 units in the R&R section. The R&R section represents state regulatory agencies, including the Department of Revenue, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Local Affairs.ResponsibilitiesThe MLB Unit offers the opportunity to practice in cutting-edge and challenging areas of law representing the following Divisions of the Colorado Department of Revenue: Marijuana Enforcement, Natural Medicine, Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement, and Firearms Dealer. The MLB Unit is a dynamic and collaborative group as statutes and regulations governing regulated marijuana, natural medicine, liquor, tobacco retailers and firearm dealers change frequently.This attorney will primarily handle administrative licensing actions from inception through administrative hearing, exceptions (administrative appeal) and judicial review, for the Marijuana, Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement, Natural Medicine and Firearm Dealer Divisions. Administrative licensing actions include denials of applications for a license required to operate a regulated liquor business, tobacco retailer, marijuana business, natural medicine business or firearm dealer and disciplinary actions based on alleged violations of the statutes and rules that govern these highly regulated businesses. Administrative cases range in complexity from relatively simple to complex.Examples of cases include: enforcement action based on underage sales; substantial security and public health violations; violations of mandatory marijuana testing requirements; licensee disqualification based on failure to pay taxes; and sophisticated corporate and financial schemes intended to allow unauthorized entities and individuals to control licensed businesses. The Natural Medicine and Firearm Dealer programs involve application denials, alleged violations of statutes and rules while licensed, or unlicensed operators acting outside the regulated industry. The attorney will also represent the divisions in state and federal courts as needed.The attorney will be part of a team that represents the state in this work and will be expected to take primary responsibility for the attorney's own cases, with increasing responsibilities over time.The attorney's responsibilities may also include any of the following:Independently handle litigation, negotiation, hearings, and exceptions (administrative appeal) of cases on behalf of clients represented by the UnitLitigate matters that require immediate action including license suspensionsSeek injunction relief in Colorado District Courts to enforce the licensure requirements against unlicensed persons engaged in licensed activitiesProvide training to DOL attorneys and/or client representatives and staffThe attorneys on our team represent our clients' interests in a variety of settings, including licensure and disciplinary actions. The position is primarily an administrative law practice, as well as some practice in Colorado District Court and the Court of Appeals. Our work also involves advising clients in all aspects of their regulatory functions and responsibilities, including assisting with the promulgation of rules.This is a fantastic opportunity for an attorney who is: interested in litigation; eager to work in a supportive multi-disciplinary team; and motivated to do work that directly impacts the lives of Coloradans.QualificationsQualified 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 Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.Candidates should have:a litigation backgrounda demonstrated ability to handle negotiations, litigation, and trials independently and effectivelyproficient client communication skillsexcellent writing skillsEssential skills for this position:Ability to manage a significant caseload, including working closely with Unit paralegalsComfort with and enjoyment in litigating cases and advising clients in a general counsel roleExcellent research, writing, and interpersonal skillsAbility to provide advice on complex mattersCommitted and eager to serve the publicCommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusionEnthusiasm about working with a smart, collaborative, and fun teamThis Position Requires at Least One Writing SamplePLEASE REVIEW THE “HOW TO APPLY” SECTION OF THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION.Conditions of EmploymentApplicants 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 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.Salary NoteAttorneys 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 $88,197 – $96,554 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 $102,099 – $136,468 annually.Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.BenefitsPublic Service Loan Forgiveness program – eligibility by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public serviceFree access to a recently renovated on-site fitness centerExcellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount programEmployer-paid mental health and counseling services through Colorado State Employee Assistance ProgramEmployer-paid annual attorney registration duesEmployer-provided access to professional development training and CLE through PLI, Department of Law University and other entitiesComprehensive 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 monthThis Position is Non-Classified and is Not Subject to Appeal RightsInformation provided by the Colorado Department of Law regarding admission, placement, and employment of attorneys.EEO and Accommodation StatementThe 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 performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.ContactIf you have any questions regarding this position, please contact our Legal Talent Director at LegalTalentDirector@coag.gov.#J-18808-Ljbffr