Salary : $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annually
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: EAA_DEPLGCOUNSEL_ESW0716.26
Department: Office of the Governor
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: State Capitol, 200 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information:
Type of Announcement: 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.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

WHERE YOU WILL WORK
The Governor's Office of Legal Counsel is seeking a talented, motivated, and experienced attorney 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.
Note: Note: this posting may be used to fill multiple openings within the Office of Legal Counsel.

Description of Job
Primary Physical Work Location: State Capitol; 200 E Colfax Ave; Denver Colorado

Location: minimum of 3 days a week in the office; up to 2 days a week remote
FLSA Status: exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation
Job Type: full time

Class Title: non-classified

Closing Date: We will begin the review of application materials on July 27, 2026 and continue until a finalist is identified.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Deputy Legal Counsel will become part of our eight-member team of six attorneys, a paralegal, and an executive assistant that work together to support the Governor. You will have the opportunity to advise the Governor, the Governor's Office, and agencies on legal and policy challenges facing the administration, develop creative solutions to complex problems, and work in a fast-paced environment committed to making a positive impact in our state. On any given day, your work could touch criminal law, health care, education, the economy, energy, natural resources, ethics, and other topics. Each of the five Deputy Legal Counsels has a portfolio of agencies and legal subject matter, but the entire team works collaboratively to address and resolve legal issues. You will use your research and analysis skills to evaluate complex laws, case law, and legal principles to provide actionable advice - sometimes within hours. You will use written and oral communication to convey legal opinions and options, engage with stakeholders, and represent the Governor. If you are ready to be bold, consistent, and joyful in service to Coloradans, we welcome your application.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Be admitted to a state bar and in good standing with the respective state bar at the time of application.

Further, we are seeking candidates who have many of the following skills and experience:

• Experience advising organizational leaders, and demonstrated ability to advise on complex matters
• Commitment to public service and Colorado
• Excellent research, writing and interpersonal skills, and ability to be both consultative and persuasive
• Curiosity to learn new areas of the law, and experience in critical and creative thinking
• A strong work ethic, ability to manage several diverse projects simultaneously, and comfortable with successfully completing projects on short timelines
• Experience working in government or politics
• Strong people skills, including experience working effectively with a wide range of constituencies in diverse communities and ensuring a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must pass a thorough background check prior to employment and reside in Colorado once employed.
Note: This is an unclassified, at-will position. Due to the upcoming gubernatorial transition, any extension or continuation in this role beyond January 13, 2027, will be at the sole discretion of the next administration.

Supplemental Information
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 through

Voluntary 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.