Assistant County Attorney

** Early applications are encouraged**

*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.

*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position. 

Under general supervision, the Assistant County Attorney provides professional legal services to the Board of County Commissioners, elected officials, department heads, and County staff. The position performs complex legal research and analysis; drafts and reviews contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents; represents the County in litigation and administrative proceedings; and provides legal advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

• Provide legal counsel and advice to the Board of County Commissioners, county departments, county staff, and elected officials on various legal issues.

• Collaborate with external legal counsel on specialized legal matters as needed.

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and memoranda as required.

• Assist in guiding legal aspects of county policies, procedures, and operations.

• Support compliance with state statutes and federal mandates, including open meeting laws and public records requirements.

• Participates in negotiations, mediations, and settlement discussions on behalf of the County.

• Draft and review contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Attend and participate in meetings and executive sessions of the Board of County Commissioners and other citizen boards and commissions as required.

• Advise on legal issues related to land use, zoning, environmental law, public finance, labor relations, employment law, water law and other areas applicable to local government.

• Collaborate with the County Attorney, Deputy County Attorney and other members of the legal team on legal strategies and case management.

• Represent the County in civil litigation, including preparing pleadings, conducting discovery, and presenting cases in federal, state and local courts.

• Prosecute and defend civil and administrative proceedings in which the County is a party.

• May perform functions in the absence of the County Attorney or Deputy County Attorney as assigned.

• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and County information.

• Support the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

• Admission to and a member in good standing with the Colorado Bar or authorized to practice law in Colorado. . 

• 2 or more years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, preferably with a focus on local government, litigation, land use, real estate, or employment law.

• Experience representing public entities preferred.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License

Knowledge Of:

• Professional and technical writing methods and practices

• Project management principles, practices and methods

• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking

• Organizational and community planning

• Administrative principles and practices to include goal setting and program budget development and implementation

Skill In:

• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing

• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations

• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team

• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines

• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

Work is performed in a standard office environment. Attendance may be required at meetings outside of regular office hours and occasional field work in both indoor and outdoor settings may be required.