Assistant Attorney General - False Claims Unit

This position in the False Claims Unit presents a truly unique opportunity to shape the future of the law and build Colorado’s defenses against corporate taxpayer fraud. This Unit is charged with the implementation of the new Colorado False Claims Act, which supports civil enforcement and financial recovery through both independent investigations and management of whistleblower (qui tam) litigation. The False Claims Act encompasses all varieties of government spending and collections, ranging from educational grants to mineral royalties. The False Claims Unit uses this widespread authority, as well as investigative tools, like civil investigative demands, subpoenas, and depositions, to uncover and address corporate fraud against the State. The Unit works closely with the state agency counsel, city attorneys, and Plaintiffs’ bar to promote the False Claims Act as a fraud deterrent and effective method of financial recovery.

This position will exercise their knowledge and discretion to enforce this new law in a manner that will set constructive legal precedent and preserve the integrity of the State. This position will require an experienced litigator 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:

• Advise agency counsel regarding the False Claims Act (FCA) throughout the Department of Law, as well as  municipal entities and their counsel.
• Independently manage a caseload of investigations and active litigation in state and federal court.
• Work with investigators in the Department of Law and other state agencies to evaluate complaints and claims.
• Draft civil investigative demands, issue subpoenas, and otherwise pursue the lawful collection of evidence to determine the validity and likelihood of proving claims.
• Make timely determinations of whether to intervene, or file motions to dismiss, in private cases 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.
• Evaluate and make recommendations on the rule making authority granted to the Attorney General pursuant to the FCA.
• 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.

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.

Candidates demonstrating expertise in false claims laws and practice at the time of application may be considered for appointment as a Senior Assistant Attorney General (AAG). In order to be appointed as Senior AAG, candidates must demonstrate a minimum of ten years of experience with federal or other state’s False Claims Act and/or knowledge of the Colorado False Claims Act. Salary range for Senior AAG is $109,498-$146,454 annually, commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications.  

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. 

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

• 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.