Associate Attorney Local Government Counsel

A law firm seeks a seasoned attorney to join its Local Government Practice, primarily advising school and special districts. This position is based in the Denver, Colorado metro area and involves close collaboration with public sector clients to address their legal needs.

Duties

• Provide comprehensive legal support to school and special district clients, including day-to-day advisory services

• Draft and review governance documents, board policies, resolutions, and intergovernmental agreements

• Counsel clients on regulatory compliance, open meetings laws, public records requests, and employment matters unique to public entities

• Attend board and committee meetings—often in the evenings—to offer real-time legal guidance

• Lead and manage transactional work, such as drafting contracts for vendors, service providers, and construction projects

• Oversee litigation strategy, coordinate with outside counsel on disputes, and represent clients in administrative proceedings or hearings

• Conduct research and prepare memoranda on statutory, case law, and regulatory developments affecting local government operations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with school and district administrators, board members, and community stakeholders

Requirements

• Minimum of six years of experience practicing in a public sector or related environment, preferably as school district counsel or similar

• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse caseload independently, from initial intake through resolution

• Comfort working evenings when attending board or committee meetings is required

• Proven track record of cultivating positive client relationships and engaging with community partners

• Willingness to reside in—or relocate to—the greater Denver metropolitan area

Education

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

Certifications

• Admission to the Colorado State Bar (or eligibility to obtain admission upon hire)

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities to interact with elected officials, administrators, and community groups

• Strong drafting and analytical skills for ordinances, policies, contracts, and board packets

• Solid research skills to stay abreast of developments in public sector law, education funding, and municipal regulations

• Ability to negotiate on behalf of public entities with vendors, contractors, and opposing parties

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to mentor or be mentored by colleagues in a team setting

Benefits

• Generous 401(k) match (up to 12.5% of compensation)

• Choice of medical, dental, and vision plans with employer-paid premiums for employee (and optional dependent) coverage

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for wellness support

• Paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child

• Eight paid holidays annually

• Monthly professional development stipend covering CLE, technology, and business development

• Disability and life insurance coverage

• Business casual dress code year-round

The firm has been practicing for over four and a half decades, and serves the greater Denver area and Northern Colorado. Practice areas include Personal Injury, Water Law, Real Estate, Land Use and Zoning, Special Districts, Local Government, Liquor Licensing, Estate Planning & Probate, Family Law and Litigation. Their attorneys understand the financial and business pressures that you face, and focus on creating strategies and solutions to resolve your case or transaction quickly and efficiently.