Department Information
Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!
The Special Prosecutions is seeking a Paralegal to join their team. This is a new opportunity for a paralegal looking to expand their legal knowledge and experience by assisting prosecutions with investigations of complex criminal offenses. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to be mentored by a Senior Paralegal on the team as well as other attorneys. This position will assist in a variety of cases and will assist in everything from case initiation through prosecution.
The DOL Is Currently Offering a Sign-on Bonus For New Paralegal Hires Of $1,000. Sign-On Bonuses Will Be Paid Based On The Following Timeline
$500.00 – Time of hire
$500.00 – 12 months after hire
- Only new employees to the State Personnel System may qualify.
Who We Are
The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.
Visit our website to learn more: https://coag.gov/ .
Description Of Job
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
This work unit existsto conduct criminal investigations and prosecute diverse criminal offenses, such as auto theft, drug-related crimes and narcotics trafficking, election crimes, environmental crimes, homicides, human trafficking, identity theft, organized retail crime, public corruption related offenses, and state tax fraud, as well as violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA). This unit also works with federal and international authorities to investigate violent crimes, and apprehended fugitives, detainees, and victims/witnesses needed for trial. This unit receives multiple referrals and evaluates them to determine if they warrant further investigation and criminal prosecution in state court. Often, the unit acts as the lead investigative agency gathering information from partnering law enforcement and regulatory agencies not limited to numerous local, state and federal agencies within the State of Colorado. This unit also receives completed or ongoing investigations from other law enforcement agencies for subsequent prosecution. This unit provides training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies within the State of Colorado and as requested, the Special Prosecutions staff will provide advanced training at a national level on certain topics.
What You Will Do
This position provides coordinated technical and legal assistance to prosecutors during the investigation and prosecution of complex criminal offenses. Responsibilities include the creation of PowerPoint presentations before grand and petit juries, discovery and document management and control, database management, tracking of restitution, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings in conjunction with attorneys, communicating and coordinating with witnesses on behalf of the prosecutors, and managing witnesses and exhibits at trial. This position will work in conjunction with the unit’s senior paralegal.
This recruitment may be used to fill other Paralegal positions in the Criminal Justice section.
Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a dynamic individual who thrives in fast paced, fun, collaborative environments and is not afraid to own projects and look for new ways to add value their team and clients.
Minimum Qualifications: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated.
This Position Requires
Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution.
OR
Two years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources.
Please document all relevant experience in detail in the work experience section of your application. It is in your best interest to be descriptive about your qualifications.
Necessary Competencies: Requires proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, the preferred applicant will demonstrate some or all of the qualifications below:
- Professional experience, preferably in a legal setting
- Familiarity with Criminal Justice Systems, such as ACTION
- State judicial experience
- Strong written communication skills
- Ability to work independently as well as with team members
Conditions of Employment:
- Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
- Both in-person and remote work will be required. More flexibility may be offered after a successful training period.
- Position will be required to travel, which could include overnight travel to assist in trials. Anticipated to travel approximately 10%.
Note: Candidates possessing a foreign degree must submit a translation (evaluation) of their degree from an accredited institution, such as The National Association of Credential Evaluations Services in order to be given credit for the degree.
How To Apply
Required Application Materials:
- A completed State of Colorado Application: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be considered.
- Resume: A detailed resume outlining your background skills and experiences including previously held positions and academic background. Any information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, etc. and how you meet any of the listed preferred qualifications is highly encouraged. Your resume will be reviewed as part of the comparative analysis process.
- Cover Letter: A brief cover letter detailing your interest in the position, relevant experience and any additional information you'd like to share as it relates to your interest in the position.
Veteran’s Preference: In order to be considered for veteran’s preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.
Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Daisy Zepeda at daisy.zepeda@coag.gov .
Assessment Information
Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.
- Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
- Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned.
- Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.
It is imperative that the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures , Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes , at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
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 Employees
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 employees grow and succeed.
We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensive 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 month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:
- Medical and dental health plans
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness – The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a repayment plan while working full-time for a qualified employer.
- Free access to an on-site fitness center
- Strong, flexible retirement benefits including 401K and 457 plans
- Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
- Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The 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 to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher, at hr@coag.gov .