Sr. Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

Sr. Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

Overtime Exempt: Y

The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office is seeking anexperienced and highly skilled Senior Deputy District Attorney – Appeals toserve as an appellate advocate and subject‑matter expert on high‑level legalissues affecting the District. This senior role is central to shaping criminaljurisprudence in Colorado and ensuring the fair and consistent administrationof justice throughout Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties. You will litigate complex matters before the Colorado Supreme Court, the Colorado Court of Appeals, and District Courts within the 23rdJudicial District. In addition, this position oversees several specializedlegal areas critical to the Office’s operations, including CCJRA/CORA issues, civil forfeiture, sealings, and civil litigation. This position is ideal for an attorney who thrives onsophisticated legal analysis, constitutional interpretation, mentoring trialdeputies, and handling impactful appellate and civil matters.

Represent the People of the State of Colorado inthe Colorado Supreme Court in certiorari matters, original proceedingsunder C.A.R. 21, and interlocutory appeals under C.A.R. 4.1. Prosecute state‑initiated appeals and cross‑appealsin the Colorado Court of Appeals involving pretrial, trial, and sentencingissues under C.A.R. 4 and 4.1. Handle defense‑initiated misdemeanor appeals andstate‑initiated suppression appeals in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln County District Courts under Crim. P. 37 and 37.1. Specialized Legal Areas Advise on Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act(CCJRA) and Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) matters, includinglitigation, compliance, and policy development. Oversee and litigate civil forfeiture cases, ensuring statutory compliance and ethical enforcement. Manage record sealing determinations and relatedmotions, providing guidance on statutory interpretation and proceduralrequirements. Handle or coordinate civil litigation involvingthe District Attorney’s Office, including constitutional claims, subpoenas, writs, and other civil matters impacting operations. Legal Research & Writing Conduct extensive research on complex andemerging criminal and constitutional issues. Draft appellate briefs, motions, legal memoranda, and respond to postconviction filings. Present oral arguments before appellate courts. Prepare responses and litigate postconviction matters, including Crim. P. 35(c) claims, clemency and pardon requests, and Forensic Science Integrity Act filings. Support for Trial Deputies Provide legal guidance on motions, evidentiarymatters, trial strategy, and post‑conviction issues. Offer support in significant cases involvingcomplex legal, instructional, or constitutional questions. Policy, Strategy & Training Develop legal strategies involving evolvingconstitutional, statutory, and procedural issues. Assist with drafting proposed legislation andamendments to the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure. Serve as a legal expert and training resource forprosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and partner agencies.

Minimum of 5 years of appellate experience orsubstantially related criminal litigation experience. Extensive knowledge of criminal law, appellaterules, the rules of criminal procedure, and the rules of evidence. Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills withthe ability to present complex legal issues clearly and persuasively. Capacity to fairly balance the interests ofvictims, the community, and defendants. Strong critical‑thinking skills and rapid, well‑reasonedcourtroom and legal analysis. Ability to collaborate effectively withcolleagues, judges, defense counsel, law enforcement partners, and thepublic. Demonstrated commitment to integrity, professionalism, and the mission of the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’sOffice. Thisposition requires successful completion of a criminal background checkincluding fingerprinting through a national database. Mustpossess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodicallythroughout employment. Core

Strong ethical judgment and legal acumen Excellent oral and written advocacy Organizational and case management skills Commitment to victim-centered, justice-driven prosecution Work Environment Office and courtroom settings, with some travel for investigations, training, and community engagement. Frequent exposure to sensitive and graphic content related to criminal prosecution.