The Aurora City Attorney’s Office is hiring an attorney with an interest in environmental law, litigation and water law. This position will dive into the vital resources that power Aurora Water working closely with experienced professionals to gain deep, hands-on expertise in one of the most critical and complex fields of law in the West. This position will represent the City of Aurora and its Utility Enterprise, Aurora Water, and appear in Colorado Water Court. The individual will advise Aurora Water on legal matters, including adjudication of water rights. The position will be classified as an Assistant City Attorney. To apply, go to Assistant Attorney-Water and Environmental.  

The Aurora City Attorney’s Office follows a hybrid work structure. Employees have some required days in the office (both scheduled and as needed for case-related tasks), but can otherwise work remotely or from the office, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. Effective the first day of employment, the individuals selected must maintain Colorado residency.

All applications must include a Writing Sample, Resume, and Cover Letter. Applications received without these items will not be reviewed.

Early applications are encouraged; this post may close early as soon as a sufficient pool of qualified candidates have applied.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Serves as counsel and in assisting roles in all aspects of Water Court litigation, including preparation of pleadings; responses and objections; handling water court hearings; taking and defending depositions; securing experts; interviewing witnesses; updating clients; and representing Aurora Water at trial
• Performs legal research and can succinctly draft persuasive pleadings, informative memoranda, and audience-appropriate correspondence
• Advises and consults with Aurora Water staff on legal matters -- determining the nature of legal problems and counseling based on legal expertise and experience
• Acts as legal counsel to Aurora Water, including providing legal advice on water rights, ditch company governance, acquisitions, intergovernmental agreements, legislation, drafting ordinances and resolutions
• Review and provide feedback on proposed legislation that affects Aurora Water and its water rights and service
• Represents Aurora Water in administrative hearings and rulemakings
• Provides legal counsel to various Boards and Commissions
• Performs direct legal service on a variety of matters concerning and/or related to the Charter, Ordinances, or rules and regulations of the City  
• Responds to requests from Aurora Water staff and members of City Council and presents information during City Council Meetings and Executive Sessions
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:  

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

Licenses and Certifications Required:  

• Applicants must be licensed to practice or have the ability to become licensed w/in 6 months by the Colorado Supreme Court and be in good standing

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in law - Required
• Prior experience in litigation, water or environmental law - Preferred
• Prior experience working with Federal, State and local governmental entities and Colorado water law entities including Colorado Division of Water Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado State Land Board, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, municipal water conservancy and conservation districts - Preferred
• Genuine interest to learn Colorado water law and water rights, to include: Prior Appropriation Doctrine, Change of use cases, Exchanges of water, Storage rights, Augmentation Plans, Short term water leases, Substitute Supply Plans Required

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the basic substantive areas of water law and the ability to conduct legal research, and write motions and briefs
• Knowledge of procedural rules Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and local court rules
• Utilizes knowledge and abilities obtained through law school education and prior legal experience to conduct research, draft legal documents, provide sound advice to City staff, and/or participate in litigation
• Knowledge of general office procedures, legal terminology, legal forms, computers including related word processing software applications, legal research and writing 
• Bluebook and other similar legal citation methods 

Skills:  

• Skill in court pleadings practice
• Skill in legal research
• Motivation, ability and perseverance for courtroom/litigation duties
• Teamwork, professionalism, positive attitude
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Skill in the use of windows-based programs
• Skilled in the use of Westlaw legal research platform
• Strong customer service skills

Abilities:  

• Ability to litigate cases
• Demonstrated knowledge of human behavior, and ability to effectively counsel, train, interview, and imbue others with an opinion or understanding of a concept
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Creatively solve problems, negotiate, and handle stressful situations in a positive manner

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Essential Personnel: 

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the city, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary physical work that involves moving no more than 10 pounds at a time
• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate office equipment
• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
• Clear vision to read, recording, and interpret information
• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking, and standing
• Occasional pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment; in an office or courtroom
• The City Attorney’s Office currently follows a hybrid work structure where employees have some required days in the office (both scheduled and as needed for case related tasks), but otherwise can work remotely or from the office, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences. This structure is subject to change, depending on the direction from City Council.
• The City Attorney’s office is a collegial work environment that is committed to providing excellent legal services to its clients, and supporting their efforts to better serve the citizens of the City of Aurora

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computers and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, and menu driven databases.
• This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.