Colorado Judicial Branch · 18 hours ago
Courtesy Posting: Trial Assistant, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel
Denver, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$106K/yr - $129K/yr
5+ years expThe Colorado Judicial Branch is seeking a Trial Assistant for the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, responsible for investigating complaints against attorneys and representing the state in formal disciplinary proceedings. The role involves gathering evidence, interviewing involved parties, and preparing legal documents related to attorney conduct.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Investigate complaints alleging unethical conduct filed against Colorado attorneys and Colorado Magistrates and represent the People of the State of Colorado in formal attorney discipline proceedings, disability proceedings, reinstatement and readmission proceedings, immediate suspension proceedings, contempt proceedings, and appellate proceedings
Investigate Client Protection Fund claims and report investigative findings to the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Attorneys’ Fund for Client Protection
Represent the People of the State of Colorado in unauthorized practice of law investigations and proceedings
Represent the Colorado State Board of Law Examiners in contested applications for the Colorado Bar
Develop and present educational programs for lawyers and the public regarding the office and the ethical issues that confront lawyers and judges
Investigate complaints against attorneys by gathering, organizing, and analyzing facts, exhibits, legal precedent and standards
Identify any possible violations of the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct
Interview the complaining witness about concerns raised by the request for investigation and explain the procedures in handling the particular matter
Request any documents necessary to provide an understanding of the underlying circumstances and allegations of misconduct
Oversee the collection of evidence such as relevant pleadings and court records; client documents, including correspondence with the attorney, fee agreements, receipts, and documents provided to attorney; and financial records
Interview the attorney. If appropriate, request additional documentation
Oversee the collection of relevant documents, the attorney-client file, billing statements, bank records and other materials
Conduct follow-up interviews
Interview third parties necessary to understand the underlying circumstances, the allegations of misconduct and the attorney’s response
Oversee the collection of documents from other sources, such as court records, registers of action and subsequent counsel
Issue subpoenas as necessary
Make determinations on how to proceed with the request for investigation
Make appropriate recommendations regarding disposition of initial allegations of unethical conduct, based on sound judgment, legal experience, standards and guidelines
Resolve the request for investigation through dismissal and alternatives to discipline, including a trial diversion agreement, referrals to mediation, fee arbitration, cautionary dismissal, dismissal with educational language, or dismissal with ethics school or trust account school or other programs
Prepare memoranda of dismissal to Regulation Counsel and letters of dismissal
If resolved by a trial diversion, determine appropriate terms and conditions of the diversion agreement, draft the diversion agreement, and monitor compliance with the diversion agreement
Prepare and submit trial diversion agreements for approval by the Legal Regulation Committee of the Supreme Court of Colorado (LRC)
Resolve the request for investigation by preparing and submitting written reports of investigation to the Legal Regulation Committee requesting the issuance of a private admonition or authority to initiate formal proceedings
Initiate and prosecute formal disciplinary proceedings
Prepare formal complaints, immediate suspension and disability petitions, and all other required pleadings
Conduct civil discovery including, but not limited to, the preparation of interrogatories, requests for admissions, requests for production of documents, and depositions
Engage in motions practice under the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure
Conduct contested disciplinary hearings before the Presiding Disciplinary Judge and disciplinary hearing boards
Prepare briefs and make oral arguments in appellate cases
Attend meetings and training as required
Keep accurate and updated notes in OARC’s case management system
Prepare and attend weekly intra-office meetings regarding the status of cases, including terms for diversions, other alternatives to discipline, and appropriate levels of discipline
Confer with other trial attorneys and intake attorneys
Meet with and direct investigators on various assignments
Meet with Attorney Regulation Counsel, Chief Deputy Regulation Counsel and Deputy Regulation Counsel on the status of cases and provide necessary information concerning appeals of dismissal by Regulation Counsel
Input data into OARC’s case management program in a timely and accurate manner to aid the office in running reports, spreadsheets, and other materials requiring up-to-date statistical data
Assist in the training and supervision of investigators and trial support staff
Work cooperatively with support staff, professional staff, and a diverse range of individuals
Investigate Client Protection Fund claims and report investigative findings to the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Attorneys’ Fund for Client Protection
Represent the Colorado State Board of Law Examiners in contested applicant proceedings. Representation includes conducting additional investigation and discovery, preparation of appropriate briefs and other documents, and participation in contested hearings and appellate proceedings
Investigate complaints involving non-lawyers engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. Investigation includes gathering, organizing, and analyzing facts, exhibits, and legal precedent. Prepare and submit written reports of investigation to the Legal Regulation Committee of the Supreme Court of the State of Colorado
Represent the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel by speaking at and participating in various CLE programs, law schools, bar associations, committees, programs, and other local and national professional organizations
Qualification
Required
Law degree and admission to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in Colorado
Five years of actual experience practicing law
Three years of actual litigation experience, including participation as lead counsel or 'second-chair' in trials or contested hearings
Participation in depositions, motions practice, pretrial hearings, and settlement negotiations
A familiarity with the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct and the application of the Rules to everyday practice of law issues
A strong understanding of law office management issues
A familiarity with the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure
Company
Colorado Judicial Branch
The Colorado Judicial Branch works to provide equal access to justice, contribute to public safety, and strengthen the rule of law across Colorado.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Michael Pisney
Chief Probation Officer
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