Chief Deputy City Attorney

The Chief Deputy City Attorney serves as the City Attorney’s right-hand person and the operational leader of the City Attorney’s Office - Civil Division. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management, strategic direction, and operational excellence, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality legal services to the City leadership and departments. 

Acting as the City Attorney’s right hand, the Chief Deputy City Attorney oversees attorney and administrative staff, manages performance and discipline, leads cultural and operational change initiatives, and ensures collaboration across legal practice areas. The role also serves as a primary backup to the City Attorney, including representing the office at City Council meetings and engaging directly with City Council when the City Attorney is unavailable. The Chief Deputy City Attorney will oversee the Civil Division, which is comprised of 34 FTEs and an FY26 operating budget of $6,417,761

The position has direct oversight of the City’s in-house litigation team, consisting of eight litigators who handle approximately 90% of all City lawsuits internally. The Chief Deputy City Attorney plays a critical role in risk evaluation, litigation strategy, and high-profile or sensitive legal matters.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Act as a Leader of Change by proactively supporting and implementing the culture change strategy within their team 

• Continuously challenge the status quo of how to conduct business with clients and - together with their team- develop solutions to improve productivity and client satisfaction 

• Lead and develop direct reports by providing regular coaching and feedback on performance and work product (i.e., ordinances, resolutions, contracts and legal opinions), as well as regular training and developmental learning opportunities 

• Set clear objectives and action plans for and with direct reports 

• Establish accountability through regular performance review meetings 

• Address employee performance deficiencies with high sense of urgency in order to drive results 

• Implement disciplinary actions as needed 

• Foster teamwork through regular team meetings, sharing best practices, peer coaching and solving legal issues affecting the team's clients 

• Keep City Attorney informed and involved as needed on critical legal issues and decisions affecting the City 

• Perform duties as an Assistant City Attorney by providing legal services and advice to members of the Client Group(s) as assigned; this may include litigation, preparation of legal documents and opinions, general advice and review of client policies 

• Supervision of 25 or more attorneys and administrative staff 

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the City Attorney on legal, operational, and policy matters and posses the ability to fulfill the role and responsibilities of supervision and interaction with the City Council when the City Attorney is unavailable 

• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of department policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure legal compliance and professional excellence 

• Review and assign complex legal matters, ensuring equitable distribution of work and alignment with attorney expertise and departmental priorities 

• Lead and mentor supervising attorneys and administrative supervisors to develop leadership capacity and promote a culture of accountability, inclusion, and professional development 

• Evaluate risk and provide strategic legal counsel on high-profile or sensitive matters, including litigation, contracts, ordinances, and personnel decisions 

• Performs other related duties as assigned 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of 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  

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

Education:   

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Must be licensed as an attorney and counselor at law in Colorado by the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. 

Experience:   

• Ten (10) years' experience in the active practice of law required with up-to-date legal knowledge, preferred. 

Licenses and Certifications Required:   

• Must be a member, in good standing, of the Colorado Bar Association 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Minimum of three (3) years of people management or mentoring experience, preferred 

Knowledge: 

• Advanced principles of municipal, civil, administrative, and constitutional law as they pertain to local government operations 

• Public sector management, including personnel law, labor relations, and strategic planning 

• Ethical standards and professional responsibilities applicable to public attorneys and legal staff 

• Budget development, departmental operations, and performance management in a public law office 

• Thorough knowledge of the Colorado Revised Statutes, as pertinent to city government, Rules of Evidence, the Aurora Municipal Code, local court rules and Colorado Municipal Court Rules of Procedure 

• Utilizes knowledges and abilities obtained through law school education and municipal, governmental or private experience to conduct research, provide legal counsel to City staff, draft legal documents and lead and/or participate in litigation and prosecute cases.  

• Utilizes knowledge of municipal procedures, organizational frameworks, administrative policies, trial procedure, etc., to carry out assigned duties. 

Skills:   

• Substantial skill in pleadings practice 

• Providing clear, strategic, and legally sound advice under pressure 

• Leading complex legal teams through high-stakes or sensitive matters and motivating perseverance for daily courtroom/litigation duties 

• Interpreting and applying complex legal and policy frameworks to real-world government operations 

• Developing strong working relationships across diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, department directors, and community partners 

• Strong interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, mediation, and fostering collaboration within a multidisciplinary team 

• Strong Leadership capabilities to build, manage and mentor effective teams, including sound judgement 

• Collaborative, supportive, non-political with the ability to effectively build relationships and manage conflict 

• Up-to-date legal knowledge, excellent problem solving, negotiating and communication skills 

Abilities:   

• Ability to effectively prosecute violators of municipal ordinances 

• Exercise sound legal and managerial judgment in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments 

• Interview, supervise, coach, train, and develop attorneys and support staff with varying experience levels 

• Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and independence while representing the City’s interests 

• Translate legal principles into practical guidance for policymakers and operational staff 

• Promote equity, transparency, and continuous improvement in public service delivery 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with City employees, officials and the general public 

• Integrity, alignment with CAO vision and goal, “does what it takes" to get the job done, learning agility 

• Accountability for own performance and consistently delivering strong results; strong focus on client needs and approachability 

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 requiring the ability to lift a maximum of 10 pounds  

• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing 

• Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate office equipment 

• Vision for reading, recording, and interpreting information 

• Frequent speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens. 

Work Environment: 

• Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment in an office or courtroom. 

Equipment Used: 

• Frequently uses computer keyboard and standard office equipment 

• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.