Known as the Gateway to the Rockies, this All-America City lies on the eastern edge of the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. The city boasts spectacular views of the Front Range spanning from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. More than 404,200 residents choose to call Aurora home, and over 24,000 businesses are licensed in Aurora making it the third largest city in Colorado and the 51st largest in the United States. The city covers 164 square miles and is located within three counties, Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas, with 74 square miles of land inside city limits still undeveloped.
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 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.
Candidates shall have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, at least 10 years progressively responsible municipal law experience, and 3 years of supervisory experience. Prior legal experience in local government working with elected officials, city management, department heads and/or independent boards and commissions is imperative for this role. Candidates must be licensed as an attorney and counselor at law in Colorado by the Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel at time of employment, as well as a member, in good standing, of the Colorado Bar Association. This position is eligible for a flexible/hybrid work schedule, but candidates must reside in proximity to the Greater Aurora/Denver Metro Area.