Job Description
Department Information
About the Colorado Office of Public Guardianship (OPG):
The Colorado Office of Public Guardianship (OPG) provides guardianship services to eligible indigent and incapacitated adult individuals who have no responsible family members or friends who are available and appropriate to serve as guardian; lack adequate resources to compensate a private guardian and pay the costs associated with an appointment proceeding; and are not subject to a petition for appointment of guardian filed by a county adult protective services unit or otherwise authorized by C.R.S. ? 26-3.1-104. The OPG is mandated to be statewide by December 31, 2030.
Our Values:
At OPG, our work is guided by the following principles:
- Autonomy for adults: Guardianship should respect the concerns and decisions of adults, and where possible, assist adults to regain or develop their capacities.
- Availability of guardianship: The OPG should meet the need for guardianship for adults who have no other options to ensure all adults have their needs met.
- Accountability for services: The OPG should track services provided to allocate resources effectively and meet guardianship needs.
Description of Job
About the Role:
The COPG is accepting applications for a Staff Attorney. This position is responsible for providing legal consultation, analysis, and representation in matters related to OPG clients post-appointment, including guardianship, financial matters, and other legal needs. The Staff Attorney works closely with the Director, Deputy Director, guardians, case management aide, staff assistant, and other team members, offering guidance on fiduciary responsibility, accounting, public benefits, probate claims, criminal matters, housing issues, mental health interventions, and litigation.
This position involves substantial courtroom work as part of administering guardianships, as well as advocacy with medical, social work, and legal professionals. The Staff Attorney plays a vital role in ensuring that guardianship services are carried out lawfully, ethically, and in alignment with OPG?s mission. Hybrid work options and virtual court appearances may be available. This position also requires participation in a shared weekly and weekend on-call rotation.
Key Responsibility Summary:
The Staff Attorney provides legal expertise and advocacy to support the administration of guardianships for COPG clients. This includes:
- Representing COPG clients in court and administrative proceedings.
- Advising staff on complex guardianship, probate, and mental health law issues.
- Preparing and filing pleadings on behalf of COPG clients.
- Advocating for client needs with courts, medical providers, social workers, and other professionals.
- Guiding COPG staff on fiduciary responsibilities, benefits, and legal processes.
- Participating in on-call coverage as part of a rotating schedule.
Reports to:
Executive Director of the Office of Public Guardianship
Job Responsibilities
Client Representation & Legal Advocacy
- Serve as counsel for COPG clients in guardianship, probate, benefits, mental health, and fiduciary matters.
- Represent clients in court and administrative hearings to obtain and maintain benefits or address other legal issues.
- Prepare, file, and present pleadings and petitions related to probate, asset recovery, fiduciary liability, and guardianship modifications.
Advisory & Support to COPG Staff
- Provide legal guidance to guardians, the Director, Deputy Director, and other staff on fiduciary duties, medical consent, ethics, and decision-making.
- Support on-call guardians during nights and weekends in managing critical incidents.
- Develop and deliver staff training on guardianship, mental health law, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Case & Asset Management
- Investigate liability of former fiduciaries and coordinate estate administration.
- Work with conservators and public administrators to ensure compliance with fiduciary duties.
- Handle criminal intervention matters, housing issues, and other legal needs of COPG clients.
Policy & Legislative Input
- Analyze proposed legislation and legal issues affecting COPG operations.
- Provide recommendations to the Director and legislative liaison.
