Staff Attorney - Office Of Public Guardianship

STAFF ATTORNEY
Office of Public Guardianship

This announcement is not governed by the selection process of the Judicial or Colorado State classified personnel systems.

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.

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.

Required Competencies
The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, and a high level of expertise in guardianship, probate, and mental health law. Strong legal research, written advocacy, and courtroom skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain professionalism in high-stress situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed in Colorado and a member in good standing of the Colorado State Bar.
• No history of disciplinary action by any state bar licensing authority.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in probate, guardianship, conservatorship, or mental health law, including fiduciary responsibility and public benefits.
• Experience creating office procedures and policies using ethical considerations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with state guardianship systems, public benefits programs, and mental health service delivery.
• Experience in policy analysis and legislative processes related to guardianship and mental health law.
• Knowledge of public benefits systems and fiduciary duties.
• Strong courtroom and client advocacy skills.

Additional Information:

• Location and Work Hours: This is a full-time position based in Denver, Colorado. Potential hybrid work schedule available. Occasional travel within Colorado and on-call work required.
• Conditions of Employment:
  • This is a non-classified, at-will position.
  • This position is open only to Colorado residents.
  • Candidates must possess a valid CO driver?s license and successfully pass a criminal and personal background check.

Why Join OPG?

At OPG, you'll join a dedicated team making a tangible difference for Colorado?s most vulnerable adults. Every day, your work will directly protect and advocate for individuals who have no one else to turn to. If you thrive in a role with real responsibility and want to use your legal expertise to create lasting impact, OPG is where you can make that happen.

In addition to meaningful work, as a State employee, you would be eligible for:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus PTO and sick leave
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training, and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

Click here for more information on employee benefits.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
OPG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value the unique perspectives and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We actively seek candidates from all identities and communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. OPG is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects Colorado?s communities and values the inclusion of those historically underrepresented.

How to Apply
Applications will only be considered if submitted through OASIA's BambooHR system. Applications will not be accepted through any other state or government website or application process.

Please submit the following:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications.
• R?sum?.
• Legal writing sample.
• Minimum of three (3) professional references.

Application Deadline: Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Important: Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered. Following the close of the posting, all applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted to participate in the interview process.