The OADC is the legislatively created state agency responsible for providing client services and legal representation for indigent individuals (adults and youth) when the state has charged them with a criminal or delinquent act, and the state public defender’s office has a conflict of interest. Our fundamental belief is that good holistic legal defense teams produce good results for our clients.
The PCU provides direct representation to indigent criminal clients pursuing claims under Crim. P. Rule 35(c) and 35(a), where the OSPD has declared a conflict of interest. The unit operates independently within the agency structure.
PCU Staff Attorneys work on interdisciplinary teams representing clients across Colorado in postconviction matters. Essential job functions will include:
• Reviewing extensive trial and appellate records to identify avenues for additional investigation, constitutional violations, and ineffective representation;
• Leading an interdisciplinary team investigation regarding any fact and mitigation patterns that were previously missed or underdeveloped (which may include investigating the facts of the underlying offenses, the circumstances of the trial and
sentencing proceedings, the client’s personal and family history, and any other relevant cultural and sociological factors impacting the client);
• Working with team members to identify, vet, and collaborate with experts in relevant fields, including forensics, mental health, trauma, legal standards of practice, and other specialized areas of expertise needed to assess both old and
new avenues of argument in support of client’s case;
• Conducting and participating in case reviews and team meetings to ensure comprehensive legal representation;
• Researching and writing substantive pleadings, petitions, and briefs based on state and federal case law; and
• Litigating those claims in evidentiary hearings.
This position is hybrid, with occasional on-site requirements at the Denver office as needed.
Our ideal candidate is passionate about team-oriented, holistic indigent defense and zealous in their commitment to providing excellent postconviction representation to our clients.
There is a preference for those who have:
• A Colorado law license or eligibility for admission to the Colorado State Bar through comity or bar examination;
• At least two years of experience in criminal defense, appellate, or postconviction work;
• Exceptional writing skills with a demonstrated ability to craft clear, compelling, and well-organized arguments;
• Strong analytical abilities, attention to factual and legal detail, and legal research skills;
• Competency in identifying issues during each stage of the prior proceedings, including trial, appellate, and postconviction proceedings;
• Effective and persuasive communication skills – both written and verbal;
• Ability to develop a robust, cohesive defense strategy with an interdisciplinary team (including social workers, investigators, paralegals, and experts) and foster collaboration through constructive communication, mutual respect, and
appreciation for team members’ different skills and expertise;
• Capacity to work independently and manage time effectively with or with court deadlines;
• Ability to develop trust and rapport with clients from a variety of different backgrounds, utilizing client-centered best practices in their defense; and
• Resilience and commitment to representing clients, convicted of serious felonies, through extended, challenging legal proceedings.
It is also helpful, but not necessary, to possess subject matter knowledge and expertise in:
• Ineffective assistance of counsel claims;
• DNA, other forensic evidence, and junk science frequently relied upon by the State;
• Developing investigative plans, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining records;
• Complex multi-year litigation criminal cases; and
• The importance of cohesive, in-depth mitigation.
In the online application, you must provide a resume, a cover letter, an original writing sample, and answer several questions. You may also upload two letters of recommendation. Please complete the online application at the link below by 11:59 pm on June 09, 2025. https://fs2.formsite.com/OADC/kfkan8uwmh/index
Once you submit your application, you will receive an automatic email from Formsite. Please add [email protected] as a safe sender. If you cannot find this email, please look in your spam/junk folder. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications will not be accepted. Please direct any additional inquiries or questions to [email protected].
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