Jobs & Opportunities

Our caseload is such that just the work of depositions is a focus of pro bono attorneys. Unlike MCTAP, this assignment allows young and emerging legal professionals to gain experience preparing and conducting pre-trial depositions.

This depth of focus on an important facet of pre-trial litigation work strengthens young attorneys’ client services skills and confidence to interact with opposing counsel. This role provides exposure to a wide spectrum of cases, from individual damages actions to class action to multi-party litigation. Scheduling of depositions is more flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of the attorneys participating.

Welcome to the City Attorney's Office Fellowship Program! We're thrilled to offer recent law school graduates an unparalleled opportunity to kickstart their legal careers through our one-year Legal Fellowship positions. In collaboration with the University of Colorado Law School, and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, our office has crafted a dynamic partnership aimed at fostering legal talent and enriching our community.

Apply now: Attorney Fellowship - Denver's City Attorney's Office (application deadline: February 21, 2026)

Applicants must be an anticipated graduate of the University of Colorado Law or University of Denver Law, Class of 2026.

As a Legal Fellow, you'll dive headfirst into the exciting world of municipal law, gaining hands-on experience as a full-time attorney. From appearing in court to taking depositions, drafting legal documents, and providing invaluable client counsel, our Fellows play an integral role in our legal team's endeavors. 

If you're eager to embark on a transformative journey that blends academic rigor with real-world application, we encourage you to connect with your Career Services Department for further details on how to apply. Join us at the forefront of legal innovation and make your mark on the future of our city!

Civil Litigation

• The Civil Litigation Section represents the City and County of Denver, its officials, employees, departments, and agencies in lawsuits filed in Colorado state and federal courts. This includes defending civil rights, personal injury, and property damage claims. The Section works across all aspects of City operations—from infrastructure and public safety to arts, parks, and public health. In addition to managing a significant caseload, the team provides pre-litigation and risk management advice, drafts and reviews policies, and delivers training to reduce liability. Fellows actively participate in cases at all stages of litigation. Tasks may include client meetings, drafting pleadings and motions, attending court appearances, participating in settlement conferences, preparing witnesses, and conducting direct or cross-examination during hearings or trials in small claims or Denver County Court.

Denver International Airport – Legal

• DEN Legal serves as in-house counsel for Denver International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports. The team handles a wide range of legal matters, including landlord/tenant issues with concessionaires, FAA compliance, land use, construction and professional services agreements, airline contracts, technology agreements, cybersecurity, and accident response. While much of the work is transactional, Fellows may also gain exposure to litigation. Fellows conduct legal research, draft memos, assist with contract drafting, and attend client meetings. Opportunities may include observing depositions, hearings, and mediations. This is an excellent placement for those interested in in-house counsel roles.

Employment & Labor Law

• The Employment & Labor Law Section defends the City in employment-related litigation in state and federal courts, including claims of discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, and more. The team also handles administrative appeals, workers’ compensation claims, collective bargaining negotiations, and provides employment law advice and training to City managers and supervisors. Fellows observe a variety of legal proceedings and complete substantive work such as legal research and drafting motions under attorney guidance.

Human Services Legal Services (HSLS)

• The Human Services Legal Services Section supports the Denver Department of Human Services (DHS), which provides assistance, prevention, and protection programs for over one-third of Denver residents. DHS administers programs such as TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, child welfare, adult protection, and child support enforcement, while also managing City initiatives like Denver’s Road Home. Fellows assist with legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, and preparing for hearings. They may also observe court proceedings and work on matters involving child protection, adult protection, and public benefits law.

Municipal Operations

• The Municipal Operations Section provides legal services related to land use, zoning, real estate, parks, public works, taxation, contracts, construction, environmental law, and general municipal law. The team also handles commercial litigation, condemnations, administrative hearings, and Rule 106 appeals. Municipal Operations advises City Council, the Auditor, the City Clerk, the Mayor’s Office, and most City departments. Fellows assist with legal research, draft memoranda, motions, and contracts, and attend court hearings, administrative proceedings, and City Council meetings.

Prosecution and Code Enforcement (PACE)

• PACE offers exposure to the criminal justice system and municipal law. The team prosecutes violations of municipal ordinances and certain state misdemeanors, including traffic offenses and domestic violence cases. Fellows may also work on nuisance abatement cases involving properties or vehicles used in crimes, and administrative law matters related to excise, licensing, and marijuana regulation. Fellows may appear in court, gain trial experience, conduct legal research, and draft documents. Opportunities include observing hearings, depositions, and administrative proceedings.

Floating Fellow position

• The Floating Fellow rotates across few divisions of the Denver City Attorney’s Office. This position offers broad exposure to CAO’s operations.

Welcome to the City Attorney's Office Internship and Externship Program! Designed to empower the next generation of legal minds, our program offers law students an immersive experience in the dynamic realm of municipal law.

Our internship application is currently open on the University of Colorado and University of Denver job boards, with a deadline of February 13, 2026. Apply today!

Our internship program is open to 1L and 2L law students. Internship positions are unpaid and do not receive benefits. Interns may pursue school credit through externships, if applicable. Interns can work up to 39 hours per week as on-call employees. Externship participants must meet the required hours to receive academic credit.

Our robust internship program provides a platform for students to dive into substantive legal work, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world context. Typically undertaken during the summer months, these internships offer a unique opportunity for budding legal professionals to challenge themselves and grow their skill set.

For student externs seeking to earn law school credit, our program offers an enriching experience during the academic year. Under the guidance of our experienced attorneys, law students can expect to gain invaluable courtroom experience, honing their skills under the Student Practices Act.

Ready to embark on a journey that blends theory with practice? Connect with your Career Services Department to explore the possibilities and take the first step towards a rewarding legal career with the City Attorney's Office. Join us as we shape the future of municipal law together!

We have opportunities across multiple sections:

Civil Litigation:

Defend the City and its employees in cases involving torts and civil rights. Interns actively participate in state and federal litigation, including:

• Drafting pleadings and motions
• Attending court appearances, depositions, and settlement conferences
• Assisting in preparing witnesses for direct and cross-examination during hearings and trials

Denver International Airport – Legal:

Join the legal team behind one of the nation’s busiest airports. Interns assist with:

• Legal research and memo writing
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Client meetings and exposure to FAA compliance, land use, and construction law
• While primarily transactional, interns may also observe litigation, depositions, and mediations. This is ideal for those interested in in-house counsel roles.

Municipal Operations:

Work on matters involving land use, zoning, real estate, taxation, contracts, environmental law, and more. Interns will:

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda
• Prepare motions, contracts, and other documents
• Attend court hearings, administrative proceedings, and City Council meetings

Prosecution and Code Enforcement (PACE):

PACE is a diverse team of attorneys, paralegals, and victim advocates working on a wide range of impactful legal matters. Interns may:

• Observe court proceedings and learn courtroom processes
• Conduct legal research on municipal code, licensing, and regulatory issues
• Draft memoranda and assist with policy-related projects
• Support attorneys with case preparation and review discovery
• Participate in team meetings and learn how prosecution intersects with community initiatives

We are fortunate to have the ongoing involvement of some of Denver’s top law firms, which occasionally take on our trial cases in addition to their regular obligations. In fulfillment of their pro bono requirements, the firms dedicate a portion of their attorneys’ time to our ongoing trial needs, and the value to us is profound. Their support of our work demonstrates their pride in this livable, vibrant community and their commitment to maintaining a strong municipal legal system.

Denver law firms partner with us to give their junior associates trial experience through the Municipal Court Trial Advocacy Program (MCTAP). Firms provide an attorney to our Prosecution and Code Enforcement section for approximately eight weeks to grow in voir dire, trial technique, and the application of the rules of evidence.

This is an intensive assignment where these associates work directly with our team handling cases from inception to disposition. Direct, hands-on participation includes depositions, motion practice, court conferences, settlement negotiations, and, ultimately, trials. Cases can range from premises liability and motor vehicle accidents to wrongful incarceration, false arrest, and malicious prosecution.