Defense Attorney (Finance)

POSITION TITLE: Defense Attorney (Hourly)
REQUISITION #: req8155
DEPARTMENT: Municipal Cour
LOCATION: 215 OFFICE BLDG
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly
HOURLY RATE: $100.00 - 100.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)
SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 7/28/2025.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check required. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job Summary
The City's indigent defense program is committed to upholding the constitutional right to counsel through high-quality, ethical, client-centered, and culturally responsive legal representation.
Serve as appointed defense counsel for qualifying indigent defendants in Municipal Court.
Provide legal representation in all phases of the case, including advising clients, engaging in plea negotiations, preparing for trial, and advocating during court proceedings. Responsibilities include reviewing discovery, drafting legal documents, communicating effectively with clients, and ensuring high-quality, ethical, and client-centered defense services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Conducts legal research, reviews discovery, interprets laws, rulings and regulations, and drafts legal motions and responses.
• Communicates directly and effectively with clients, orally and in writing, including managing deadlines and timely submitting court filings.
• Collaborates with investigators, social workers, and other support personnel to identify and address client needs, including mental health, housing, and substance use issues.
• Prepares for and participates in trial proceedings, including jury selection, witness examination, and argument.
• Maintains accurate records of client communication and case milestones to ensure compliance with professional and ethical standards.
• Represents qualifying indigent defendants in plea negotiations and in all phases of court proceedings including pretrial hearings, contested hearings and trials for Municipal Court offenses involving traffic, civil infractions, petty, and misdemeanor offenses.

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of municipal, criminal, and constitutional law, including rules of procedure and evidence.
• Ability to assess case merits and develop legal strategies.
• Strong legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally competent client representation.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining professional standards and ethical obligations.
• Competency in managing caseloads and court deadlines.
• Proficiency with word processing software, online legal research platforms, and digital case management tools.
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in Colorado at the time of appointment.
• Attorneys shall provide a copy of his/her Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Registration Card.

Preferred Qualifications:
• 2 or more years of experience practicing criminal or municipal law, with demonstrated courtroom experience.
• Prior appointment as indigent defense counsel or equivalent representation of low-income or vulnerable clients.

Certifications/Licenses/Specialized:
Licensed and admitted in good standing to practice law in the State of Colorado.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.Job Summary
The City's indigent defense program is committed to upholding the constitutional right to counsel through high-quality, ethical, client-centered, and culturally responsive legal representation.
Serve as appointed defense counsel for qualifying indigent defendants in Municipal Court.
Provide legal representation in all phases of the case, including advising clients, engaging in plea negotiations, preparing for trial, and advocating during court proceedings. Responsibilities include reviewing discovery, drafting legal documents, communicating effectively with clients, and ensuring high-quality, ethical, and client-centered defense services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Conducts legal research, reviews discovery, interprets laws, rulings and regulations, and drafts legal motions and responses.
• Communicates directly and effectively with clients, orally and in writing, including managing deadlines and timely submitting court filings.
• Collaborates with investigators, social workers, and other support personnel to identify and address client needs, including mental health, housing, and substance use issues.
• Prepares for and participates in trial proceedings, including jury selection, witness examination, and argument.
• Maintains accurate records of client communication and case milestones to ensure compliance with professional and ethical standards.
• Represents qualifying indigent defendants in plea negotiations and in all phases of court proceedings including pretrial hearings, contested hearings and trials for Municipal Court offenses involving traffic, civil infractions, petty, and misdemeanor offenses.