Application Deadline: September 21
THE OPPORTUNITY
Arapahoe County is one of Colorado’s largest and fastest-growing counties with over 655,070 residents, encompassing communities such as Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood. The county government manages substantial budgets, public safety functions, land-use issues, human services programs, elections, infrastructure projects, and regulatory matters. The County Attorney’s Office serves as legal counsel to county leadership and department directors, helping shape policy while managing legal risk. Arapahoe County is seeking an exceptional attorney, trusted advisor, and collaborative public sector leader who combines outstanding legal judgment with political awareness, emotional intelligence, and unwavering integrity to serve as their next County Attorney.
ABOUT ARAPAHOE COUNTY
Located in the heart of the Denver metropolitan region, Arapahoe County is one of Colorado’s most dynamic and diverse counties. Home to thriving businesses, vibrant neighborhoods, top-tier healthcare, and abundant recreational opportunities, Arapahoe County offers an exceptional quality of life for residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike. Arapahoe County is at the center of Colorado’s economic engine, providing easy access to downtown Denver, major transportation corridors, and regional destinations. The County includes a mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities, creating opportunities for businesses and families at every stage of growth. Residents enjoy hundreds of miles of trails, scenic open spaces, golf courses, and recreational facilities. Whether exploring the natural beauty of Cherry Creek State Park or enjoying community parks and local events, outdoor adventure is always close to home.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The seat of Arapahoe County is in Littleton, where many county government administrative offices are located, including the County Attorney’s Office. Arapahoe County is a constitutional subdivision of the State of Colorado. Unlike cities, it can exercise only those powers granted by the state constitution and state law. The county’s governing body is the five-member Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners. Commissioners are elected from five districts and serve four-year terms. The board functions as the county’s legislative, governing, and administrative authority.
THE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
The County Attorney serves as County’s chief legal advisor, directing the operations and functions of the County Attorney’s Office in accordance with applicable federal laws/regulations, and state constitution/statutes. The position acts as general counsel for Arapahoe County Government, serving as in house legal firm and collaborating with the BOCC, elected offices and county departments, providing legal advice to support the successful achievement of the County’s strategic priorities. The County Attorney oversees a department of over sixty employees with a budget of $10,697,278 which supports services throughout the County.
THE POSITION
This County Attorney reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners, as do all peer directors as part of the Executive Team (the “E-Team”). Successful Arapahoe County Directors thrive in an environment non-reliant on formal authority. Instead, they influence through credibility, sound judgment, excellent communication, and relationship-building. The position guides compliance with Colorado statutes, open meetings laws, public records requirements, and ethics regulations. Supports major county initiatives involving development, transportation, public health, elections, and public safety, and coordinates with state and federal agencies on complex legal matters. Essential functions include acting as chief legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners; leading and managing outside counsel retained to represent the County; preparing and administering the budget for the County Attorney’s Office; managing the delivery of comprehensive legal services to all County offices, departments, boards/committees; managing the legal representation of the County and its officials and employees in civil litigation and administrative processes; and acting as a liaison on behalf of the Board of Commissioners with other department heads on matters of legal, constituency, and/or management concerns.
Ideal candidates understand that, in a county operating without a county manager, the County Attorney serves as an essential member of the E-Team partnering with the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), elected officials and department leaders to promote sound governance, organizational effectiveness, and public trust; is a confident yet humble leader who inspires trust through transparency, professionalism, and consistency; communicates complex legal concepts in plain language, enabling elected officials and staff to make informed decisions; are a consensus builder who can navigate differing viewpoints, facilitate difficult conversations, and provide candid legal advice – even when that advice is unpopular; is a strategic thinker who sees beyond immediate legal issues to identify long-term organizational risks and opportunities; and are proactive rather than reactive, anticipating legal challenges, developing practical solutions, supporting operations, and helping the organization achieve its goals while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum qualifications for the position of County Attorney:
Education: Juris Doctorate Degree or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from an accredited law school.
Experience: Twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible experience in similarly affected areas, three (3) years of which should be at a high level of supervisory, administrative or management capacity.
Licensure:
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Fully licensed through the Colorado Bar Examination (within 12 months of date of hire).
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Passed the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
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Good Standing with the Colorado Supreme Court
For an extensive list of skills, abilities and competencies, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The hiring range for the County Attorney is dependent on qualifications and experience. Anticipated ranges are listed below:
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2026 Range: Min $205,738 | Mid $267,540 | Max $329,342
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Anticipated 2027 Range: Min $209,709 | Mid $272,704 | Max $335,698
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Anticipated Hiring Rate: ~$245,500
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit a compelling interest letter and comprehensive résumé below by Monday, September 21, 2026.
Apply here.