Employment Opportunities

Make a Difference. Be Innovative. Join our Community.

We are committed to creating a safe and healthy community for all by defending public safety and seeking justice while upholding the values of equity, transparency, and accountability.

Modern Prosecutors

We are constantly striving to find more equitable solutions that replace traditional methods with broader and more varied ideas and practices regarding just and effective dispositions. Within the Colorado legal community, we are proud leaders in conviction integrity, data transparency, and equity initiatives.

Mentorship

We have a strong mentorship program that develops new attorneys in a way that prepares them for any legal avenue they choose. Experienced attorneys take pride in this program and strive to provide new prosecutors with the necessary resources, training, and mentorship to help them achieve their goals and become successful attorneys.

It's Fun in the First!

From friendly competitions to free parking and mental health resources, to the food trucks and cook-offs, the best perk of working here is the administration’s commitment to our happiness and mental health. Not to mention the bonus of bringing your dog to work!

Vision Statement

A safe and healthy community for everyone.

Mission

To reduce harm and achieve justice by:

Effectively and ethically holding people who victimize others accountable
Implementing innovative, evidence-based programs
Protecting the rights of victims
Building relationships through community partnership
Enhancing transparency

Values

In every action we take and every decision we make, we prioritize above all else:

Accountability
Diversity
Equity
Integrity
Justice
Public Safety
Transparency
Victim Rights

First Judicial District Internship Opportunities

We offer a range of opportunities that allow you to experience various aspects of criminal prosecution. Whether you're a law student seeking paid, unpaid, or for-credit internships or an undergraduate student searching for entry-level legal experience, we've got you covered.

Choose your desired internship experience and gain valuable skills, knowledge, and connections!

Appellate Internship (2L or 3L)

Law students who have completed their 1L or 2L years are able to participate in the appellate internship program at the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Our appellate interns work closely with our appeals unit to research issues impacting cases throughout our office and draft legal research memos, answer briefs for appellate cases, and postconviction responses. Appellate interns are highly encouraged to observe court proceedings, including motions hearings and jury trials. The appellate internship is an excellent way to become familiar with how a district attorney’s office functions and develop legal research and writing skills while working on cases that have a real impact on our community.

District Court Internship (1L, 2L, or 3L)

Law students in their 1L, 2L, or 3L years are able to participate in the district court internship program at the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office. District court interns collaborate with deputy district attorneys that prosecute felony cases, including homicide and attempted homicide, assaults involving deadly weapons or serious bodily injury, distribution of controlled substances, arson, sexual assault and domestic violence cases, and much more. District court interns accompany district court deputy district attorneys to court hearings, help select and prepare exhibits for hearings, conduct legal research on case specific issues, draft motions, and attend training on issues relevant to the just and equitable prosecution of felony cases. District Court interns may spend portions of their internships with our specialty units, including our juvenile unit, our special victims unit, and our economic crimes unit.

County Court Practice Internship (3L)

Law students that have completed their 2L year and are eligible to practice under the Student Practice Act are able to participate in the county court practice internship at the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Interns participating in the county court practice internship appear in county court and work alongside deputy district attorneys to prosecute misdemeanor and traffic offenses. County court practice interns engage in plea negotiations with both represented and unrepresented parties, make sentencing arguments to presiding county court judges, conduct motions hearings, and represent the people of Colorado in bench and jury trials. Our county court practice internship is ideal for law students that want to gain hands on experience practicing criminal law with the guidance of experienced attorneys.

Undergraduate Internship

Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a subsequent law degree are eligible to participate in our undergraduate internship program. Interns may assist deputy district attorneys in case evaluation by analyzing body worn cameras from law enforcement officers, reviewing jail calls and letters of defendants, attending court proceedings, and providing their perspectives to prosecuting attorneys. Interns will gain exposure to multiple facets of prosecution, learn how attorneys ethically exercise prosecutorial discretion, and develop research skills.

"While interning for the First Judicial District, I gained invaluable hands-on experience inside the courtroom. I prepared and litigated seven jury trials, four bench trials, and numerous motion hearings. I began developing a strong network in the legal community and gained a mentor who I still speak with almost daily.”

"The internship provided insight into the daily lives of community members—and this internship showed me the value that effective prosecutors can have within a community. The internship showed me the ins and outs of a criminal case from start to finish. A major takeaway for me was the impact that actions can have on victims. I found it a privilege to work in the interest of certain victims. The internship made me feel that prosecution is a job that is something worth getting up and doing every day."

“I couldn’t have asked for a better internship opportunity. The best parts of interning for the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office are the encouragement from supervisors to engage in opportunities meaningful and interesting to you and the willingness of everyone in the office to answer questions and help you learn. The office culture is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and your individual experiences and perspectives are valued. Interning here made it clear to me that working in prosecution provides an opportunity to be a part of meaningful change and would allow me to help people, both on an individual and community level.”

"This office was geographically where I wanted to live. This office was also recommended by a family friend, who was a county judge in Larimer County. The people at the First are phenomenal—I found the attorneys to be professional, helpful, encouraging, and brilliant. But what puts the First over the top are the victim/witness staff, trainers, chiefs, secretaries, paralegals, etc—in all areas, the people are so nice and dedicated."

"The internship allowed me—a law student—to represent the People of the State of Colorado, in and out of the courtroom. What a privilege. An intern at the First will receive an education that cannot be learned in a classroom. I learned many skills, including, but not limited to, trial practice, motions practice, case analysis, evidence practice, prosecutorial discretion, work/life balance, time management, community interactions (as a representative), and many more."