Exploring Legal Career Options in Denver: Opportunities and Trends
Why Pursue a Legal Career in the Mile High City?
When contemplating a legal career in the United States, many crucial factors play a role in determining which city to call home. Denver, a bustling hub in the Rocky Mountain region, has grown to be an area of interest for many legal professionals. With its unique blend of economic growth, outdoor lifestyle, and legal market opportunities, Denver presents an attractive proposition for those considering their next move.
In the past five years, Colorado’s economy has seen a remarkable rise, led by a robust job market. As one of the fastest growing states in terms of population, the legal industry in Denver mirrors this upward trend. The demand for legal professionals across various fields – from corporate law to personal injury – has expanded. Law firms in Denver are constantly seeking qualified individuals with fresh ideas to offer their clients. With the legalization of marijuana at both the state and federal level, there is also a burgeoning niche for legal experts in the cannabis industry, something that is unique to Denver and some other select cities.
Beyond the economy, there is the question of lifestyle. Colorado is nationally renowned for offering an attractive quality of life, with a wealth of outdoor recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking . The presence of modern amenities and city conveniences often reels in young professionals looking for the ideal work-life balance. Denver boasts a vibrant culture: an array of restaurants, nightlife, and a thriving arts scene provide plenty of options for socializing and entertainment. Living in a city that encourages an active and outdoorsy lifestyle, those in the legal profession in Denver enjoy unrivaled access to a plethora of state and national parks. And let’s not forget about the warm, sunny weather, which contributes to making Denver a very desirable place to live and work.
The legal market in Denver has continued to evolve with the times. With the rapid growth of technology and online platforms, many law practitioners in Denver are now capitalizing on this trend and expanding their businesses and scope of practice. E-lawyering, a relatively new concept in the legal industry, has emerged as a way for law firms and practitioners to enhance their services, reach a wider audience, and increase revenues.
In summary, pursuing a legal career in Denver offers many benefits. The city is experiencing growth both economically and socially; creating a fertile ground for an individual looking to develop a long-term and fruitful career. Whether you are just beginning your legal journey or are looking to relocate your practice to a new environment, Denver should be high on the priority list.
Leading Legal Employers in the Denver Market
In addition to leading corporations in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and energy, there are several highly-regarded national law firms that call Denver home, including Holland & Hart LLP, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Snell & Wilmer LLP, and Davis Graham & Stubbs. These firms maintain a strong presence throughout the Western U.S., with significant offices in states such as California and Nevada.
The corporate legal department of the United States subsidiary of global conglomerate Siemens AG is another entity contributing to Denver’s legal job market. Salary.com ranks in-house counsel in Denver high in relation to other U.S. cities, furthering the attractiveness of corporate law jobs in Denver. Companies like Oracle, Arrow Electronics and IHS also have a significant presence in the Denver-area, and frequently employ legal counsel.
Employment with state and local government can offer some distinct advantages, including benefits and job security. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Colorado, and University of Denver all maintain legal departments which regularly have job postings for attorneys and paralegals. Denver Public Schools employs legal counsel, too.
Government service is a sound option for both new and experienced lawyers, and the system is always looking for skilled professionals. While jobs in federal agencies have limited openings and can occasionally be difficult to land, you should include them in your job search if this is a path that interests you.
Recent Trends in Denver’s Legal Job Market
The current legal job market in Denver reflects a city in growth and a field of continued high demand. The practice areas that are trending right now include environmental regulations, criminal law, and technology. Recent developments in the technology sector have also led to increased legal jobs in privacy and data security. Corporate legal work in a variety of sectors is also in demand, due at least in part to the growth of the cannabis and marijuana sector, which has created a significant series of new challenges and opportunities for local legal representation. More traditional practice areas such as real estate law are also trending upward in terms of job availability.
Legal employers in Denver report a low rate of contract lawyer use, much lower than some other cities. Alternative legal service providers are less prominent here, as well. Legal hiring is up across the board, but with the exception of litigation and one area of corporate work, it’s difficult to find hiring in any practice area that has become saturated. Hiring was once more abundant in litigation roles, due largely to its historic unpopularity among law school students. Right now though, the work outlook intimates a sharp rise in litigation jobs in the near future. Although it’s not the easiest time for corporate and business practice attorneys to find employment, overall hiring is still quite strong.
There are opportunities across the full array of skills sets and practice areas—whether big firm or small shop, corporate or nonprofit—just as there are opportunities for the full array of experience levels: from the first years out of law school to senior attorneys and "of counsel" candidates. New law school grads tend to find it easier to identify suitable placement, as Denver attorneys agree that the class of attorneys coming out of law schools today are significantly more prepared than in years past.
How to Search for Legal Employment in Denver
A strategic job search is crucial to your success in the Denver legal market; by exercising smart strategies, you’ll give yourself a distinct advantage over the competition for any opportunities that come up. If you want to land the legal job of your dreams in Denver, you need to be proactive and begin your search as early as possible. Networking opportunities are a centerpiece of any job search strategy: from the very outset, you should be doing everything you can to expand your network, both in Denver and beyond. Consider attending events organized by the American Bar Association, or any local legal associations, to make the connections that could lead to employment down the line. Keep in mind, though, that your network should extend far beyond your peers; also foster deep connections with senior professionals, who might have insight into employment opportunities that are not yet publicized. Another factor that impacts the success of your legal job search is timing; while it might be tempting to begin a job search as soon as you’re issued a law degree, you’re unlikely to be interviewed for a position until you’ve been admitted to the state bar. Most employers will require that you possess an admittance certificate before considering you for a position. With this in mind, you should target your job search for about 6 months prior to the bar exam, or even 8 months thereafter to ensure that you’re able to complete all the necessary requirements to begin searching for opportunities. If you’re currently looking for a legal job in Denver, it’s also worth asking around to determine whether there are any upcoming legal job fairs in your area. Participating in one of these events can put you in touch with a variety of hiring managers from different firms; it’s also a great opportunity to work on your interviewing skills in a relatively stress-free environment! Any time that you can get in front of decision-makers at a legal firm in Colorado, you should take the opportunity to do so; this is particularly true in a legal job market as competitive as Denver.
Compensation and Benefits for Attorneys
When it comes to compensation, Denver is consistent with other major U.S. cities. Salaries for legal positions in the private sector vary widely depending on the type of practice, experience level, and size of the firm. For example, large international firms in Denver that are part of national networks pay top-of-market salaries, with first-year associates earning salaries starting in the $160,000 range. Most major Colorado firms, which focus on regional practices, are mid-market shops offering competitive salaries in the $100,000 – $140,000 range for entry-level associates , along with bonuses.
Attorneys who focus on corporate law tend to earn higher salaries than those who specialize in litigation and employment. Attorneys with established books of business or relationship networks can command salaries much higher than the market, driven by the value they can bring to the firm.
Most law firms in Denver offer a comprehensive benefits package, which often includes health, dental, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, vacation and sick leave, and, in some cases, tuition reimbursement. Some of these firms provide relocation assistance for attorneys moving to Denver from other cities, as well as signing bonuses.
Entering the Legal Profession as a New Graduate in Denver
Starting a legal career as a new graduate in a competitive city such as Denver can be both exciting and challenging. In a market with diverse opportunities, applicants must find ways to distinguish themselves from the competition. Entering the Denver legal landscape post-graduation will require strategic thinking and awareness of the unique paths available to law students.
Internships and clerkships are critical for building a resume beyond the classroom and gaining firsthand experience of legal environments. Many law schools in Denver also offer externships (summer and part-time work experiences) and targeted programs for 1L and 2L students. Students should take advantage of these programs and make connections with current attorneys in the market.
Mentorship programs are valuable opportunities for new graduates to interact with established members of the profession. Many Denver organizations and law firms have mentorship programs where new graduates can meet experienced professionals for insights and advice. These relationships can prove invaluable for new attorneys and make the transition to practice much more manageable.
On average, government work is easier to obtain than a position in a law firm (either in-house or with a private practice). In addition, government positions offer greater job security and typically provide better benefits than their private counterparts. For this reason, many new graduates and entry-level lawyers look to government employers first.
Seeking opportunities to network and build relationships with clients and other professionals can help set you apart in a competitive job market. Networking events, conferences, and workshops are excellent places to collect business cards and develop contacts. It is essential to focus on quality, not quantity when it comes to networking.
However, the most effective way for new law graduates to enter the legal field in Denver may be through personal connections and association. Many new grads turn to mentors, family members, and the knowledge they already have gained through personal connections in order to secure employment. These networks can lead to an inside track on available job openings.
Strategies for Navigating a Legal Career in Denver
With the competitive nature of the legal industry, including opportunities in Denver that can be scarce, it is crucial for attorneys to consider strategies that can help them get to the next level in their career. Among these are continuing education programs, specialization and networking. In a changing profession, keeping one’s knowledge base current is essential through continuing education, according to attorney recruitment professionals. There are many options for earning continuing legal education credits in Colorado, including classes in-house at law firms, through the state bar, online, and at law schools. Attorneys in Denver may also enhance their career by specialization, which can give them an edge when seeking a position with a law firm or other legal employer. One such example of specialization is an attorney practicing in the area of family law, specifically same-sex divorce. The legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption in Colorado opened up this field as a focus for attorneys. Additionally, some attorneys specialize on a specific aspect of family law, such as child custody or modification, which is also relatively uncommon in the legal profession according to experts in the field. By choosing an area of law that is in high demand in Colorado while simultaneously specializing in a specific niche, attorneys can make themselves a valuable commodity . Networking remains one of the best methods for career advancement. Networking is not just for seeking a new position. Or a job-seeker has the advantage of being able to use networking to learn about unadvertised positions within law firms, which can understand career advancement in the legal field for those looking for better opportunities. It is not unusual for a law firm seeking to fill a position to contact an attorney directly rather than post a job opening. This is particularly true for smaller law firms. Networking is likewise helpful for attorneys already in a law firm. Pursuing advancement in a law firm may be achieved by leveraging connections, some of which may have been formed years ago. Law firm partners are often very busy and do not necessarily know who their subordinates are. Those working towards a promotion within their firm may increase their visibility and strengthen their position by being remembered not just for their job performance, but also for their dedication to their profession through legal publications, involvement in professional organizations and participation in continuing legal education events. Overall, career advancement in Denver’s legal industry will most likely require some time and commitment of resources. With limited positions available at law firms or in the judiciary, it is important for applicants to use every tool available to them in order to gain an edge.