Colorado State Public Defender Announcement

April 30, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                Contact:         Maureen Cain
303-764-1400

Colorado State Public Defender Douglas Wilson Announces Retirement

Colorado Public Defender Commission Seeking Applications

The Colorado Public Defender Commission is seeking applications for the Colorado State Public Defender position. Current State Public Defender Douglas K. Wilson, whose term expires on December 31, 2019, has announced his retirement effective August 1, 2018. Wilson has led the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender since November 1, 2006. Wilson succeeded Rollie Rogers, John Purvis, Greg Walta, David Vela, and David Kaplan in his position.

When asked about his retirement, Doug said, “After 30 years as a public defender, the last twelve as the Colorado State Public Defender, I am retiring from the best job in the best public defender system in the country. It has been an honor to work with so many dedicated and passionate people. I am proud of what my fellow defenders have accomplished during my career. I always felt fortunate to have been selected to lead a system that was built by the five prior Colorado State Public Defenders over the past 48 years. We have always answered, and will continue to answer, the call of Gideon v. Wainwright: effective and zealous representation of the poor accused of crimes.”

Applicants must have been licensed to practice law in Colorado for at least five years prior to appointment. This is a full-time position. The successful applicant shall not engage in the private practice of law. The appointment is for a five-year term beginning August 1, 2018. Salary for the position is $175,434. The Public Defender is eligible for reappointment for one or more subsequent five-year terms.

The vacancy is being announced as a courtesy to the Colorado Public Defender Commission and is not a classified position within the Colorado Judicial Branch or a part of the Executive Branch’s state classified system.

Applicants must submit a job application (including statement of interest), cover letter and three references to pdcommission@coloradodefenders.us no later than 12:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018.

A copy of the job description and application form can be found below: