DENVER—Applications are now being accepted for a current attorney vacancy on the Colorado Public Defender Commission. 

The Public Defender Commission is charged with appointing the State Public Defender following a thorough vetting of applicants. Every five years, the Commission also must decide whether to continue the appointment of the current State Public Defender. The Commission meets regularly with the State Public Defender to receive updates on the agency and to provide counsel and support.  

The chief justice of the Colorado Supreme Court appoints five Colorado citizens, three attorneys and two non-attorneys, to the Commission, with each serving an initial five-year term with the possibility of reappointment for a second five-year term. An attorney member of the Commission must be admitted to practice law in Colorado, and may not be a judge, prosecutor, public defender, or employee of a law enforcement agency. Commissioners serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.   

Applications should include a resume and letter of interest and will be accepted exclusively by email at SCGeneral@judicial.state.co.us. The application period will close on Nov. 20, 2026. 

Contact SCGeneral@judicial.state.co.us with questions or for more information.