Kylie Justus
Arvada,Colorado
Summary
High-performing Senior Assistant City Attorney with over nine years of legal experience, including five years dedicated to the City of Arvada. Proven track record of managing high-stakes litigation, advising executive leadership, and presiding over the employee committee. Seeking to leverage advanced leadership training and deep institutional knowledge to transition into a management role.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Assistant City Attorney
City of Arvada
Arvada, CO
12.2020 - Current
- Serve as lead civil litigator for the City of Arvada and its employees, managing all phases of litigation in state, federal, and appellate courts
- Litigate and direct cases spanning employment, civil rights, tort, contract, and constitutional law, ensuring effective defense and risk mitigation for the City
- Secure favorable rulings through dispositive motions, including dismissals and summary judgments based on qualified immunity, sovereign immunity, and the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act
- Defend government employees, officials, and entities against claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, C.R.S. § 13-21-131, the ADA, the ADEA, and state tort and contract law, safeguarding City interests
- Provide in-house counsel to multiple City departments, including Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods, Housing and Homelessness, Information Technology, City Manager's Office, Police, and Finance, ensuring compliance and effective policy implementation
- Advise elected officials and boards, including Arvada City Council, Arvada Housing Authority, and Liquor Authority, on municipal legal matters, facilitating affordable housing development and guiding settlement negotiations
Deputy District Attorney
First Judicial District Attorney's Office
Golden, CO
08.2016 - 12.2020
- Managed docket of up to 150 felony cases, ensuring timely progression and resolution of each case
- Tried 58 cases in District and County Court involving charges of assault, sexual assault, burglary, and other felony and misdemeanor offenses.
- Conducted trials, motions practice, bond hearings, and sentencing hearings as first-chair attorney, achieving favorable verdicts and just outcomes
- Researched and drafted motions on constitutional and evidentiary issues, addressing critical legal questions such as application of third-party doctrine under Fourth Amendment
- Interviewed witnesses and collected additional evidence with investigations staff
Legal Intern
Seventeenth Judicial District Attorney's Office
Brighton, CO
01.2016 - 05.2016
- Represented the People of Colorado in arraignments, plea bargaining, motions hearings, court trials, and jury trials, ensuring equitable resolutions and adherence to legal standards
- Conducted legal research for contested hearings on various criminal legal issues, contributing to case strategy and favorable results
- Supported victims of crime by informing them of rights, explaining court process, and connecting them with resources, enhancing their understanding and access to justice
Student Attorney
Civil Litigation Clinic
Denver, CO
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Represented victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in obtaining civil protection orders
- Tried cases and procured settlements in Denver County Court, advocating for clients' rights
- Conducted client interviews, collected evidence, researched legal issues, and developed litigation strategies to support case outcomes
- Represented clients in eviction defense cases, ensuring access to housing and legal protections
Law Clerk
Colorado Office of the Attorney General
Denver, CO
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Advised state licensing agencies under Title 12 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, including medical, dental, nursing, and real estate boards, ensuring compliance with legal standards
- Researched and drafted memoranda addressing constitutional delegation of power and open meetings law violations, contributing to informed decision-making
- Assisted in procuring settlements and preparing for hearings in administrative courts, facilitating resolution of disputes
Law Clerk
Colorado Legal Services
Denver, CO
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Researched and drafted legal memoranda on foreclosure, property title disputes, and debtor's rights to support case strategies
- Reviewed facts and evidence to prepare comprehensive complaints and client advice letters, enhancing client understanding of legal options
Judicial Intern
Magistrate Karen Hübler, Second Judicial District
Denver, CO
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Drafted and authored time-sensitive orders for Magistrate's signature, ensuring timely resolution of cases
- Researched legal issues and wrote memoranda to support drafting orders on issues such as reimbursements' classification as "gross income," attorneys' fees, and contempt citations
Volunteer
United Planet
, Ecuador and Peru
02.2013 - 06.2013
- Volunteered 520 hours teaching English to students, supporting children at daycare for single mothers, and preserving native plant species in Galapagos Islands
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Denver, Colorado05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado12.2012
Skills
- Litigation management
- Risk assessment
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Positive and professional
Licenses, Certifications, Memberships
- Admitted to the Colorado State Bar 2016
- Admitted to practice in Colorado State Courts, United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Green Belt Certification - Denver Peak Academy 2022
- Emerging Leader Graduate 2023
- DU High Performance Leadership Academy Graduate 2025
- City of Arvada Employee Committee Member 2023-2025 (President 2024)
- City of Arvada DEI&A Committee Member 2024-Present
- Colorado Bar Association Member
Timeline
Senior Assistant City Attorney
City of Arvada
12.2020 - Current
Deputy District Attorney
First Judicial District Attorney's Office
08.2016 - 12.2020
Legal Intern
Seventeenth Judicial District Attorney's Office
01.2016 - 05.2016
Law Clerk
Colorado Office of the Attorney General
05.2015 - 08.2015
Student Attorney
Civil Litigation Clinic
01.2015 - 12.2015
Law Clerk
Colorado Legal Services
08.2014 - 12.2014
Judicial Intern
Magistrate Karen Hübler, Second Judicial District
05.2014 - 08.2014
Volunteer
United Planet
02.2013 - 06.2013
Juris Doctor -
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Colorado State University