Colorado Chief Deputy Attorney General David Blake is leaving the office after nearly seven years to take a job in the private sector.

Blake is going into private practice with Squire Patton Boggs, an international law firm with offices in Denver. Blake was recently considered for the open U.S. attorney position in Colorado, but that process appears to have stalled for him.

Melanie Snyder, the AG office’s chief of staff, will become chief deputy attorney general. Leora Joseph, a recent addition to the attorney general’s office, will become chief of staff.

The staffing changes take effect Aug. 7.

“David has been an extremely valuable member of my leadership team, and has provided exceptional legal and policy advice on some of the most complex issues facing the state of Colorado,” Attorney General Cynthia Coffman said. “I am grateful for his service to our office, and the people of Colorado, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Blake has served as chief deputy attorney general since January 2015.

“Squire Patton Boggs’ integrated public policy and broad practice expertise, coupled with its already strong state attorneys general practice, were an attractive combination that offer unique insight to clients seeking solutions to their critical business issues,” Blake said. “The firm has a strong reputation in Denver, Washington and globally, and I’m exciting to be joining.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve Attorney General Coffman, and before her John Suthers, and indeed the entire state and its citizens. I will sincerely miss the great attorneys and employees at the Department of Law.”

Snyder has been with the office since 2008. She provided general counsel advice and representation in litigation and on appeal to a number of state clients from various departments. Prior to becoming chief of staff, Snyder was the deputy attorney general of the Revenue and Utilities Section.

Before joining the office, she practiced commercial litigation in large and small firms in Denver. Snyder received her law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and her undergraduate in political science and psychology from the University of Arizona.

“Melanie has been a stellar chief of staff, and her knowledge of the Office of the Attorney General is unparalleled,” Coffman said. “I know that her experience and expertise will make her an exceptional chief deputy, and I am grateful for her willingness to take on this critically important role.”

Joseph received her law degree from McGill University Law School and has 20 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor. Joseph served as a chief deputy district attorney in both Boston and the Denver metro area.

“Leora has brought a wealth of experience to the office, and will be a huge asset to our team,” Coffman said. “Her lifelong commitment to public service, and her extensive management experience, makes her uniquely prepared to take on the role of chief of staff. I am excited that she has chosen to join our team in this leadership position.”