Deputy District Attorney - Criminal

The salary and job description listed are for a Deputy District Attorney I. Based on the qualifications of the candidate selected, the position may be filled as a Deputy District Attorney II, with a pay range of $97,323 to $130,894 annually.

Churchill County, located in Northern Nevada and featuring 300 days of sunshine each year, is a wonderful place to live and work. Churchill County has a population of approximately 26,000 people. The County is primarily agricultural and is the home of Naval Air Station Fallon, which hosts Top Gun. There is a wonderful sense of community, and it is a great place for any family.  We are surrounded by wonderful outdoor opportunities, a short drive from the Reno metropolitan area, beautiful Lake Tahoe and nearby ski resorts. The Churchill County District Attorney’s office is comprised of seven attorneys, eight legal secretaries and six child support workers. We have a family friendly/flexible office environment. We are willing to consider and work with applicants who are members of the bar in other States. This position will be open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply without delay. Applicants are required to submit an online application at www.churchillcounty.org/careers. Applicants also need to submit a résumé, cover letter (indicating why you are interested in working for the Churchill County District Attorney's Office), writing sample attached to their online application. If you need assistance attaching your documents, please notify Kim Brontsema at kim.brontsema@churchillcountynv.gov. 

The person in this position is responsible for providing professional legal services involved in the prosecution of criminal cases in a court in the State of Nevada.  Responsibilities include evaluating investigative reports; filing criminal cases; preparing pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; conducting legal research; examining and evaluating evidence; and prosecuting cases in the courts.  

Churchill County provides an attractive compensation package that extends beyond just the salary. The county pays 100% of the retirement contribution to Nevada PERS on your behalf (33.5% over and above your wage, equivalent to $29,500/year ). The county pays 100% of the employee-only health insurance premiums (equivalent to $12,100/year). AND you will not have Social Security taken out of your paycheck, which results in an additional 6% take-home pay (equivalent to $5,200/year).  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is an at-will position which serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney.This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Prepares and presents State's evidence in criminal actions to include legal arguments regarding merit; argues on behalf of the State against writs of habeas corpus, petitions for post-conviction relief and motions to suppress evidence.
• Appears on behalf of the State in probation, revocation hearings and sanity hearings; prepares and supervises the preparation of legal briefs filed on behalf of the State.
• Presents plea negotiations with opposing attorneys.
• Interviews and advises complainants and witnesses in regard to prospective criminal action.
• Performs legal research and studies; interprets and applies laws, court decisions and legal points and authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs for the prosecution or the defense.
• Confers with and advises County officials, employees, and representatives on legal questions; drafts ordinances, resolutions and other legislative measures; confers with investigators regarding the collection of facts and evidence.
• Attends pre-trial police lineups; attends arraignments, preliminary hearings, hearings and trials and defends indigent clients in a variety of cases before County or State courts; dictates legal instruments, correspondence and reports.
• Maintains accurate records and files; prepares a variety of records and reports as assigned.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience
Juris Doctorate in Law and admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada; or as provided by Supreme Court rule.  (We are willing to consider and work with applicants who are members of the bar in other States.) Minimum of two years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney is highly desirable.

Coursework in Evidence is required.
 
Required Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:

• Application of legal principles to individual cases or problems.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Computer applications, particularly as related to the performance of legal research.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

 Skill in:

• Understanding and interpreting constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
• Researching, interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports.
• Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or department goals, objectives and activities.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and procedures.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in dealing with court officials, witnesses, members of the legal community and the general public.

Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

• Nevada Driver's License.
• Certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Nevada and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Nevada.
• Permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) - may be obtained after being hired.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone and in person.

Conditions of Employment

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
2. New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and if hired for a safety-sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen.  Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable). 
3. Churchill County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.  All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment.  Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.

Salary : $88,171 - $118,622