DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY

FLSA: Exempt
Pay Grade: _160__
__X_Regular Full-time ___Regular Part-time ___Temporary/Seasonal ___On-Call
Hours worked per week: __40___
Daily Shift: _____
Work Schedule: ___Su _x__M _x__T _x__W _x__Th _x__Fr ___Sat
Incumbent Name: Matthew Petesch
The City of Helena is an equal opportunity employer. The City shall, upon request, provide reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.
Job Purpose:
Under direction of the City Attorney, prosecutes misdemeanor criminal cases and civil enforcement actions in the Helena Municipal Court, advises the City in civil matters that involved municipal government work, and handles related proceedings in the First Judicial District Court in and for Lewis & Clark County.
Essential Duties: These job functions are the essential duties of the position and do not include all duties the incumbent may be assigned.
Duty 1: Prosecution Services
20% Time
Essential
Tasks:
? Prosecutes misdemeanor criminal offenses and civil enforcement actions in Helena Municipal Court, which includes handling bench trials, jury trials, and evidentiary hearings
? Manages misdemeanor criminal appeals to the First Judicial District Court of Lewis & Clark County
? Drafts legal documents related to prosecutorial duties, including warrants, orders, petitions, affidavits, motions, and briefs
? Makes charging decisions in complex cases
Duty 2: Provide Legal Advice
20% Time
Essential
Tasks:
? Provides legal advice and opinions to HPD, Public Works, Community Development, Transportation Department, and other departments in the City.
? Trains police officers, code enforcement staff, and city staff on relevant law and methods of enforcement
? Routinely conducts legal research in the areas of criminal law and civil code enforcement
? Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints
Duty 3: Civil and General Legal Services
60% Time
Secondary Duties
Tasks:
? Litigates civil matters in District Courts, including driver’s license and expungement petitions
? Drafts legal documents related to civil duties, including petitions, affidavits, motions, briefs, deeds, contracts, memoranda, and easements
? Attends and participates in City Commission meetings and professional group meetings
? Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the legal field
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position:
Knowledge of:

• The organization, functions, and goals of City government.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive municipal law department.
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Principles and applications of civil, criminal, and administrative law including those relative to municipal operations.
• Methods of legal research and established precedents applicable to municipal activities.

Skill or ability to:

• Represent the City in a wide variety of judicial and administrative proceedings.
• Prepare and present difficult cases in court.
• Present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and logically.
• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Make complex decisions.
• Analyze a wide variety of legal issues and prepare diverse legal documents.
• Negotiate agreements, which may accommodate conflicting interests and viewpoints.
• Maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
• Effectively use conflict management.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Physical Demands:
This position requires the ability to work in a standard office and legal court environments using computer equipment, with ability to travel to different sites and locations. The incumbent must possess the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and on occasion up to 50 pounds. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.
Safety
Performs all functions in the safest possible manner and according to policies and procedures. Participates fully with safety trainings. Reports unsafe work conditions and practices, work-related injuries, illnesses, and near-misses as soon as possible to assigned supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):
This position requires a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. The position requires two (2) years of practical experience as a licensed attorney. Experience in civil law and criminal law and procedures and local government is preferred. Other relevant combinations of work experience may be evaluated on an individual basis.
License or Certificate:
Membership in the Montana State Bar and license to practice law in the State and Federal Courts is required.
Must possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record at the time of hire and have the ability to obtain a valid MT driver’s license within six months of hire.
Supervision Received:
Supervised by the City Attorney
Supervision Exercised:
The position may exercise technical and functional supervision over clerical staff.
The specific statements shown in each section of this position description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.