Assistant Director of Law II - City of Mount Vernon

Objectives: Under the general direction of the Director of Law and First Assistant Director of Law, this individual prepares and prosecutes cases in the Mount Vernon Municipal Court, including all violations of City ordinances and Ohio statutes as well as assisting in civil matters as needed. This position has a high degree of autonomy and works directly with multiple agencies including law enforcement, courts, and administration. This position may be required to attend City meetings outside of regular office hours.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and a Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be a member, in good standing, of the Bar of the State of Ohio.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid State of Ohio Driver's License.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as full-time prosecutorial representative of all local law enforcement agencies appearing in the Mount Vernon Municipal Court on misdemeanor criminal, traffic, and code enforcement cases and for the Ohio Registrar of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in driver’s license suspension appeal hearings.
• Serve as a legal advisor to local law enforcement personnel by keeping them apprised of relevant changes in criminal law and procedure through periodic in-service training and regular consultation. This includes being on-call in evenings to respond to calls from law enforcement.
• Conduct misdemeanor investigations and inquiries made to carry out the various prosecutorial duties as noted above.
• Prosecute appeals to and from the Ohio Fifth Appellate District Court of Appeals, including the timely submission of legal briefs and other required court papers and the presentation of oral arguments.
• Manage high volume docket of cases, conducts trials and pretrial hearings and negotiates plea agreements, with or without assistance.
• Prepare written motions, pleadings, arguments, and other memoranda.
• Review cases for negotiations, witnesses and discovery. Reviews legal documents in preparing cases for trial.
• Make charging decisions following review and evaluation of police reports in light of applicable law.
• Determine alternative courses of action and anticipates possible courses of action of opposing counsel; uses logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
• Interview witnesses, victims, attorneys and law enforcement officers, and present arguments in court. Appear against accused in court of law and presents evidence before a judge or jury. Confer with defense attorneys and/or witnesses in disputed cases and negotiates plea agreements when appropriate to do so.
• Perform other related duties as required or as assigned within the scope of the job classification.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Non-essential job functions for the Assistant Law Director II include tasks or responsibilities that are not central to the core duties of the position but may be required occasionally to support the City’s legal team and overall operations. These duties may involve assisting with cross-departmental projects, participating in training sessions or professional development activities, and supporting special events or meetings outside of regular legal functions. Additionally, the Assistant Law Director II may be asked to assist with administrative tasks such as document preparation, filing, or data entry, and provide coverage during absences or periods of high workload within the department. The role may also involve conducting research, assisting with the preparation of reports or presentations, and contributing to City-wide initiatives that promote workplace culture or employee engagement. These non-essential functions are secondary to the primary legal responsibilities and may vary based on the City’s operational needs.

Job Requirements:

Equipment: Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer and related software, copier, scanner, telephone, calculator, FAX machine, and other equipment necessary to perform duties. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's):

Knowledge

• Knowledge of prosecutorial duties, the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure, the Ohio Code of Professional Responsibility, and other applicable laws and constitutional case decisions, as well as, generally accepted.
• Knowledge of professional standards of performance for public prosecutors.
• Knowledge of the general field of criminal law and procedure and the constitutional doctrines.
• Knowledge regarding the conduct of the police under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Fourteenth.
• Knowledge of Amendments to the United States Constitution and under Article 1, Section 10 of the Ohio Constitution.
• Knowledge of Federal, state and local laws pertaining to the rights of crime victims.
• Knowledge of Computer applications, databases, software and hardware related to the performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Knowledge of City government.
• Knowledge of Microsoft suite/ Google suite of workplace programs.
• Knowledge of On-line legal research sites.

Skills

• Skilled in understanding and fairly applying all applicable prosecutorial tools and resources.
• Skilled in setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines with minimal direction.
• Skilled in using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Skilled in interpersonal relations and effective leadership methods.
• Skilled in dealing courteously and diplomatically with the general public, law enforcement, and the legal community.

*

Abilities

• Ability to conduct extensive legal research using online tools such as Westlaw and Lexis; assemble investigative information; plan, organize and develop trial strategies and prepare various motions, legal memoranda, related documents and correspondence with a high degree of professional competence.
• Ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to speak effectively and deliver effective presentations before groups and in a courtroom setting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City officials and the general public.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all local law enforcement and court personnel.
• Ability to effectively prosecute a heavy caseload.
• Ability to independently learn new areas of law.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with crime victims, defendants, and witnesses in a considerate manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion and tact; work independently in the absence of specific instruction, and use good judgment to make decisions appropriate to this level of responsibilities.

Difficulty of Work: Work consists of complex, varied, standardized and non-standardized tasks requiring application of numerous laws, rules, regulations, and procedures. Individuals are required to provide technical assistance to staff personnel on programs, policies, and the interrelationship of programs under extremely complex and difficult situations. It requires the individual to be continually aware of changes occurring which must be learned and passed on to staff. Procedures must be developed for implementing changes at the local level. Position may come in contact with irate and hostile individuals.

Supervisory Responsibility: While the Assistant Law Director II does not have direct supervisory responsibilities over staff, the individual is expected to take ownership of their own professional conduct, ensuring a high level of self-supervision, reflection, and professionalism in all aspects of their work. This includes maintaining a strong sense of accountability for personal performance and contributing positively to the overall functioning of the office. The role requires active collaboration and teamwork with other office staff, fostering a cooperative and supportive environment that promotes efficiency and a high standard of service. The Assistant Law Director II is also expected to demonstrate leadership through setting a positive example for others and encouraging an atmosphere of respect and mutual support within the team.

Personal Work Relationships: Contact is with co-workers, outside attorneys, members of local and state law enforcement agencies, court personnel, victims of crime, witnesses to crime and the public. The purpose of these contacts is to protect the public, resolve criminal cases, assist victims with navigating the criminal justice system, assist law enforcement, check on progress of work assigned, and handle questions about department, programs, and queries from the public.

Physical Effort and Work Environment

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the Assistant Law Director II position are primarily sedentary in nature, though the role may occasionally require lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds, particularly when handling legal files or other documents for court preparation.

Physical Activity: The physical activity associated with this position includes manual dexterity for tasks such as typing, writing, and handling legal materials, as well as talking, hearing, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking between offices and courtrooms.

Visual Activity: The role requires close visual activity, particularly when reviewing legal documents, preparing case materials, or engaging in court proceedings where detailed review and attention to written materials are essential.

Job Location: The Assistant Law Director II will primarily work in an office environment, though the position will also involve travel to local courtrooms for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. The work environment is generally free from adverse environmental conditions, but the individual may be exposed to varying conditions within courtrooms or legal settings.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $67,329.60 - $94,265.60 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $67,330 - $94,266