Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Lake County

Job Description: Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Chief Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for overseeing criminal prosecutions and ensuring the fair and efficient administration of justice. At the discretion of the elected Lake County Prosecuting Attorney, the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for performing any and all duties directed by the Prosecuting Attorney as set forth by the Constitution and statues of the State of Michigan, and is subject to the same qualifications, statutes, requirements, penalties and obligations applicable therein. The Chief Prosecuting Attorney will provide legal guidance and support to law enforcement and work closely with other county officials to uphold the rule of law in Lake County.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except for those that begin with the word “May.”)

• Reviews criminal complaints and requests for arrest warrants from State and local law enforcement agencies.
• Appears in court for hearings, arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and other proceedings.
• Collects details and background information from officers and researches law to determine applicable statutes and authorize warrants as appropriate in accordance with legal standards.
• Reviews requests for search warrants and probable cause standards.
• Ensures warrants are complete, accurate, and in accordance with established court rules.
• Conducts and resolves plea agreements as necessary under guidelines established by the Prosecuting Attorney and in accordance with the law.
• Conducts legal research for all criminal cases, trials, motions and motions and.
• Responsible for interviewing witnesses and victims, investigating claims and cooperating with law enforcement.
• Represents the people of the State. Arraignments, motions, bench or Jury trials and sentencing
• Conducts direct and cross examination of witnesses.
• Confers with Chief Judge and defense council on applicable law and procedure.
• Researches and interprets legal issues, drafts, motions, briefs, petitions and other legal documents.
• Works cooperatively with law enforcement officers from various agencies to ensure investigation and reporting of assigned cases are accomplished in accordance with professional and court rules and standards. Provides updates and advice concerning new laws or revised legal standards concerning evidence, investigations, searches, seizures, confessions, and so forth.
• Assists the Prosecuting Attorney in all supervisory and administrative duties as needed an assigned.
• In the absence of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Chief Prosecuting Attorney will be responsible for the Prosecutors tasks

Education:

• Jurid Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

Experience:

• Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan with membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in criminal law
• Experience prosecuting complex criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors and appeals.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and management abilities.
• Knowledge and ability to perform work assigned with minimal supervision and guidance.
• In-depth knowledge of Michigan criminal law and court procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and the public.
• Strong decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Must qualify as Chief Assistant Prosecutor through official appointment, completion of constitutional oath of office, and filing of bond (if required) in accordance with State statutes.
• High level analytical abilities required in order to understand and evaluate legal issues and implications, thoroughly plan effective trial strategies and presentations, prepare legal documents, and make appropriate determinations in authorizing warrants and investigating cases.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and materials which may be highly sensitive.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (The following statements describe the physical abilities required to perform the essential job functions, although exceptions may be made to these requirements based on the principle of reasonable accommodation.)

• Ability to hear and understand speech in person and by telephone, to prepare for and participate in court proceedings.
• Ability to speak clearly to convey information in presenting arguments, examining witnesses, and discussing points of law.
• Ability to work in an office environment, attend court sessions and interact with members of the public and legal professions.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Prosecuting Attorney.
• Responsible for leading and following up on the work of two to three office and clerical employees.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in normal office and courtroom environments where there are relatively few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise and the like.
• May be exposed to unpleasant working conditions and situations when visiting crime scenes.