Assistant County Attorney I/II/Sr.

*All applicants will be required to submit a writing sample of 10 pages or less from within the previous year.

Prior experience in a prosecutor's office is preferred, but not required.

Recent graduates are encouraged to apply!

Job Title: Assistant County Attorney I/II/Senior

Department: County Attorney

Immediate Supervisor: County Attorney

FLSA Status: Exempt

DBM Rating: C45 or D61 or D62

Union: Non-Union

Job Summary

Under the direction of the County Attorney, the Assistant County Attorney I, II or Senior Attorney is responsible for providing legal representation in criminal and civil matters and in providing representation to the Department of Human Services in the areas of child protection, adult protection and child support enforcement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for judicial proceedings by performing a variety of responsibilities to include:  (40-50%)

        a) Reviews police reports and human service reports relevant to pending petitions and/or complaints.

        b) Interviews individuals and witnesses, investigates the history and facts of the case, and evidence.

        c) Researches relevant laws and statutes.

        d) Determines appropriate criminal charges.

        e) Develops strategies for cases.

        f) Drafts complaints, petitions, pleadings, legal memoranda, and briefs and files motions with the court.

        g) Negotiates and consults with opposing counsel, County agencies and law enforcement.

        h) Researches and analyzes the proper disposition and/or sentence for case.

• Represents Steele County for assigned criminal and civil cases in proceedings.  Handles cases in the areas of adult criminal, juvenile prosecution, child protection, child support, commitments, guardianships, conservators, real estate and medial assistance representation.  (30%)

        a) Determines how best to present evidence and the facts of the case.

        b) Analyzes evidence as it is conveyed during proceedings and adjusts the County’s case, as necessary.

        c) Handles matters from first hearings, contested hearings, pre-trail hearings, trial, disposition and sentencing.

        d) Initiates personnel actions (e.g. discipline, promotion, demotion, discharge, etc.). 

        e) Oversees orientation and staff development.

• Researches and determines whether to file appeals in criminal cases and drafts legal briefs for the Court of Appeals.  Represents the County Human Services Department for appeals involving Child Protection and Civil Commitments before Special Review Board Hearings and Supreme Court Appeal Panels.  (5%)
• Addresses questions and calls from County staff regarding legal matters, mentors and advises less senior attorneys. Coordinates overall office strategy implementation with County Attorney. (5%)
• Assists and participates in providing training to law enforcement, human service staff and other County agencies regarding legal matters and issues.  Updates agencies on changes in laws and/or regulations.  Addresses questions and calls from County staff regarding legal matters.  (5%)
• Attends or leads department scheduled meetings to discuss updates in the law or court procedure and/or the status of ongoing cases.  (5%)
• Assumes special projects, as delegated.  Participates in Attendance Review Board by working with local schools and Human Services on developing a plan for student attendance to conform to requirements.    Develops individual plans for students and parents by meeting with all affected parties.  (5%)
• Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

        a) Keeps abreast of changing legislation, trends and developments in areas of responsibility.

        b) Participates, attends and/or serves on various professional organizations or groups, as appropriate.

Essential Knowledge

• Knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and standards of the legal professional including rules of conduct, rules of evidence, rules of court, civil and criminal procedures/processes.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, statutes, case law applicable to areas of practice.
• Knowledge and fundamentals of litigation and negotiation techniques and processes.
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, methods, and resources of legal research.
• Knowledge of principles and concepts and practices pertaining to legal arguments.
• Law enforcement policies and procedures.

Essential Skills

• Conducting legal research, analyzing and interpreting legal data and matters of law.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with department personnel, judges, attorneys, clients, witnesses, other County employees, and the public.
• Communication, public speaking and presentational skills.
• Preparing cases for legal proceedings and in the presentation of legal matters in various legal proceedings and hearings.
• Interpreting and advising county personnel on all various legal issues, questions or matters of law.
• Applying and determining appropriate course of actions on cases based upon matters of law, fact and legal research.
• Making appropriate decisions with respect to negotiations and settlements in accordance with the general guidelines and policies of the Attorney’s Office.
• Persuasion and advocacy based upon the merits of individual issues and the information present.
• Preparing legal documents, memoranda, motions, petitions, briefs, stipulations or other legal documents in a clear and concise manner.