Assistant / Deputy County Attorney

A Government Entity

  • Paola, KS
  • 5 Years
  • Full Time
  • 202600049
  • 81,461 - 135,616 / Yearly
  • Criminal Law Prosecution
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Closing Date: 31st January, 2027

Description:

Purpose & Scope:
The Assistant/Deputy County Attorney assists the County Attorney in carrying out the duties prescribed under K.S.A. 19-706b by representing the State of Kansas in criminal prosecutions and handling juvenile offender, child in need of care, care and treatment, and other assigned legal proceedings. This position provides legal counsel and training to law enforcement agencies, conducts legal research and case analysis, prepares and presents cases in court, and responds to major crime scenes as needed. The position exercises a high degree of professional judgment and independent decision-making in the application of legal principles, case strategy, and courtroom advocacy.

The Deputy County Attorney serves as the lead deputy within the office and assumes the duties and authority of the County Attorney during the County Attorney's absence.

See Position Requirements & Qualifications for position-specific requirements and qualifications.

Visit the Assistant / Deputy County Attorney Recruitment webpage to learn more about Miami County's $10,000 Recruitment & Retention Incentive Program, the Rural Kansas County Attorney Loan Repayment Program, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and other state and federal assistance programs available to qualified attorneys. www.miamicountyks.gov/Recruitment

Essential Functions:
Essential functions describe the primary duties, responsibilities, and expectations of this position. They are not intended to be all inclusive and may change to meet county and departmental needs. Employees must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Essential Duties:
  • Review law enforcement reports, evidence, and audio/video recordings to determine appropriate criminal charges and identify additional investigative needs.
  • Represent the State of Kansas in felony, misdemeanor, traffic, probation revocation, and other criminal proceedings.
  • Prepare for and attend hearings, trials, sentencing proceedings, and related court appearances.
  • Draft, review, and file motions, pleadings, briefs, warrants, and other court documents.
  • Conduct legal research; analyze statutes, case law, and legal issues; and prepare appellate briefs and oral arguments as assigned.
  • Review criminal histories, evidence, and other records related to defendants, witnesses, and pending cases.
  • Evaluate and process diversion requests, probation revocations, and probation terminations.
  • Represent petitioners in juvenile offender, child in need of care (CINC), mental illness commitment, and alcohol commitment proceedings.
  • Provide legal advice, guidance, and assistance to law enforcement agencies, including after-hours and emergency response support.
  • Review and advise on search warrants, investigations, and other criminal justice matters.
  • Respond to major crime scenes as requested.
  • Serve as a resource and mentor to attorneys and staff within the County Attorney's Office.
  • Perform the duties and exercise the authority of the County Attorney during the County Attorney's absence or as delegated.

Other Duties:
  • Represent the State and law enforcement agencies in civil forfeiture proceedings.
  • Monitor and manage assigned case inventories and related legal matters.
  • Develop and deliver training and educational presentations for law enforcement agencies, community organizations, schools, and other groups.
  • Attend continuing legal education and professional development programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Additional Deputy County Attorney Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the lead deputy within the County Attorney's Office.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to attorneys and staff.
  • Perform the duties and exercise the authority of the County Attorney during the County Attorney's absence or as delegated.
  • Position Requirements & Qualifications
  • Employees must meet the position's required education and experience, possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for core job functions, and demonstrate the ability to meet established performance metrics.

Education & Work Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Kansas, or eligible for admission to the Kansas Bar.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Experience practicing criminal law, prosecution, or a closely related area of legal practice is preferred.
  • Experience conducting legal research, preparing legal pleadings, and representing clients in court proceedings is preferred.
  • Prior internship, clerkship, or professional experience in criminal prosecution is preferred.

Assistant County Attorney
  • Salary Range: $81,461 - $122,200
  • Typical Hiring Range: $81,461 - $88,792 (DOQ)

Deputy County Attorney
  • Salary Range: $90,422 - $135,616
  • Typical Hiring Range: $90,422 - $98,560 (DOQ)
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in criminal law prosecution or closely related legal practice.
  • Experience handling felony jury trials and appellate matters.
  • Experience advising law enforcement agencies on complex criminal investigations, search warrants, and major criminal cases.
  • Experience providing leadership, mentorship, or supervision within a legal environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge of Kansas statutes, court procedures, rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and applicable state and federal laws.
  • Knowledge of legal research methods, legal writing, appellate practice, and courtroom procedures.
  • Knowledge of local government operations and the legal responsibilities of county government.
  • Ability to conduct legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and apply sound legal judgment.
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other legal documents.
  • Strong oral advocacy, negotiation, public speaking, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, court personnel, government officials, attorneys, social service agencies, community organizations, and the public.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
  • Ability to effectively manage difficult, emotional, adversarial, or high-pressure situations while maintaining tact, professionalism, and composure.
  • Ability to effectively present legal information, training, and educational programs to a variety of audiences.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, legal research platforms, case management systems, and electronic court filing systems.

Additional Deputy County Attorney Competencies:
  • Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making in complex and sensitive legal matters.
  • Ability to provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to attorneys and support staff.
  • Ability to manage major cases, coordinate prosecution strategy, and serve as the County Attorney's designee when required.
  • Ability to advise law enforcement agencies and partner organizations on complex criminal investigations and legal issues.

Evaluation Metrics:
Job Proficiency | Demonstrates the ability to apply technical, functional, and organizational knowledge to perform essential job duties accurately, consistently, and with appropriate independence.

Core Competencies | Reflects the expected professional behaviors and interpersonal skills of all county employees, including communication, collaboration, integrity, and accountability.

Interpersonal Interactions:
Frequent contact with judges, court personnel, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, probation officers, social service agencies, victims, witnesses, defendants, elected officials, community organizations, and the public. Requires the ability to communicate effectively, maintain professional relationships, handle confidential information, and navigate sensitive, emotional, or adversarial situations with tact, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Typical Schedule:
This position generally works a full-time schedule during regular County business hours as established by the County Attorney. Court appearances, meetings, training, and case-related activities may occasionally require work outside normal business hours. Availability for after-hours legal consultation and emergency response may be required. Occasional travel, including overnight stays, may be necessary for training, conferences, or other job-related activities.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.