Description:

Position Summary:
This position is responsible to the citizens of the County. The County Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor and litigator of all legal proceedings and all cases in which the County is a party; advising and counseling the County Board and County officers concerning legal issues and concerns; and overall responsibility for the actions, functions, and personnel of the County Attorney's Office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
%

Prosecutes violations of law (felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, petty violations, and juvenile delinquencies) by doing the following:
Reviews law enforcement reports and other evidence
Determines whether evidence is sufficient to proceed with charges
Drafts charging documents and other legal pleadings (such as motions, briefs, warrants, proposed orders, etc.)
Corresponds with defense counsel and unrepresented defendants regarding plea agreements
Provides discoverable evidence to defense pursuant to constitutional requirements and court rules
Advises law enforcement of follow up investigation required
Appears for court hearings in district court
Presents motions in court and argue against defense motions when appropriate
Prepares for trial through case review and witness interviews/prep
Communicates case status and outcomes to crime victims and inform them of rights under the law
Researches caselaw/statutes as needed regarding contested issues
Presents the state's evidence at jury trials and court trials (and before grand jury if necessary for indictment)
Reviews cases that are appealed and appeal cases on behalf of the state if appropriate
Drafts appellate documents (including briefs) as needed and presenting oral arguments before appellate courts.

Advises and represents the County Board of Commissioners and other county agencies, boards, committees and commissions in day-to-day matters outside of court actions by doing the following:
Advises county officials and employees regarding contracts, leases, agreements, and constraints of law in developing police and performing assigned tasks
Interprets powers and duties of county officials
Represents the County in reviewing any claims, suits and demands
Represents the county in real estate sales
Drafts, reviews and researches county resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, ordinances, formal correspondence and legal documents
Attends County board meetings to offer advice and compile/present requested information
Attends meetings as requested
Advises the county when requested regarding personnel issues including labor contracts and grievance procedures
Monitors changes to the law in both appellate caselaw and legislative developments at the state and federal level
Provides legal analysis and advice to county regarding changes in the law and best practices
Provide any necessary training regarding legal matters to county officials and staff.

Represents Wilkin County, its Board, and agencies in front of the district and appellate courts and administrative hearing bodies by doing the following:
Represents the public interest the Family Services petitions regarding guardianships/conservatorships, child protection (including out of home placement and permanency proceedings), adult protection, and civil commitments due to mental illness or chemical dependency
Represents the public interest in establishment of parentage and in child support cases that are pursued through complaints, motions to modify, and contempt motions to enforce support orders
Pursues civil asset forfeiture on behalf of law enforcement pursuant to statute
Represents agencies in licensing, abuse, and maltreatment administrative hearings and appeals
Represents agencies regarding general assistance fraud, assistance eligibility determinations
Represents agencies in pursuing truancy and educational neglect cases
Defends the County against claims filed in court, including civil litigation, and in front of administrative agencies, and pursue any claims the County should file
Appears for hearings and draft/file necessary pleadings (petitions, motions, briefs, etc.) for all of the above matters.

10

Manages, and directs department staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.

5

Performs other duties of a comparable level/type, as required.

N/A

Qualifications:
Qualifications:
Education: Juris Doctorate and Admitted to the MN State Bar

Requirements:

Valid MN Driver's License.
Licensed to practice law in MN.
Experience working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
Principles, concepts, practices, and standards of the legal professional including rules of conduct, rules of evidence, rules of court, civil and criminal procedures/processes.
State, federal, and local laws and statutes applicable to areas of practice.
Negotiation techniques and processes.
Principles, techniques, methods, and resources of legal research.
Principles, concepts, and practices pertaining to legal arguments.
Supervisory and management fundamentals.
Law enforcement policies and procedures.
Principles, issues, and processes involved in contract law, contract review and drafting.
County organizational structure and functions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material.
Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, and using written communication methods.
Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings and access files and office machinery.
Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Travel is required infrequently.

Equipment Utilized
Automobile, office equipment, computer, and software