Description:
Nature of Work:Professional responsible for providing a wide array of legal services to the city, including witness interviews and preparation, building and investigating cases, drafting pleadings, briefs, motions and proposed court orders; providing legal memoranda and guidance; conducting complex legal research; and prosecution of criminal violations. This position reports to and performs work under the direction of the City Attorney.
Essential Functions Of Work
- Represents the city in court proceedings involving arraignment, preliminary examinations, various pre-trial oral arguments, trial practice, and appellate proceedings. 45%
- Investigates facts and law of cases to prepare cases and witnesses for hearing, trial or other disposition. 20%
- Participates in sentencing hearings by negotiating plea bargains and recommending sentences. 5%
- Performs legal research and prepares case documentation; maintains and updates records and files involving criminal cases and hearings. 5%
- Performs other duties as assigned. 5%
- Provides legal advice and consultation to City officials and law enforcement personnel. 4%
- Confers with law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victims and witnesses regarding cases and case status. 3%
- Interviews victims, witnesses, law enforcement and other individuals to obtain information on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects for effective prosecution of cases. 2%
- Possesses ability to cross-utilize staff for efficient delivery of prosecution service. 2%
- Possesses and maintains extensive knowledge of criminal legal terminology, procedures, practices and processes, and ability to effectively utilize research techniques, including electronic research methods. 1%
- Obtains and accurately relays information to and from attorneys, departments, witnesses and the general public regarding cases and office procedures. 1%
- Reviews criminal investigative files and prepares charging documents for misdemeanor offenses. 5%
- Possesses working knowledge of standard office equipment (including computers, photocopier, fax, multi-function telephone, and other equipment); use equipment and materials properly. 1%
- Possesses ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, FullCourt, records management, and other software to complete assignments. 1%
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
- Minimum of three years of practical experience as a licensed attorney.
- Courtroom trial experience is preferred.
- License to Practice Law in The State of Montana.
- Possession of A Valid Montana Driver's License.
- Ability to Effectively Interview, Testify, Present Information and Respond to Questions from City Departments, Municipal Court, Elected Officials, Witnesses, Victims and The General Public.
- Ability to Establish and Maintain Effective Working Relationships with Court Personnel, City Officials, Peers, Law Enforcement Personnel, Other Public Agencies and The General Public in A Professional and Courteous Manner.
- Substantial Knowledge of Rules of Evidence, Court Procedures and Practices.
- Ability to Conduct Complex Legal Research.
- Knowledge of Montana Laws and Criminal Procedures.
- Knowledge of State and Local Law Relative to Local Government.
- Ability to Communicate Effectively, Both Orally and In Writing.
- Ability to Maintain Proficiency in Required Skills.
- Ability to Interact Constructively with Others in A Collaborative “team” Setting.
- Ability to Be Punctual in Delivery of Services and In Attendance.
Core Competencies:
- Ethical Conduct
- Highest Degree of Confidentiality
- Public Speaking
- Problem Solving/analysis
- Oral and Written Communication Proficiency
Supervisory Responsibility:
This Position Does Not Supervise Any Other Positions. at The Discretion and Direction of The City Attorney, This Position May Provide Work Direction of Criminal Division Administrative Staff on A Rotating Basis with City Prosecutors.
Work Environment:
Work Is Conducted in An Office Setting, as Well As, Various Courts of Law. in Addition, Work May Be Conducted Outside of The Office Setting.
Physical Demands:
While Performing the Duties of This Job, the Employee Is Required to Perform General Sedentary Work and To Frequently Lift and Carry up To 10 Pounds at A Time; Stand, Walk, Sit, Bend, Ride, Grasp, Push, Pull and Perform Similar Body Movements; Possess Strong of Hand/eye Coordination Sufficient to Use Office Equipment and To Operate a Motor Vehicle; the Ability to Talk and Hear in Person and By Telephone; and The Ability to See and Read Instructions and Legal Documents.
Expected Hours of Work
The Work Schedule Is a 40-Hour Work Week, Sunday Through Saturday. Work Is Generally Performed Monday Through Friday. There Are Routinely Occasions when More than 40 Hours in A Work Week Are Required. This Position Is Exempt and Ineligible for Overtime.
Travel:
Travel Is Primarily Local During the Business Day. Occasional Travel May Be Required to Attend Off-Site Training and Educational Opportunities.