Assistant County Attorney

Description:

The Douglas County Attorney's Office is currently accepting applications to fill two full-time Assistant County Attorney positions.
Our office consists of the elected county attorney, six assistant county attorneys, six support staff, and a part-time investigator.

Juris Doctorate is required. Must have passed the Minnesota State Bar Exam and must remain certified.

Job Objectives:
The Assistant County Attorney represents the State of Minnesota and Douglas County in the enforcement of law in District Court and other court settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of those specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Manage the following cases from start to finish: Truancy and Runaway Petitions, Civil Commitment Petitions (mental health and/or chemical dependency, Guardianship/Conservatorship cases, juvenile diversion cases, dangerous dog appeals, prosecute all juvenile cases (petty, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felonies), Ordinance Enforcement, License Enforcement, assist County Assessor with tax appeals including litigation in Tax Court, and conduct trust reviews for Social Services.
• Manage child protection cases from start to finish including Termination of Parental Rights and permanency cases. Collect reports. Analyze evidence. Organize the CHIPS case. Inspect all pleadings and motions. Prepare for contested hearings. Estimate time needed for court hearings. Select witnesses. Examine witnesses in court. Argue motions. Devise and execute a trial plan.
• Manage the following cases from start to finish: Truancy and Runaway Petitions, Civil Commitment Petitions (mental health and/or chemical dependency, Guardianship/Conservatorship cases, juvenile diversion cases, dangerous dog appeals, prosecute all juvenile cases (petty, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felonies), Ordinance Enforcement, License Enforcement, assist County Assessor with tax appeals including litigation in Tax Court, and conduct trust reviews for Social Services.
• Manage child support cases from start to finish including contempt cases. Collect and evaluate social services reports and data. Collaborate with the child support officer. Present the case in court. Propose appropriate child support amount. Justify the same.
• Interpret Minnesota law. Appraise the relative strength of a criminal case. Choose appropriate criminal charges. Estimate the likelihood of a successful prosecution.
• Argue for appropriate bail in court. Justify said amount based on public safety concerns and flight risk.
• Create advisory opinions for all county departments as necessary.
• Provide legal advice to law enforcement on a 24/7 basis including weekends.
• Review and approve 48-hour probable cause holds for weekend arrests.
• Reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, as assigned or apparent.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide information to law enforcement outside of normal office hours as needed.
• Answers phone and takes messages.
• Prepares subpoenas and miscellaneous documents.
• Copies video and audio recordings as needed.
• Directs and screens inquiries from the general public.
• Attends continuing legal education courses to keep the license to practice law current.

• Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
• Implicit in the employer-employee relationship is the right of Douglas County to rely upon the presence of the employee during assigned hours of work and the obligation of the employee for timely and regular attendance.
• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols, and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
• Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
• Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
• Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Access to Not Public Data
The incumbent may encounter not public data in the course of these duties. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished, incumbent must properly store the not public data according to the provisions Ch. 13.
Education:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Requires research of new legislation every year in all aspects of the County Attorney's responsibilities including criminal, juvenile, family, and extradition law, and all other areas of practice.

Experience:
None.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• A background check is required.
• A valid Mn driver's license is required.
• Must have passed the Minnesota State Bar Exam and remain certified throughout employment.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Qualities at Hire:
Core Competencies outline essential business and professional traits necessary to perform this job are:

• Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal principles and practices.
• Demonstrates skills in a group presentation.
• Demonstrates skills in writing clearly and informatively.
• Demonstrates ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrates ability to share knowledge of and experience with the justice system.
• Demonstrates ability to allocate time for professional development.
• Demonstrates ability to remain current on legislative changes.
• Demonstrates ability to plan and present court cases effectively.
• Demonstrates ability to conduct legal research.
• Demonstrates ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Demonstrates ability to read and interpret written information.
• Demonstrates ability to accept responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrates ability to follow through on commitments.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively perform under high-stress situations.

Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract; multiply and divide totals; determine percentages, compute discount, interest, profit, loss, ratio and proportion; and interpret same as may be appropriate.

Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of professional, technical, and administrative documentation, directions, regulations, instructions, methods, and procedures. Requires the ability to communicate with people to convey or exchange professional information.

Preferred / Desirable Qualifications
Education:
See required minimum qualifications at hire.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience as an attorney preferred.

Previous experience in a county attorney's office is preferred.

Preferred / Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Qualities:
See required minimum knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualities at hire.

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