Description:

General Purpose:
The City of Idaho Falls City Attorney Department is accepting applications for a Prosecuting Attorney position. Under the direction of the City Attorney, prepares and handles City criminal prosecutions. Assists the City Attorney in civil matters for the City, as assigned.

Works under the general supervision of the City Attorney.

May provide occasional supervision to other Legal Department staff by assignment or delegation or in absence of the City Attorney.

Essential Functions:
Under direction of the City Attorney, performs City prosecution legal services (misdemeanors and infractions) of all types; conducts legal research; handles criminal appeals; appears in court, as necessary, to prosecute and dispose of criminal cases.

Screens possible criminal prosecutions for the Police Department.

Makes court appearances; prepares criminal cases or pre-trial and trial; prepares necessary pleadings.

Prepares legal opinions, ordinances and resolutions as needed.

As directed by the City Attorney, performs civil legal work, which may include: acting as legal consultant to City departments on special projects or issues or on particular areas of expertise; occasionally attends meetings to provide advice and counsel to the Mayor, the City Council, City Departments City Commissions, Boards, and other City clients; reviewing or responding to public records requests; representing the City in civil litigation cases and/or administrative hearings; preparing memoranda, motions, briefs and pleadings to be filed in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings; negotiating, reviewing, and preparing agreements and contracts for City Departments; may represent City in complex contract negotiations.

At the request of the City Attorney, Department Directors, or other City officials, provides training to public safety officers and general City employees, as well as legal training in criminal, civil and related law topics to legal staff in areas of constitutional law, legal compliance, and policy development. Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
  • Graduation with a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
  • And
  • No experience required. (1-3 years' experience as a practicing attorney with an emphasis in criminal law preferred.)
  • Or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Idaho criminal and municipal law; court administration; current principles and applications of Idaho criminal, civil, and administrative law that impacts municipal corporation legal activities; State court procedures and rules of evidence; interview techniques, methods and strategies used for case preparation, including conducting criminal discovery; pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases; principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation; principles and practices of legal communication methods; management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques. Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; persuasive legal writing; leadership and organizational behavior management; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with State, Federal, and other local officials, elected officials, and staff. Skill in the operation of computer and related office equipment.

Ability to define and analyze complex legal issues and problems; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; apply and argue the law to very specific cases; research and organize facts; perform legal risk-benefit analyses; evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly, logically and persuasively; exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters under pressure; interpret and explain State law, legislation, and constitutional provisions; develop sound litigation strategy and represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings; use a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals; determine long range needs for development of the department; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Qualifications: Must be a current member of the Idaho State Bar Association or a state bar association with reciprocity in Idaho and currently licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho. Must possess a valid driver's license.

Work Environment:
Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential job functions but may be accommodated. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Regular travel required in course of performing portions of job functions.