Assistant City Attorney

Assistant City AttorneyNewly graduated licensed attorneys seeking a career opportunity are encouraged to apply.The Assistant City Attorney performs professional legal work related to the prosecution of criminal misdemeanors and infractions, attending court for arraignments, pre-trials and court trial conferences, motion hearings, court trials and jury trials, sentencing hearings and other related case activities. This position may also provide legal research and advice to city departments as assigned and under the supervision of the Chief Deputy City Attorney or senior attorneys. The Assistant City Attorney differs from the Deputy City Attorney in that it is generally a less experienced position that handles more routine cases and spends 90-95% of the time prosecuting misdemeanor and infraction cases. The position does not include supervisory responsibility and works under the general supervision of a Chief Deputy Attorney or other senior attorney with latitude for the exercise of independent discretion and judgment in routine legal matters. The position requires a Juris Doctorate degree and a license from the Idaho State Bar. The work is accomplished primarily in an office and courtroom environment. The Assistant City Attorney may be called upon after regular business hours to prepare and present arrest and search warrants and/or to provide legal advice to police officers.Examples of DutiesAppears in court at all stages of a proceeding including arraignment, pre-trial conferences, trials and all other hearings;Represents the City in negotiations with opposing counsel and uses discretion when determining case resolutions;Prepares, drafts and defends legal briefs and memoranda to be presented to the courts;Presents probable cause to the court that supports criminal charges;Conducts independent legal research and analysis for legal motions, briefs, memoranda and trials;Prepares and writes search warrants and arrest warrants, including presenting to the court after working hours;Conducts witness and victim interviews;Responds to law enforcement questions and provides legal advice and counsel to police officers and the police department;Performs legal research in case law, rules of evidence and trial techniques;Attends treatment and diversion courts as the City representative;Reviews court pleadings, including discoveries for accuracy and completeness;Reviews public records requests for release of information;Represents city departments, commissioners, boards, committees as assigned and provide legal advice as needed;Responds to management's, supervisor's, co-workers' and citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, thorough and timely manner;Performs time management and scheduling functions, meets deadlines, and sets project priorities;Maintains strict confidentiality of all matters;Assists other department and City employees as needed or requested.Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.Secondary Duties and ResponsibilitiesReviews alleged violations of municipal code for civil and/or criminal enforcement;Drafts enforcement letters, negotiations and decisions and/or recommendations for civil or criminal action;Attends staff, city committee and court committee meetings as assigned;Provides legal training to the police department and Idaho POST Academy;Performs other duties as assigned.Minimum RequirementsGraduation from a school of law, accredited by the American Bar Association, with a Juris Doctorate Degree; andMember in good standing with the Idaho State Bar; andAbility to pass CJIS and ILETS security background check is required.Supplemental InformationThe requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.Knowledge of:General municipal, State and Federal laws affective city government;Idaho criminal law, criminal procedure, trial procedure, laws of arrest, search and seizure, use of force, rules of evidence, and legal ethics;Advanced legal research and writing techniques;Interview techniques, methods and strategies used for case preparation; pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases;Skill and Ability to:Prosecute misdemeanor cases and infractions, including regularly attending court hearings and procedures;Use good time management skills and strong interpersonal skills;Speak effectively in public;Exhibit proficiency in legal research and writing;Interpret various statutes and codes;Understand relevant case law;Research and organize facts; interpret and make deductions from varying facts or circumstances;Quickly understand an issue and respond timely, accurately and appropriately,Communicate effectively with diverse persons and interests;Conduct effective negotiations;Consistently exercise discretion and judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters;Evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations;Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly, logically and persuasively;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;Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city managers, employees, and outside agencies;Proficiently operate computers, software programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar office software to create documents and other materials, maintain information, and generate reports;Use English and speak clearly for understanding;Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through verbal, written, and electronic communication channels;Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials, or manipulate tools used in performing the essential functions of the classification, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must (occasionally or frequently) lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone. While performing the duties of this classification, the employee works in an office or courtroom setting where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.