Assistant States Attorney

Company Overview

Morton County is a committed public service employer devoted to our Team and the steadfast citizens who make up this great community. The ideals we are tasked with instilling in our Team Members are what make this institution remarkable. We have a strong belief in providing comprehensive, cost-effective, and efficient services to our community, our constituents, and our Team while providing these services in a collaborative, considerate, ethical and fiscally responsible manner.

Our ability to provide exceptional customer service is directly attributable to the quality of our Team and the culture we cultivate. We work to build a culture that is responsive to our team by listening to the needs of our Team Members and their families. From there, we work diligently to provide a comprehensive and affordable benefits program.

We ask that you consider Morton County as your next employer.

Job Summary

Morton County is currently recruiting an Assistant States Attorney to primarily focus on juvenile and criminal prosecution. We are offering an annual salary up to $90,000, depending on experience. This is an invaluable opportunity for applicants who have a genuine desire to see justice prevail. Due to the versatility in County Government, the applicant will gain immediate and first-hand experience in prosecuting demanding and thought-provoking cases while balancing the interests of the victim and the County.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Responsible for gathering evidence, conducting criminal and civil lawsuits including trials and appeals, and presenting information in court to prosecute or defend actions. 
• Establish and maintain working relationships with judiciary, other attorneys, county officials, and law enforcement.
• Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Represent clients and/or agency in legal proceedings; advise as to their legal rights and obligations.
• Interview parties involved in the legal proceedings.
• Prepare evidence, exhibits, and legal documents necessary to litigate cases.
• Review and prepare legal documents, opinions, forms, contracts, bonds, permits, and other agreements.
• Perform legal research; prepare appropriate findings of fact, conclusions of law, orders for judgment and judgments after court proceedings.
• Interpret and apply state and federal laws and administrative rules.
• Receive, research, and respond to questions or complaints; provide information, explain policy and procedure, and/or facilitate a resolution.
• Provide consultation, make recommendations, give appropriate advice, and/or facilitate decisions.
• Research cases by interviewing witnesses, reading depositions, reviewing evidence and speaking with the client to determine the best strategy for defense.
• Attend all pretrial hearings on behalf of clients and advise clients following each hearing about the best strategies
• Provide legal guidance and support; assist clients with executing plea bargains and other agreements
• Conduct criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits.
• Provide legal advice to elected and appointed officials and county employees.
• Gather evidence in civil, criminal and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.
• Present cases in court and administrative proceedings. 
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• The Assistant States Attorney position requires a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. 
• The successful applicant must be licensed to practice law in the State of North Dakota.
• This position prefers but does not require at least one year of service as an Attorney or one year of post-graduate law training in a specialized field.
• The successful candidate must have strong experience in computer systems such as Westlaw as well as programs to include Microsoft Office. 
• Ability to analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to legal problems; act as an effective trial advocate;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work;
• Astute professional Skills, negotiation skills, legal knowledge, influencing skills, attention to detail, business awareness, keen judgment, organizational ability;
• Working knowledge of municipal, state and federal laws, ordinances and codes affecting government; interpret and apply various government codes and ordinances; 
• Ability to research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions;
• Ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy; 
• Adeptness in managing multiple demanding programs, cases and projects with competing deadlines;
• Effective communication in both oral and written form with officials, representatives of outside agencies and the public, and in litigation;
• Proficient in speaking at a level that is conversant in the theory, principles, and methods of effective and persuasive speaking;
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of corporate law and procedures;
• Ability to apply effective risk management techniques and offer proactive advise on possible legal issues;
• Experience in communicating and negotiating with external parties (external counsel, public authority etc.), creating relations of trust;
• Ability to draft and solidify agreements, contracts and other legal documents to ensure the company’s full legal rights;
• Proven experience as a legal counsel in business environment;
• Demonstrates ability to create legal defensive or proactive strategies.

Benefits and Perks

• North Dakota Public Employees Retirement Health Insurance
• North Dakota Public Employees Retirement Program
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Voluntary Benefit Options