Description

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 (May not include all duties performed):

• 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.  

* The percentage allocations assigned to each function above are estimates only and are intended to illustrate the general nature of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and the relative amount of time devoted to each may change as organizational needs evolve.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND 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.

 NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• License to practice law in the state of Montana.
• Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

• 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.