Description

The City of Bozeman, Montana is looking for an experienced and hardworking attorney to accept a challenging position addressing a wide diversity of legal and organizational matters. We seek an attorney with integrity, a lively work ethic, and an appreciation for collaboration, leadership qualities, and an affinity for change. This position will be primarily assigned to the criminal division for prosecution services, with the possibility of some assigned civil duties. As part of the City Attorney’s Office, this position represents the City in all matters that involve criminal charges and municipal code violations, including receiving and evaluating new case files, arguing bond, bail, or sentencing as necessary, reviewing police reports and citations to determine appropriate charges, drafting charging documentation accordingly, and advocating for enforcement of the law. 

This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by joining the City of Bozeman! You will be part of a passionate team driving positive change while enjoying a fantastic benefits package. Full-time City of Bozeman employees receive top-tier benefits including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 holidays, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, bilingual pay, excellent retirement options, comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, discounted ski tickets and gym memberships, and much more!

Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt
Work Week: Generally 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday though additional or varying hours may be required including evenings and weekends due to the nature of the position.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Represents the City in all matters that involve criminal charges and municipal code violations, including receiving and evaluating new case files, arguing bond, bail, or sentencing as necessary, reviewing police reports and citations to determine appropriate charges, drafting charging documentation accordingly, and advocating for enforcement of the law;
• Prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, and contracts, including editing complex documents, drafting originals, and appearing before the Commission to report on new or amended legislation;
• Prepares evidence for trial and tries cases in both state and federal district courts, including conducting victim/witness interviews, briefing victim/witnesses on court procedures,   identifying and organizing evidence, and providing and responding to discovery;
• Researches and writes memoranda and legal briefs in accordance with trial, appellate, and federal court guidelines, including initiating motions and appeals on behalf of the State, and presenting oral arguments accordingly;
• Provides advice and legal assistance to members of various City Departments, including addressing inquiries or requests from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and/or the general public on criminal and civil issues, providing informal, written, email, or verbal opinions to municipality department staff, researching specific legal questions, and preparing formal, written memoranda;
• Manages criminal cases from arraignment to trial, including negotiating plea arrangements, and responding to bond petitions and revocation proceedings;
• Reviews and evaluates requests for prosecution, including researching case law for motions, determining presence of probable cause, ascertaining likelihood of conviction, and discovering any need for additional information;  
• Addresses inquiries or requests from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and/or the general public on criminal issues and related court procedures;
• Participates in various community outreach activities as assigned;
• May perform functions in the absence of the City Attorney as assigned;
• Attends City Commission and other agency meetings as assigned or necessary;
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately and diligently informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and other materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; and
• License to practice law and membership in good standing in Montana; and
• Some (1 – 3 years) experience as an attorney, criminal law experience preferred; or,
• Any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
  
  Applicants who are within one semester of graduation from an accredited law school and those with 0-1 year of experience as a licensed attorney may be considered for hire as an Associate City Attorney at an entry rate of $114,549.84. Associate City Attorneys may become eligible for Assistant City Attorney upon successful completion of the probationary period. 

To Apply:

Complete a City of Bozeman Application online at www.bozeman.net/jobs

Attach a Cover Letter and Resume.
Attach a writing sample not to exceed ten (10) pages.
Complete the Supplemental Questions.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Special Qualifications 

• License to practice law in the State of Montana and membership in good standing with the Montana Bar Association.  Must maintain eligibility to practice law by completing minimal annual continuing legal education requirements;
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws, criminal case law regarding law and procedure and criminal law and theory;
• Valid Montana driver’s license and ability to travel between multiple work sites; and
• Offers for employment conditional upon satisfactory completion of appropriate post conditional offer process.