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Assistant County Attorney I or Assistant County Attorney II

Assistant County Attorney I - Grade 11 - Salaried - $61,074.25 - $90,943.71, starting salary DOQ
Assistant County Attorney II - Grade 13 - Salaried - $67,827.50 - $101,073.57, starting salary DOQ

Assistant County Attorney I

Job Summary
To assist the County Attorney in the evaluation, preparation and presentation of cases brought before the District Court for civil or criminal prosecution, and to provide legal advice and assistance to various County officials and agencies.

Supervision Received 
Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised
No formal supervisory authority.  

Essential Functions 
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

1. Evaluates and exercises discretion in criminal investigations, child protection matters, civil commitment screenings, forfeitures, child support, and other matters, identifies appropriate charging or other decisions, recommends appropriate disposition of those matters in accordance with established policies and standards; refers investigations to appropriate agencies as may be required; refers, notifies, consults, advocates, and informs crime victims in accordance with the Victim’s Rights Act.
2. Prepares cases for judicial and administrative proceedings or appeals by, including but not limited to, reviewing evidence presented by county agencies, investigating facts, researching law, drafting and editing correspondence, pleadings and other documents, analyzing the opposing position(s), document and record case proceedings for future reference, and writing legal memoranda and briefs
3. Represents the County in assigned criminal or civil cases in court or at other hearings by presenting facts, analyzing and introducing evidence, interpreting information and law as it is conveyed during the proceedings, and revising and adapt the County's legal arguments as necessary. Recommends the disposition of cases to judges, referees, arbitrators and administrative law judges.
4. Confers with other staff attorneys and plans trial strategy, analyzes and presents evidence, engages in negotiation of case settlements or other matters of law, and monitors, modifies, and verifies the work of clerical staff in the preparation of legal documents. Supervises the issuance of subpoenas for trial preparation, manages and coordinates the trial process, maintains communication with trial witnesses and victims through pretrial witness interviews, correspondence, and phone calls to convey case status updates and schedule court appearances.  
5. Coordinates the flow of information between defense attorneys, law enforcement, social services, and other agencies.  
6. Analyzes legislation, case law, legal publications and other relevant literature in order to maintain accurate, current information on legal developments in all areas of law.
7. Counsels, represents and advises law enforcement officers; county officials, departments or agencies; attorneys; corrections workers; and other relevant parties in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment; includes on-call availability after hours or on weekends as assigned to authorize continued detention of suspects, creation of search warrants, and other legal matters as presented.
8. Trains law enforcement officers, other agencies, and public organizations regarding legal issues.
9. Researches and identifies appellate issues on assigned cases by analyzing the facts and proceedings, reviewing court transcripts, and performing legal research, and drafting legal briefs and presenting oral arguments to the appellate court.
10. Composes correspondence and distributes relevant information to law enforcement, defense attorneys, the Court, guardian ad litems, county agencies, victims and other individuals and organizations relating to the status of the case.
11. Attend conferences and continuing education courses as needed.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree and Minnesota Attorney License issued by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

All attorneys in the County Attorney's Office rotate weekend and holiday on-call duties. Such on-call duties include twenty-four (24) hour availability to law enforcement officers for authorization for continued detention of suspects, assistance in the creation of search warrants, and advice or consultation as needed. There is currently no additional compensation, remuneration, or consideration for said additional on-call duties.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:
1. Duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the office of the County Attorney. 
2. Criminal and civil law, rules of procedure, rules of evidence, and their application.
3. Principle methods, materials and practices of legal research, investigation, and writing.
4. Appraisal, interpretation, and application of legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems.
5. Preparation and presentation necessary to try complex civil or criminal cases and solve complex legal issues.
6. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 

Skill in:
1. Effective communication, which will allow for presentation of statements of fact, law and argument clearly, logically, and forcefully, both in written and oral form.
2. Effective legal research, analysis, and application of the law.
3. Communicating with and relating calmly, logically and sensitively to crime victims, law enforcement, other attorneys, court personnel, and county departments.
4. Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
5. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 

Ability to:
1. Work both independently and cooperatively.
2. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a variety of forums.
3. Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, case law, statutes and rules and to effectively present legal opinions to other county officials, attorneys, judges and juries.
4. Present and argue cases in court, including the ability to deal with unanticipated situations when they arise.
5. Negotiate with adverse parties to settle cases in a manner which promotes the interests of justice.
6. Work effectively with others and manage time and workload effectively.
7. Travel and work in excess of standard hours when necessary.
6. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
7. Maintain confidentiality.

Language Skills 
Highest Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or governing boards.


Mathematical Skills  
High Skills – Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Skills 
Very High Skills - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:  
 
County Payroll Software/E-time, Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Jail and/or Dispatch Software, Minnesota County Attorney Practice System (MCAPS), Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS), Westlaw, Windows media system, and Internet.

Ability to Travel
Periodic travel required for court hearings, trainings, and meetings in and out of Aitkin County. 

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, change management, delegation, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.

Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employees working in this position are exposed to evidence of trauma, violence, and disturbing crimes. 

Equipment and Tools
Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, Elmo visual projector and presentation equipment, scanner, emergency weather-alert system, county-owned vehicles, personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file), and other job-related equipment.

Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.  

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

05/13/2014


________________________________________
Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.
Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.
Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism 


Assistant County Attorney II

Final Appointing Authority
This position shall not be filled until final approval of the County Administrator. All offers of employment are made in writing by the Human Resources Department.

Job Summary
To assist the County Attorney in the evaluation, preparation and presentation of cases brought before the District Court for civil or criminal prosecution, and to provide legal advice and assistance to various County officials and agencies.

Supervision Received 
Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised
Directly supervises assigned support staff. 

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; training and rewarding employees. Responsibilities also include, in collaboration with the Human Resources Department, interviewing, hiring, implementing performance improvement plans, disciplining employees, and resolving grievances.

Essential Functions 
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

1. Evaluates and exercises discretion in criminal investigations, child protection matters, civil commitment screenings, forfeitures, child support, and other matters, identifies appropriate charging or other decisions, recommends appropriate disposition of those matters in accordance with established policies and standards; refers investigations to appropriate agencies as may be required; refers, notifies, consults, advocates, and informs crime victims in accordance with the Victim’s Rights Act.
2. Prepares cases for judicial and administrative proceedings or appeals by, including but not limited to, reviewing evidence presented by county agencies, investigating facts, researching law, drafting and editing correspondence, pleadings and other documents, analyzing the opposing position(s), document and record case proceedings for future reference, and writing legal memoranda and briefs
3. Represents the County in assigned criminal or civil cases in court or at other hearings by presenting facts, analyzing and introducing evidence, interpreting information and law as it is conveyed during the proceedings, and revising and adapt the County's legal arguments as necessary. Recommends the disposition of cases to judges, referees, arbitrators and administrative law judges.
4. Confers with other staff attorneys and plans trial strategy, analyzes and presents evidence, engages in negotiation of case settlements or other matters of law, and monitors, modifies, and verifies the work of clerical staff in the preparation of legal documents. Supervises the issuance of subpoenas for trial preparation, manages and coordinates the trial process, maintains communication with trial witnesses and victims through pretrial witness interviews, correspondence, and phone calls to convey case status updates and schedule court appearances.  
5. Coordinates the flow of information between defense attorneys, law enforcement, social services, and other agencies.  
6. Analyzes legislation, case law, legal publications and other relevant literature in order to maintain accurate, current information on legal developments in all areas of law.
7. Counsels, represents and advises law enforcement officers; county officials, departments or agencies; attorneys; corrections workers; and other relevant parties in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment; includes on-call availability after hours or on weekends as assigned to authorize continued detention of suspects, creation of search warrants, and other legal matters as presented.
8. Trains law enforcement officers, other agencies, and public organizations regarding legal issues.
9. Researches and identifies appellate issues on assigned cases by analyzing the facts and proceedings, reviewing court transcripts, and performing legal research, and drafting legal briefs and presenting oral arguments to the appellate court.
10. Composes correspondence and distributes relevant information to law enforcement, defense attorneys, the Court, guardian ad litems, county agencies, victims and other individuals and organizations relating to the status of the case.
11. Adheres to collective bargaining agreements, county policies and procedures, and applicable laws, including timely/accurate reporting and consistent/uniform administration of EEO, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation and Return to Work programs, in close collaboration with the Human Resources Department. Completes departmental new hire orientations promptly and staff performance appraisals in accordance with county policy. 
12. Attend conferences and continuing education courses as needed.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree and Minnesota Attorney License issued by the Minnesota Supreme Court, plus five (5) years work experience as an Assistant County Attorney I with successful performance reviews OR five (5) years work experience as an attorney working as full-time prosecution, public defender or other full-time employment as an attorney at a governmental entity in civil or public law.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

All attorneys in the County Attorney's Office rotate weekend and holiday on-call duties. Such on-call duties include twenty-four (24) hour availability to law enforcement officers for authorization for continued detention of suspects, assistance in the creation of search warrants, and advice or consultation as needed. There is currently no additional compensation, remuneration, or consideration for said additional on-call duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:
1. Duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the office of the County Attorney. 
2. Criminal and civil law, rules of procedure, rules of evidence, and their application.
3. Principle methods, materials and practices of legal research, investigation, and writing.
4. Appraisal, interpretation, and application of legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems.
5. Preparation and presentation necessary to try complex civil or criminal cases and solve complex legal issues.
6. County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 

Skill in:
1. Effective communication, which will allow for presentation of statements of fact, law and argument clearly, logically, and forcefully, both in written and oral form.
2. Effective legal research, analysis, and application of the law.
3. Communicating with and relating calmly, logically and sensitively to crime victims, law enforcement, other attorneys, court personnel, and county departments.
4. Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
5. Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 

Ability to:
1. Work both independently and cooperatively.
2. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a variety of forums.
3. Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, case law, statutes and rules and to effectively present legal opinions to other county officials, attorneys, judges and juries.
4. Present and argue cases in court, including the ability to deal with unanticipated situations when they arise.
5. Negotiate with adverse parties to settle cases in a manner which promotes the interests of justice.
6. Work effectively with others and manage time and workload effectively.
7. Travel and work in excess of standard hours when necessary.
6. Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
7. Maintain confidentiality.

Language Skills 
Highest Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or governing boards.

Mathematical Skills  
High Skills – Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Skills 
Very High Skills - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software:  
 
County Payroll Software/E-time, Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Jail and/or Dispatch Software, Minnesota County Attorney Practice System (MCAPS), Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS), Westlaw, Windows media system, and Internet.

Ability to Travel
Periodic travel required for court hearings, trainings, and meetings in and out of Aitkin County. 

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, change management, delegation, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, and innovation.


Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employees working in this position are exposed to evidence of trauma, violence, and disturbing crimes. 

Equipment and Tools
Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, Elmo visual projector and presentation equipment, scanner, emergency weather-alert system, county-owned vehicles, personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file), and other job-related equipment.

Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs light work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.  

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

05/13/2014



________________________________________
Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.
Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.
Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism