Assistant County Attorney III

Job Summary

Performs complex legal work involving legal research, precedent problems, law enforcement problems, jury and court trials, appeals, and contested cases. The incumbent imparts knowledge, skill, and legal expertise to other Attorneys through training and professional guidance. Assignments are usually specialized as to type, such as criminal/juvenile prosecution, tax work, condemnation work, or human services agency work. Represents Scott County and the State of Minnesota in legal matters and provide legal guidance to all departments within the County. Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Reviews evidence to determine the best course of action necessary to defend against or commence civil litigation cases, including tax court cases, drafting the requisite legal documents, preparation for trial, planning and organizing opening statements, preparation of witnesses, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments; including depositions and settlement negotiations in assigned cases of the most complex difficulty. 

• Draft petitions, complaints, warrants, motions, memoranda, findings, orders, stipulations, and other legal documents in assigned cases of the most complex difficulty. 

• Represents the State of Minnesota, Scott County, and cities within the county in assigned court cases in person and remote virtually; tries cases and contested motions before judge, jury, magistrate, or referee; presents oral argument in bail, motion, review, dispositional, or other hearings; prepares appellate briefs and argues cases in appellate court. 

• Advises law enforcement, child protection workers, adult protection workers, and child support officers regarding legal authority, duty, liability, and investigation; advises county staff regarding the most complex issues of legal obligations, authority, and liability. 

• Drafts complex contracts and agreements, ordinances, conveyances, legislation resolutions, or other documents that establish legal rights of Scott County; prepares legal memoranda regarding complex legal issues to county staff; attends staff and other required meetings. 

• Attends continuing legal education courses; provides training for law enforcement agencies, social workers, child support officers, new county employees, and others regarding applicable developments in the law; provides training and mentoring for law clerks and paraprofessional staff. 

• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. 

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires Juris Doctor degree, admission to the bar in the State of Minnesota or eligibility for license reciprocity, and five years of experience as a practicing attorney, performing specialized duties directly relevant to the position. One must have satisfactory or better performance in the previous job evaluation, be recommended for promotion by the First Assistant and Chief Deputy, and be approved for promotion by the County Attorney. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent is under general oversight from the County Attorney and receives direct guidance and supervision from the Chief Deputy, First Assistant, and Division Head. The incumbent is assigned a criminal/juvenile or civil caseload and performs additional professional and administrative legal work as needed. Completed assignments, trial results, and plans or procedure are occasionally reviewed by the County Attorney, or his or her designee. Office policies, practices, and procedures are determined by the County Attorney, Chief Deputy, and the First Assistant.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of county ordinances, state and federal criminal laws, accepted legal precedent, and ongoing federal and Minnesota Supreme and Appellate Court decisions.

Knowledge of legal principles and practices of civil law, particularly as they relate to the ownership, acquisition, and conveyance of real property, contracts, taxes, and child support.

Knowledge of legal principles and practices of criminal law, the problems of criminal law enforcement, trial procedures, and rules of evidence.
 
Knowledge of what can be accomplished by legal approaches, what must be done by administrative approaches, and how the two must be balanced to achieve the intent of county departments to protect the public interest.

Abilities – Ability to conduct legal research, recognize, prioritize, and analyze issues and determine the proper course of action.

Ability to make oral presentations and arguments of fact, present and argue cases in court, and deal tactfully with unanticipated situations when they arise.

Ability to appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and to present such material effectively.

Ability to determine the limits of action available to opponents and the probable courses of action of opponents in court cases.

Ability to negotiate settlements.
 
Ability to advise clearly and concisely through verbal and written communications.

Ability to apply legal principles, make statements of law, and argue points in a clear and logical manner.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. Attendance at evening/off-site meetings may be required.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.