First Assistant County Attorney

Job Summary

Performs duties to the County Attorney in the management and administration of the County Attorney's Office including performing professional legal services for the county and other assignments at the direction of the County Attorney. Performs complex professional legal work involving legal research, working closely with all law enforcement agencies, handling jury and court trials, appeals, and contested cases. Assignments are usually specialized as to type such as criminal prosecution, tax work, condemnation work, or human services agency work. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the County Attorney (appointed position).

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Performs duties for County Attorney functions at the direction of the County Attorney or in the absence of the County Attorney.

• Consults and advises with the County Attorney on legal and administrative matters relating to the policies of the office.

• Provides guidance and assistance to subordinates on administrative and legal issues.

• Interprets and communicates county and office management objectives to staff.

• Assists County Attorney by supervising others in the office and monitoring compliance with the County Attorney's policies and directives.

• Assists the County Attorney to plan, coordinate, direct, and evaluate the work of attorneys and other appropriate supervisory staff and makes hiring, transfer, promotion, suspension, discharge, and disciplinary decisions related to staff.

• Performs criminal and civil legal functions within and for the office as assigned by the County Attorney.

• Responds to public and/or press regarding county or office-related legal activities as assigned by the County Attorney.

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• 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 admission to the bar in the State of Minnesota and seven years of experience as a practicing attorney, performing specialized duties directly relevant to the position. 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 the direct guidance of the County Attorney. The employee works independently on legal and administrative work at the discretion of the County Attorney.
 
The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

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 and state and federal laws including accepted legal precedent and ongoing federal and Minnesota Supreme and Appellate Court decisions.
 
Knowledge of principles of civil law, particularly as they relate to the ownership, acquisition, and conveyance of real property.
 
Knowledge of the principles of criminal law and the problems of criminal law enforcement, procedure, and 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 and to protect the public interest.
 
Knowledge of the organization, functions, and legal limitations on the authority of the various county departments.
 
Abilities – Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents; and to effectively present such material.
 
Ability to determine the limits of action available to opponents and the probable courses of action of opponents in court cases.
 
Ability to present and argue cases in court, dealing smoothly with unanticipated situations that arise.
 
Ability to negotiate settlements.
 
Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
 
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. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.
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.