Assistant County Attorney II

Job Summary

Performs routine professional legal work involving legal research, precedent problems, law enforcement problems, jury and court trials, appeals, and other contested cases. Assignments are usually specialized as to type such as criminal prosecution, tax work, condemnation work, or human services agency work. Represents Scott County and the State of Minnesota in legal matters and provides legal guidance to all departments within the county. Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Reviews evidence to determine whether it is admissible and whether a petition or complaint may be issued.

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

• Prepares assigned cases for trial before judge, jury, magistrate, or referee; interviews witnesses, plans and organizes opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments; plans and organizes admission of documentary and physical evidence. 

• Represents the State of Minnesota, Scott County, and cities within the county in assigned court cases in person and remote hearings 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 para-professional 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 and admission to the bar in the State of Minnesota or eligibility for license reciprocity and two 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 employee is under general supervision of the County Attorney, the Chief Deputy, the First Assistant, and the Division Chief. The employee is assigned to work on an individual criminal, civil, or juvenile caseload. Completed assignments, trial results, and plans of procedure are reviewed by the County Attorney or other supervisor.

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 Appellate Court decisions.
 
Knowledge of principles of civil law, particularly as they relate to the ownership, acquisition, and conveyance of real property.
 
Knowledge of principles, laws, rules, and regulations related to child support and paternity matters.
 
Knowledge of principles of juvenile or criminal law and the problems of juvenile or 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 should be balanced to achieve the intent of county departments and to protect the public interest.
 
Abilities – Ability to analyze, 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 present and argue cases in court, dealing smoothly with unanticipated situations when they arise.
 
Ability to negotiate settlements.
 
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.