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Yellowstone County is seeking a Deputy County Attorney or a Senior Deputy County Attorney.
A Deputy County Attorney performs entry-level professional legal work that is designed to introduce the Deputy to the practice of law in the County Attorney's Office.
A Senior Deputy County Attorney performs the widest variety of professional legal work as assigned in the County Attorney's Office; develops, prepares, and presents the most complex issues and cases requiring appearance before administrative, legislative and judicial tribunals along with associated work and trial work; and performs related work as required. The employee must be able to handle an extremely high caseload and must be able to work with a high degree of independence within departmental guidelines.
Examples of Duties for DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY:
- Reviews reports and files appropriate charges;
- Prepares cases including identifying issues, conducting any necessary research, drafting relevant and case specific pleadings and motions, conducting additional investigation when necessary.
- Identifies and subpoenas necessary witnesses, obtaining additional evidence and exhibits when necessary, preparing witnesses for testimony, and preparing any exhibits for court presentations, and preparing any jury instructions;
- Prepares and files responses to discovery requests and other correspondence in a timely fashion;
- Maintains legible and organized case files, documenting court action, prosecutor's action and any plea offers or other agreements.
- Negotiates cases with attorneys and pro se defendants.
Examples of Duties for SENIOR DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY:
- Assigns and leads the work of Deputy County Attorneys in the preparation, presentation and, if necessary, the appeal of criminal cases;
- Prepares complex cases including identifying issues, conducting any necessary legal research, drafting relevant and case-specific pleadings and motions, conducting additional investigation when necessary, identifying and subpoenaing necessary witnesses, obtaining additional evidence and exhibits when necessary, preparing witnesses for testimony, preparing any exhibits for court presentations, and preparing any jury instructions;
- Leads substantive training sessions for local and state law enforcement on various aspects of criminal law;
- Advises and counsels Deputy County Attorneys on available options or strategies to accomplish assigned tasks;
- Defends civil lawsuits against the County filed under state or federal laws and frequently involving substantial sums of money.
Minimum Qualifications for DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY
- Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a Law Degree/Juris Doctorate.
- Membership in the Bar of the State of Montana is required at the time of application; OR
- Completion or passage of the Bar Exam within six (6) month probationary period.
- Valid driver's license issued by the State of Montana.
Minimum Qualifications for SENIOR DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY:
- Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a Law Degree/Juris Doctorate; and
- A minimum of two (2) years of criminal prosecution and trial experience as a Deputy County Attorney or two (2) years? experience practicing law including civil litigation, criminal litigation and/or local government law; OR
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training totaling six (6) years;
- Demonstrated ability to litigate and try cases and effectively handle a heavy caseload.
- Membership in the Bar of the State of Montana is required at the time of application.
- Valid driver's license issued by the State of Montana
Equal Opportunity Employer.
