Deputy County Attorney - Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs full performance professional legal duties as required to expedite the efficient and effective litigation of juvenile, civil and/or criminal cases within the county.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision from the County Attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide close supervision to Legal Secretaries on a project-by-project basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends county commission meeting and department head meetings; advises, counsels and consults with various departments and agencies of the county; assists in the drafting of ordinances, resolutions, official notices, deeds, easements and contracts for consideration by the County Commission; advises county officials regarding various civil processes and procedures; advises various governmental entities of the county, i.e., fire district, hospital and solid waste district.
• Attends and participates in public meetings as needed to serve as a resource and legal voice of the county; apprises county officers regarding various legal issues related to statute, ordinance, policies and practice.
• Informs individual citizens concerning various codes or ordinances and responds to their inquiries regarding legal issues; participates in the delivery of public information statements and press releases.
• Investigates and gives opinion as to the validity of claims against the county; negotiates with persons in the private sector on legal issues pertaining to county government; provides legal advice to Sheriff department as directed; provides legal advice to law enforcement agencies within the county as requested; makes recommendations to prevent risk exposures and reduce liability.
• Manages personal caseload assignments and projects; coordinates and cooperates with various county, city, state and federal agencies on special assignments, i.e., DARE drug task force, etc.
• Performs research and prepares opinions of various legal problems of the county and issues in civil, juvenile or criminal cases being prosecuted or defended; prepares and litigates cases arising out of criminal or civil activities; interviews victims, witnesses and law enforcement officers; determines, prepares and approves appropriate charges to be brought against accused persons or organizations; prepares for court by performing legal research, composing and drafting briefs, gathering and analyzing evidence; delivers the state's case in civil and felony proceedings; attends and participates in arraignments, sentencing trials, and preliminary hearings and other hearings as required by the court.
• Prepares writs, subpoenas, warrants, petitions, affidavits, and other legal documents; may assist county attorney in advising county officials on legal matters; submits regular reports, written or verbal to apprise county attorney of status of assigned cases.
• Receives, reviews and screens reports and intake activities on criminal investigations—including misdemeanors and juvenile cases—from law enforcement agencies within the county; assures proper legal procedures and processes are adhered to; determines quality of case and eligibility for filing to pursue legal action; advises Victim Services Coordinator in processes and procedures related to the legal system and services.
   
• Performs related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• A. Graduation from college of law with a juris doctorate degree,
• AND
• Five (5) years of experience related to the above duties

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of advocacy techniques; principles of law and their application; civil and criminal trial procedures and the rules of evidence; Robert’s Rules of Order; Rules of Civil Procedure; Utah Code and local ordinances and how they apply to county government operations; contract law, real estate law, case law related to a variety of county government subjects and criminal prosecution; principles, practices and methods used in legal research.

Ability to conduct the prosecution or defense of civil and criminal cases assigned; ability present statements of fact, law and argument intelligently and logically; ability to gather and evaluate information obtained through research, investigations and interrogations; apply legal principles and knowledge to individual cases and problems; ability to analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and to apply them to individual cases and problems; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.

Special Requirements:

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Utah, and member of Utah State Bar, in good standing.

Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance.