Assistant City Attorney

Are you ready to live the cabin life full time?? The City of Bemidji is located in the heart of the Northwoods with the comforts of a large city.  Located a just few hours' drive from the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro, Fargo/Moorhead, Duluth, and Grand Forks, Bemidji is a regional hub in Northern Minnesota for businesses, shopping and the arts.  The natural resources in and around Bemidji are one of a kind with lakes, trails, and just steps away from the start of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park, and the Chippewa National Forest.  

The Criminal Division of the Bemidji City Attorney’s Office is seeking an individual with a strong interest in the challenging and fulfilling field of criminal prosecution.  The position provides for immediate courtroom and trial opportunities.  The position would also include participation in treatment courts and domestic violence court.  Applicants should be able to take direction and work independently, with a passion for ensuring public safety while acting diligently and consistently in the interests of justice.

The Criminal Division Team for the Bemidji City Attorney’s Office is (located in) housed within the Bemidji Police Department.  This partnership fosters communication between law enforcement and prosecutors, which has led to more community engagement in the justice system.  To continue to foster that community engagement, the Office encourages attorneys to be involved in the community.  

Salary range is $99,638.62 – $126,219.22 depending on experience.  

First Review of Applicants will be Monday, November 4th.
First Interviews tentatively scheduled for the week of November 11th.

Benefits include the following:

•  Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• A Cafeteria Benefit Plan which includes:
  • Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
  • HSA/VEBA
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Accident Insurance
  • Hospitalization and injury Insurance
  • Childcare savings accounts
• A Defined benefit retirement program (PERA)
• Deferred compensation retirement plans
• Education on retirement investing
• Paid MN State Bar Association Dues
• Paid CLE Credits
• Paid Licensure
• Wellness programs

• Supervision Received
  • Works under the direction of the City Attorney and City Manager.
• Supervision Exercised
  • Exercises supervision over legal and administrative staff.

The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Primarily responsible for prosecution of petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes committed within the City, including required case preparation, court appearances and trial.
• Assist with DWI vehicle forfeiture program.
• Assist with provision of general municipal legal advice to City Manager, City Council and department heads.
• Drafts municipal ordinances and resolutions and negotiates and drafts contracts/agreements and policies.
• Legal research and preparation of legal arguments and briefs necessary for decision making purposes, trial preparation and/or appeal.
• Respond to citizen/public inquiries relative to complaints, municipal policies and procedures.
• Works with City Attorney, City Manager and department heads to provide oversight and direction for City relative to projects, policies and operations.
• Acts as City Attorney when the City Attorney is absent.
• Attend City Council and various board or committee meetings as directed. Some meetings will be on mornings and/or evenings, before or after normal business hours.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.
  
  

• Education &Experience
  • Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
  • Three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney and two years of prosecution experience; or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
• Special Requirements
  • A member in good standing of the Minnesota State Bar Association.
  • Member of good standing with the State Bar Association
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Must be bondable.
• Necessary Knowledge, Skills &Abilities
  • Strong legal skills.  Considerable knowledge of statutes relating to Minnesota Criminal Code and Rules of Criminal Procedure, as well as familiarity with municipal affairs and, in particular, laws relating to the purchase of goods and services, contracting, labor, employment, land use, environment, real estate and economic development. Working knowledge of modern policies and practices of municipal law and public administration.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, the court system, and the general public. 
  • Ability to work and communicate in adversarial settings.

• Tools & Equipment Used
  • Position requires use of standard office equipment, including frequent use of a personal computer (court information systems, e-mail, word processing, and spreadsheet programs), calculator, telephone, photocopier, and fax machine.
• Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently involved in stressful situations and, potentially, adversarial settings (courtroom). The employee is often times required to sit, listen, and talk in formal and informal settings.
  • The employee is typically required to walk and use their hands to handle or manipulate objects, tools, or controls; and to reach, extend or gesticulate with hands and arms to communicate and perform.
  • Good vision is required (corrective lenses if necessary).
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds.
• Selection Guidelines
  • Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check, and job-related testing may be required.
  • The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.