Deputy County Attorney - Criminal Division

Applicants should upload a copy of their resume and a writing sample.

Deputy County Attorney I - Criminal Division

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the general guidance and direction of supervising attorneys, performs legal work related to the prosecution of criminal cases.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Advises police and other governmental agencies on matters of law and procedure, including sufficiency of evidence to issue criminal complaints, search warrants, and arrest warrants, and supervises preparation thereof.

Handles criminal court calendars; arraignments, sentencings, and motions in District Court; prosecutes felony and misdemeanor cases for the State of Utah; prosecutes cases in juvenile court and justice court. May file information, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present evidence in all matters relating to criminal conduct by individuals. Responsible for representing the State in criminal matters and making oral statements, preparing and filing written pleadings.

Must be willing to learn and apply lessons to varied factual and legal situations. Must be willing to take instruction from more senior attorneys and meet obligations and deadlines. Must demonstrate increasing responsibility and capabilities in handling more serious and complex legal matters. Must demonstrate capabilities in successfully prosecuting cases through jury trials. Must demonstrate increasing ability to operate independently and with initiative. Must demonstrate increasing ability to build good working relationships with law enforcement personnel and coworkers.

Other duties as assigned.

Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Education: Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a Juris Doctor Degree. Must be a member of the Utah State Bar in good standing.

Experience: Experience preferred, but not required. This position is part of a career ladder series with advancement to County Attorney II. Advancement is determined if the minimum requirements for the position of Attorney II, by demonstrating history of good performance reviews, and if recommended by his or her supervisor and approved by the County Attorney.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA):

Knowledge of: Working knowledge of constitutional law. Municipal codes and ordinances. Criminal and civil law, rules of procedure, rules of evidence, and state statutes; and the principles, practices, and methods used in research and prosecution.

Skills and Abilities to: Ability to draft legal documents. Ability to 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 communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, administrative and court officials, and the general public. This includes the ability, both orally and in writing, to articulate a legal argument or factual statement confidently, concisely, and convincingly.

Ability to use personal computer, including word processing and case management software. Ability to accurately input data into a computer for case record management. Ability to use other communications and office equipment.

YOUR SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Utah within six (6) months after the hire date and be in good standing.

Must possess a valid Utah Driver's License and a good driving record.

Pass an extensive criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The 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 required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to use objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work in a typical office and courtroom setting with appropriate climate controls. Periodic travel and some after-hours work is required in the normal course of job performance. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

CAREER LADDER:

This position is part of a career ladder series with advancement to County Attorney II.  Advancement is determined if the minimum requirements for the position of Attorney II are met, by demonstrating history of good performance reviews and if recommended by his or her supervisor and approved by the County Attorney. Five or more years of experience as an attorney in criminal practice is required.

Position Title: Deputy County Attorney II

A Deputy County Attorney II must satisfy all of the above qualifications for a Deputy County Attorney I in addition to the qualifications below.

Must be able to conduct a felony trial with minimal to no supervision. Must be capable of working well as part of a team with other attorneys and staff to successfully prosecute and win convictions in serious criminal cases.

Experience: Five or more years of experience as an attorney in criminal practice is required.  This position is part of a career ladder series with advancement to County Attorney III.  Advancement is determined if the minimum requirements for the position of Attorney III, by demonstrating history of good performance reviews, and if recommended by his or her supervisor and approved by the County Attorney.

Your Special Qualifications: Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Utah and be in good standing. Consideration may be given if transferring admission to practice law in the state of Utah.