Attorney I - Criminal

The City of Boise is hiring an Attorney I in our Criminal Prosecution Department!

Launch your legal career with the City of Boise as an Attorney I – Criminal, an entry-level role offering immediate courtroom experience, meaningful responsibility, and strong professional development. This position handles misdemeanor and infraction cases at the magistrate court level, representing the City in court proceedings, conducting legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, negotiating case resolutions, and preparing matters for hearings and trial. Working under direct supervision, this is an excellent opportunity for a newly licensed attorney or recent bar passer to build practical criminal law experience in public service.

Applicants who have recently passed the bar and are pending Idaho State Bar admission may be considered, if otherwise qualified.

To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-premium medical coverage for you and your family
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.
 
Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.

Performs routine tasks and assists others in more complex tasks.

Handles criminal cases in court. Represents the City of Boise at all levels of the criminal process, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, post sentencing hearings and appeals.

Handles a significant number of misdemeanor criminal and civil infraction cases. Prepares files and reviews cases, documents, criminal histories, factual reports and applicable laws for all stages of court proceedings. Writes and replies to all relevant motions. 

Conducts a criminal background check for each defendant, evaluates strengths and weaknesses, and reviews the defendant's driver's license status when necessary. Synthesizes factual reports provided by law enforcement and witnesses. Inspects and redacts evidence in preparation for disclosure. 

Discloses relevant and legal evidence to the defense parties. Provides sentencing recommendations based on criminal history and the defendant's conduct, develops an offer of settlement and negotiates with defense counsel to reach a joint resolution. Communicates with pro se defendants, defense attorneys, victims, the victim's witness, police officers, judges and clerks in a timely manner. Prepares unresolved cases for trial. 

Researches and writes memoranda and briefs on various criminal issues. Responds to various defense motions, such as motions to suppress or motions to dismiss, and files preemptive motions on behalf of the city. Responds to inquiries from the general public or stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Assigns tasks to support staff and successive attorneys as part of case preparation. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited university.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of criminal law, court rules and trial procedures
• Rules of evidence, professional conduct and legal ethics
• Computer usage and related software.

• Use strong interpersonal skills, including working collaboratively with other prosecuting attorneys
• Speak effectively in public
• Exhibit proficiency in legal research and writing
• Interpret various statutes and code sections
• Understand relevant case law
• Negotiate effectively
• Write legal briefs and motions skillfully
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Licensed and active member in good standing with the Idaho State Bar, or eligible for admission to the Idaho State Bar pursuant to Idaho Bar Commission Rule 206 ("Admission Based on Practice Experience").

Valid state-issued driver’s license.

The physical effort characteristics and working environment 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.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision and distance vision. Employees will sit, stand and walk.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
This position works: outside of, or extends beyond, a typical 8am to 5pm M-F work week, as required.