Assistant City Attorney II

*Serve as a legal advisor for the City

• Advise law enforcement officers concerning criminal law enforcement issues. 
• Update, inform, and train law enforcement officers concerning new laws and investigation procedures.
• Research and prepare legal opinions.
• Provide legal advice to City departments, boards, commissions, employees and officials, which may influence program content of departments and ways by which the City deploys its resources.
• Respond to inquiries from the public which includes but is not limited to explaining ordinances, municipal procedures, state and federal laws and regulations, or other legal issues affecting the City.
• Represent the City Attorney at meetings of City boards, commissions, and/or the City Council to advise on legal matters.

• Serve as trial attorney at all stages of criminal and civil proceedings to include preparation, pretrial, and trial cases brought before District and Appellate Courts as well as other administrative agencies.
• Conduct criminal and civil litigation on behalf of the City to include but not limited to land use law, code enforcement, DWI forfeitures, expungements, Risk Protection Orders, and data practices. 
• Assemble evidentiary matters, conduct legal research, negotiate settlements and discern other professional actions relative to matters involved in litigation.
• Conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the City.
• Undertake plea negotiations in criminal cases when deemed appropriate.
• Consult established guidelines to judge suitable plea alternatives in view of evidence and the nature of pending charges.
• Identify opportunities to collaborate among entities within the judicial system to establish or modify policy and procedure in response to changing laws and regulations.

• Draft and/or review proposed contracts to which the City is a party.
• Write and/or revise ordinances, resolutions, regulations, deeds, leases, agreements, and other related legal documents for the City as assigned by the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney - Civil Division. 

Education and Experience
Graduation from an accredited law school under the Rules of Minnesota Supreme Court with a Juris Doctor Law Degree and two years of previous law practice experience in criminal or civil law. A license or ability to be immediately licensed to practice law within the State of Minnesota.

Special Requirement 
Must maintain a program of continuing legal education with emphasis on municipal law.

Competencies
The incumbent will be required to demonstrate a strong understanding of and/or an ability to perform each of the following:

• Apply knowledge base and understanding of principles, practices and procedures of law to include principle methods, materials, and practices of legal research and investigation; state and federal constitutional provisions that affect criminal prosecutions and municipal operations; and procedures to process, obtain and present evidentiary materials.
• Develop and maintain strong and collaborative working relationships through successful communication and persuasive advocacy with members of the City Attorney's Office, other City department staff, and the general public.
• Utilize time efficiently to include organization, prioritization, strategic planning and problem solving methods.
• Manage documents and materials.
• Demonstrate adept legal writing.
• Present complex material in an understandable manner. 
• Interpret laws, regulations, ordinances, or other governing rules.
• Analyze and prepare legal documents and instruments. 
• Appraise and organize facts, present evidence and other materials, whether written or oral, clearly, concisely, and effectively. 
• Maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and detailed reports.
• Efficiently use office equipment such as personal computer, scanner, and copier.