Principal Trial Lawyer

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

SALARY:

DEPARTMENT:

Opening Date:

Closing Date:

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Performs legal assignments involving highly complex and specialized cases. Authorizes and prepares arrest warrants and search warrants. Performs legal research, writes briefs, and handles cases in court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attends and participates in arraignments, hearings and sentencings. Conducts pre-trial negotiations.

Determines proper criminal charges. Prepares warrants, affidavits, subpoenas, legal pleadings, written briefs and other legal documents, while exercising considerable independent judgement.

Researches legal issues, advises law enforcement agencies and staff of legal procedures. Assists with investigations as needed.

Handles and investigates citizen complaints as needed.

Conducts trials of state law felony cases. Which includes investigation, identifying evidence and other necessary procedures.

Performs and/or coordinates special investigations, handles unusual or complicated cases and conducts legal research on specific issues as needed or directed.

Supervises and directs the activities of other Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited college or university

• Five years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law

• Experience with misdemeanor jury trials and/or felony jury trials

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience working within a prosecuting attorney’s office

• Experience working on projects designed to increase efficiency in the office (such as information technology, development of training, etc.)

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Current membership in good standing in the State Bar of Michigan

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license operable automobile and insurance

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Criminal and civil law

• Criminal code

• Rules of procedure and rules of evidence

• Legal terminology and court procedures

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

Skill in:

• Organization

• Interviewing techniques

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

• Directing the work of others

• Project Management

Ability to:

• Perform legal research

• Accurately argue both orally and in writing

• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information

• Work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: N/S

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: F/C

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: F/C

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

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.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): N/S

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms:

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging:  N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another (covered by the items below):

Up to 34 pounds: O

Up to 50 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: N/S

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): N/S

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: O

Standing in an upright position without movement: O

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations. 

The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) bargaining unit represents this position.  Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.