Assistant County Attorney

The purpose of the Assistant County Attorney (ACA) position is to provide professional legal services on behalf of Todd County as directed by the County Attorney. This includes prosecuting criminal, juvenile, and traffic offenses; representing the County in civil and administrative matters; and advising County departments, boards, and officials on legal issues. Responsibilities also include representing the County in matters involving child protection, child support enforcement, paternity, guardianships, conservatorships, and civil commitments.

Assistant County Attorneys are expected to manage a wide variety of legal work, ranging from routine cases to complex, sensitive, or high-stakes litigation.

Basic Performance Expectations of all Todd County Staff

• Serves as a positive example to other County personnel with regard to workplace actions, decisions, work skills, attitude and adherence to workplace policy and procedures.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills, is honest, fair and dependable.
• Embodies teamwork and cooperation within and across County departments and with the public.
• Communicates effectively with the Department Head and keeps supervisor apprised of important matters ongoing in the department.
• Respect all colleagues, co-workers, board members and the public and lead those around you to do the same.
• This position requires regular and timely attendance in accordance with the department schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required as assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note that Assistant County Attorneys may perform some or all of the following tasks depending on their areas of expertise and case assignments:

• Review charges and try cases
  • Evaluate and review evidence and analyze facts to determine whether to charge, dismiss, negotiate, or proceed to trial.
  • Prepare cases for judicial and administrative proceedings by interviewing witnesses and clients, conducting legal research, analyzing facts and laws, and preparing legal memoranda and arguments.
  • Draft petitions, complaints, briefs, memoranda, proposed court orders, stipulations, and other legal documents for civil, criminal, or juvenile matters.
  • Represent the County in assigned criminal, civil, or juvenile cases through all stages of the process, including pretrial hearings, motions, trials, and sentencing.
  • Appear in court and present the County's case, analyze and respond to opposing arguments, and adjust legal strategies as necessary during proceedings.
  • Handle appellate matters including review of transcripts, legal analysis, research, drafting of briefs, and oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Provide legal services for County business
  • Conduct legal research, draft legal opinions, and provide advice and counsel to County departments, the County Board, elected officials, and employees regarding applicable laws and regulations.
  • Draft and review legal documents including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and agreements to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance.
  • Negotiate contracts, settlements, and similar legal matters on behalf of the County.
  • Assist in planning litigation strategy and providing legal solutions for current and future issues.
• Train and advise staff and others involved in County legal proceedings
  • Provide legal guidance and support to law enforcement, corrections, social workers, child support staff, mental health professionals, and other relevant partners.
  • Offer input, clarification, or training on investigative procedures, case law, courtroom strategy, and applicable statutes and regulations.
  • Assist and collaborate with other attorneys and legal staff as needed, including legal assistants and paralegals.
  • Represent the County Attorney’s Office in task forces, interagency groups, advisory committees, and other meetings as assigned.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school, preceded by a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• Eligibility for certification to access Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or access to transportation.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of criminal, civil, juvenile, and administrative law.
• Knowledge of legal principles, procedures, and research methods.
• Ability to prepare and present legal cases effectively.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and recommend solutions.
• Skill in negotiation and courtroom presentation.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively with County departments and partner agencies.

Physical Requirements

This position involves prolonged periods of computer use, including typing, reviewing documents, and conducting legal research. It also requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods during meetings, trials, or court hearings. Occasional walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of files or boxes weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.

Clear verbal communication is essential for presenting cases in court, participating in hearings, and interacting with clients, witnesses, and other professionals. Hearing and speech abilities must be sufficient to understand and convey legal information in courtroom settings and office environments.

The position may involve high-pressure or emotionally charged situations, particularly during public speaking or courtroom proceedings. The ability to maintain composure, focus, and professionalism in stressful environments is essential.