Job Purpose and Objectives:

Prepares and prosecutes municipal court cases. Appears in court on behalf of the City in civil and criminal matters. Conducts legal research. Drafts and reviews legal documents. Provides legal advice to City staff, elected officials, and City board members.

Job Competencies: Essential Functions include the following. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. Schedule and shift assignments and work location may be changed at any time, as required by business necessity.

• Performs duties as assigned in both the prosecution and civil divisions of the legal department.
• Prosecutes traffic, criminal code, zoning, and other code violations in Emporia Municipal Court, de novo appeals to the Lyon County District Court, and appeals to the Kansas Court of Appeals and to the Kansas Supreme Court.
• Prepares cases for prosecution. Reviews reports, conducts legal research as appropriate, prepares and coordinates witnesses for trial including civilians and law enforcement.
• Provides information and referrals to victim assistance programs, coordinates with domestic violence advocates. Participates in CCRT/SART multi-disciplinary domestic violence prevention team.
• Drafts court documents including petitions, motions, answers, and appellate briefs.
• Implements municipal court pre-trial diversion program in accordance with State law, City code, and legal department policies.
• Receives and reviews claims and lawsuits filed against the City. Appears in court on behalf of the City on civil matters. Coordinates with the City Attorney and outside counsel.
• Identifies legal issues, conducts legal research, and provides legal advice to staff, board members, and elected officials.
• Attends City Commission and other City meetings as required.
• Counsels, advises, and trains staff and board members on legal topics, including training police officers and code enforcement officers on issues related to municipal court prosecution.
• Drafts City ordinances, resolutions, administrative policies, and other documents.
• Reviews, negotiates, and prepares City contracts.
• Serve as acting City Attorney in the City Attorney’s absence.
• Complies with all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned or deemed necessary.
• Operates all job-related equipment, machinery, tools and other aids as required or needed.
• Protects and maintains any confidential information, whether oral, written, or electronic.

Position Requirements and Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Requirements:

1. Juris Doctorate Degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association

2. 2 years legal experience preferred

Certifications / Licenses:

1. Licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

1. Knowledge of Kansas law, city ordinances, general municipal law

2. Ability to understand and apply the rules of evidence and criminal procedure

3. Ability to understand and anticipate legal problems, perform research, and provide necessary legal advice

4. Knowledge of victim issues and rights

5. Ability to speak in public in front of groups of diverse individuals

6. Skill in interpersonal communication and negotiations

7. Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work

8. Ability to fulfill all duties with minimal supervision and to work independently

9. Assess situations rapidly and make logical decisions in a timely manner

10. Analyze facts and exercise sound judgment

11. Ability to effectively manage projects and multiple priorities simultaneously

12. Strong written and verbal communication skills

13. Problem solving and critical thinking skills

14. Strong math, spelling, computer, and calculator abilities

15. Ability to communicate in a professional, calm, and courteous manner with the general public and employees

16. Attention to detail

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $77,745.00 - $87,505.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Emporia, KS 66801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person