CRIMINAL DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY

Brief Description

Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office is hiring for a Criminal Deputy Attorney. We are looking for an Individual who has a passion working for government and want to make a positive impact in the community. Under the general direction of the County Attorney, this position prosecutes criminal and civil offenses, represents county government in legal proceedings, and advises county officials on civil matters.

Who We Are

The County Attorney's Office is responsible for the prosecution of criminal offenses committed within Lewis and Clark County. It represents the State of Montana in child abuse and child neglect cases, as well as juvenile court proceedings. The County Attorney serves as the attorney for County government, including all agencies and boards. The Civil Division handles involuntary commitments for those who are "seriously mentally ill" and assists the state with involuntary commitment for those who are "seriously developmentally disabled" who are residents of the county.

Criminal Division:

The County Attorney/Public Administrator Office employs a variety of staff including seven Deputy County Attorneys, support staff, and a Victim/Witness Coordinator. The office is divided into criminal and civil divisions:

The Criminal Division prosecutes felony offenses committed within Lewis and Clark County, and misdemeanor offenses committed within the county, but outside the City Of Helena. Generally, the office does not investigate criminal offenses and only prosecutes cases referred to it by law enforcement agencies such as the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff, the Helena City Police Department, the East Helena Police Department and the Montana Highway Patrol. In addition, the office accepts referrals of criminal matters from a variety of state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Criminal Division also prosecutes persons under the age of 18 in Youth Court.

The Criminal Division represents the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services in Lewis and Clark County in proceedings involving the enforcement of Child Abuse or Neglect laws.

Civil Division:

The Civil Division is responsible for providing legal advice to the County Commissioners, all county departments and to many of the county’s sub-jurisdictions such as school, fire, conservation, and weed districts.

The Civil Division handles involuntary commitments for those who are "seriously mentally ill" and assists the state with involuntary commitment for those who are "seriously developmentally disabled" who are residents of the county.

The division performs the County Attorney's duties as Public Administrator of the estates of persons who die without any heirs or to help protect persons with incapacities who need help.

The Civil Division also helps a variety of state agencies in the enforcement of various regulations and civil matters such as the collection of back wages.

Benefits

Lewis and Clark County offers a competitive benefits package!

Includes:

• Health Coverage – 2 Types of Health Plans which includes medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.
• Traditional Plan - cost for employee only is $50 per month and with the Wellness incentive, the cost may be reduced to $0 per month for full-time employees.
• High Deductible Health Plan – cost for employee is $0 per month and a additional $1200 per year to a Health Savings Account for full time employees.
• PureView Health Center – preferred clinic provider and no cost to the employee and his/her dependents
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• Employees are provided with $25,000.00 of Life Insurance and $25, 000.00 of AD&D insurance as a new employee.
• Wellness Screening Incentive
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the County may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.
  

Includes:

Other Benefits

• Working in a fast-paced environment
• Opportunity to serve on a variety of different committees
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Cost of living increases
• Market adjustments
• Step based wage increases
• 4 weeks paid parental leave
• Longevity pay
  
  

Application Instructions - Required Materials

Applications for this position are accepted online only through our career portal https://www.lccountymt.gov/hr/jobs.html.

The following items are required along with the on-line application:

• Resume
• Cover letter
  
  

Requirements

Qualifications – Deputy Attorney I

• Degree from an accredited law school and licensed by the State of Montana to practice law;
• At least two (2) years’ experience as a practicing attorney is preferred; public sector experience is preferred.
  
  

Candidates not licensed by the State of Montana will be considered for this position. If hired, they would perform duties that do not require them to be a licensed attorney. Employment continuation is contingent on becoming a licensed attorney within the allotted time determined. The pay rate would be lower than the advertised amount above. Once licensed, the pay rate would be that of the Deputy County Attorney I.

Qualifications – Deputy Attorney II

Degree from an accredited law school and licensed by the State of Montana to practice law; At least five (5) years’ experience as a practicing attorney; Demonstrated ability to work independently and make decisions involving complex subject matters; Public sector experience is preferred.

This position is subject to a criminal background check prior to hire and thereafter to assure ongoing ability to access CJIN as prescribed by CJIN/NCIC policies.

Summary

Duties

• Prosecutes criminal and civil cases in Justice and District Court;
• Represents the County in various courtroom proceedings, including jury trials, bench trials, omnibus hearings, motions hearings, summary judgment hearings, and other pre-trial hearings;
• Reviews police reports and witness statements;
• Files criminal charges;
• Drafts and responds to motions;
• Negotiates plea agreements;
• Conducts legal research;
• Interviews witnesses;
• Prepares legal documents, briefs, and opinions;
• Reviews investigations involving child abuse and neglect;
• Prepares and prosecutes civil cases involving child abuse and neglect;
• Pursues negotiations and presents cases in District Court, in accordance with the Uniform Child Support Enforcement Act;
• Attends meetings with legal personnel, law enforcement personnel, and elected officials;
• Confers with and advises other public agencies on relative legal matters;
• Works with the Montana Attorney General on cases before the Montana Supreme Court;
• Advises county government officials on civil matters;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Examples of Knowledge

• Montana statutes and Montana Code Annotated;
• State Supreme Court decisions, attorneys general opinions, and Montana case law;
• Lewis and Clark County regulations;
• Lewis and Clark County Personnel Policies and Procedures;
• County Attorney’s office policies and procedures;
• Federal laws;
• Standards for civil and criminal procedures;
• District and Justice Court procedures.
  
  

Examples Of Skills & Abilities

• Use common office machines;
• Operate computer systems and related software, including word processing and spreadsheet programs;
• Audio/video editing;
• Analyze and interpret legal documents;
• Make defensible judgments relative to complex and sensitive factual situations;
• Determine when an issue becomes a matter of public policy;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Establish effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, fellow employees, county agencies and citizens.
  
  

Special Requirements

Position requires regular visits to other sites. Position is subject to a criminal background check prior to hire and thereafter to assure ongoing ability to access CJIN as prescribed by CJIN/NCIC policies. Position requires occasional on-call duty at night and on weekends.

Physical Demands

Duties are generally performed in an office environment where hazards and discomforts are controlled and modifiable. This position requires the ability to bend at the waist, kneel, reach over the head, talk, hear, and see. Must be able to occasionally move or lift documents and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Lewis and Clark County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.