City Solicitor

JOB TITLE: CITY SOLICITOR
MUNICIPAL COURTS DEPARTMENT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under limited supervision, reviews, prosecutes, and/or resolves criminal cases by plea on behalf of the City in Municipal Court.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position title. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Provides legal guidance for cases assigned to Municipal Court: screens and analyzes cases and evidence to determine whether to charge a crime, plea bargain, proceed to trial, recommend for diversion, dismiss, or otherwise dispose of a case; ensures courtroom coverage; monitors case flow; addresses errors, ethical issues, or media inquiries related to cases; and determines whether to appeal adverse court rulings.

Conducts initial case evaluations: reviews case file and analyzes the facts and evidence of the case; reviews criminal histories; determines appropriateness of diversion, dismissal, or charges; reviews accuracy of jurisdiction, venue, and scope of arrest powers; ensures sufficient probable cause; prepares or reviews charges and discovery; and prepares for arraignment.

Investigates, analyzes, and prepares cases for hearings and trials: identifies and interviews investigators, victims, witnesses, and alleged perpetrators; requests and inspects records and evidence; prepares graphics and exhibits; makes investigative requests and follows up on leads; obtains and reviews scientific results and analysis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; determines need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; anticipates legal issues; develops case strategies; and presents cases in court.

Represents the City in criminal cases in Municipal Court: coordinates and oversees the investigation, evaluation, and preparation of cases for trial; conducts case research and documentation; prepares cases for accusal and arraignment; prepares motions and briefs; conducts pre-trial case resolutions; and litigates at bench and jury trials, preliminary and pre-trial hearings, post-trial or appellate proceedings, and related courtroom proceedings.

Conducts research and documentation for cases: researches relevant case law and interprets concerning the facts of the case; researches the terms, procedures, or science used in other fields; prepares briefs and motions and responses to the same; writes case summaries; drafts complaints, accusations, indictments, jury charges, and supporting documents; and makes trial notes.

Manages caseload: attends scheduled court appearances; creates new case files; inputs and records case-related data and notes; oversees and reviews incoming and outgoing documents as part of the criminal discovery process; logs case activities; closes files; receives and reviews calendars; and coordinates with court administration, clients, witnesses, experts, and others.

Receives and responds to questions and requests for information regarding criminal cases from police officers, witnesses, criminal defense attorneys, county assistant solicitors, Pre-trial Intervention employees, municipal court staff, circuit court staff, and pro-se defendants.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge in appropriate legal fields: maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional certifications; attends conferences, seminars, meetings, and training events; keeps abreast of legal changes; and participates in professional organizations.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards, or retains, as appropriate, various forms, reports, correspondence, case files, court files, medical and psychological evaluations, victim impact statements, damage receipts, sentencing recommendations, pleadings, case notes, forms, motions, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Communicates with City administrators, other City employees, court officials and staff, law enforcement, defendants, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, receive/give advice and direction, or resolve problems.

Operates a variety of equipment and tools as necessary to complete essential functions: operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, Internet, e-mail, or other software; operates general office or other equipment; and operates a motor vehicle.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions, as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Juris Doctor Degree required; supplemented by five (5) years of experience prosecuting criminal cases; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess and maintain membership in the South Carolina Bar Association.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of negotiation. Performs such in formal situations within the context of legal guidelines.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials requiring complex and/or rapid adjustments.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive, and/or design data and information as applicable.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control, and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control, and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. EOE