Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor

City Of Newton•Newton, KS

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Newton is looking for a licensed attorney with integrity, diligence, empathy, and strong communication skills to serve as our next Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor. This role is ideal for a legal professional who thrives on variety, values teamwork, and is eager to use their skills to support fair, effective, and community-minded municipal operations. The positions includes a competitive compensation and benefits package as well as flexible scheduling accommodations. Please see the job description below for more detailed information. Consider applying today! Position Summary The Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor performs skilled legal work for the City of Newton under the direction and supervision of the City Attorney, who is the primary legal counsel for the City. The Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor works closely with the City Attorney on legal matters as needed and stands in as legal counsel in the City Attorney’s absence. The Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor acts as the primary prosecutor for the City, directs the activities and has oversight and management of all aspects of the prosecution of cases through the Newton Municipal Court. This oversight includes supervision of the Victim Witness Coordinator and Prosecutor’s Clerk. The Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor performs functions of a complex and confidential nature.

Requirements

The Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and must be licensed and admitted to practice law in the State of Kansas.
One year of experience in the practice of law and experience in local or state government or prosecution is strongly preferred.
Ability to work independently with a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of law and the ability to apply that knowledge in the completion of job duties.
Extensive knowledge of the law as it relates to the needs of the city and of the Municipal Court is required.
This employee must be able to operate computers, printers, photocopiers, telephone systems, and other department equipment.
The ability to type with speed and accuracy, to complete tasks in the presence of distractions, and to prepare reports is required.
The employee should possess excellent public relations, supervisory, reasoning, organizational, oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Supervises prosecutor personnel and operations
Trains new prosecutor personnel
Reviews police reports and other offense reports to determine if there is a basis for filing and prosecuting charges, and to determine the appropriate charges to be filed
Investigates, prepares, and prosecutes ordinance violations, misdemeanor crimes, and traffic violations
Conducts plea negotiations and pre-trial conferences
Represents the City in Municipal Court
Interviews witnesses as necessary
Responds to defense motions
Conducts legal research as necessary
Monitors current case law and legislative updates as it applies to municipal court issues and advises officers and staff accordingly
Maintains proper documentation of prosecutor actions
Provides comprehensive legal advice to the Governing Body, City administration and staff, and the City’s subordinate boards, commissions, task forces, etc.
Implements proper office policies and procedures
Reviews/revises/updates forms and changes language used by Prosecutor’s Office
Oversees and advises the Planning Commission
Prepares ordinances and resolutions for action by the Governing Body
Prepares or review legal documents, including contracts
Monitors developments in the law for potential impact upon functions of municipal government and advises administrative staff and the Governing Body accordingly
Stays current on employment laws and advises Human Resources
Other duties as assigned by the City Attorney.