Attorney I

Wright County • Buffalo MN 55313, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This Attorney I position is in the Criminal Division. Performs difficult professional work providing legal services to the departments, agents, employees, and officers of the Wright County governmental unit; prosecuting criminal cases; and providing legal representation in civil lawsuits. Work is performed under the general direction of the Chief of Civil Division and Chief of Criminal Division. This position is an entry-level classification which handles assigned cases with readily available advice from more experienced Attorneys in the Department. At this level, the Attorney is developing knowledge of legal practice in a County Attorney organization and some specialized knowledge is beginning to form. The essential duties and responsibilities include both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, and as such, some essential functions listed below may be done more infrequently based on assignment.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
• Successful completion of the Minnesota Bar Exam and license to practice law in the State of Minnesota; License to practice in the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Supreme Court.
• License to practice in the Federal District Court, Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota (if representing the County in that Court)
• License to practice in the Federal Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (if representing the County in that Court).
• Requires the ability to pass BCA background check
• Up-to-date status for continuing legal education, monitored by Minnesota Office of Continuing Legal Education.
• A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required upon hire.
• Knowledge of all duties and responsibilities of the County Attorney’s Office; knowledge of Minnesota statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to criminal and civil law, child support and paternity matters, and specific statutes, ordinances, regulations, and case law affecting operation of Wright County departments and court system; knowledge of electronic legal research techniques; knowledge of courtroom decorum and trial procedures and tactics; skill in the use of standard office equipment, including computer and software programs; analytical skills sufficient to analyze, interpret, and apply a complex and wide variety of County, State, and Federal statutes, regulations and ordinances; verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively present information and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences; reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and understand legal documents; interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive information; ability to be persuasive with judges, juries, other attorneys, and members of the general public; ability to apply legal principles and precedents and prepare and try complex civil or criminal cases; ability to deal effectively with demanding/challenging individuals and individuals in crisis; ability to effectively organize time and anticipate, plan, make decisions and successfully respond to changing circumstances; ability to perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices; a bility to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships with others when carrying out all job functions.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal services for and represents Wright County, including the County Board and County departments; attends meetings and provides training and consultation; reviews, negotiates, and drafts contracts and agreements; provides counsel for County departments in developing policies and procedures; works with County officials and employees to develop and draft proposed ordinances; composes legal documents to support positions on appeals; develops, implements, and runs programs and procedures.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets new legislation, statutes, laws.
• Consults, advises, and represents the County in civil matters and lawsuits brought against the County, its agents, officials and employees.
• Drafts pleadings for criminal prosecutions and prepares and prosecutes felonies, gross misdemeanors and, to the extent prescribed by law, violation of misdemeanors and municipal ordinances and rules.
• Consults, advises, and represents the County in juvenile delinquency, truancy, CHIPS (Children in Need of Protection or Services) and/or termination of parental rights petitions, and in welfare appeal and inebriety/mental illness commitments.
• Trains, advises, and develops policy for law enforcement officers, corrections workers, social workers, and other persons within the County in areas of investigation, trial techniques, criminal and civil law, strategy, and legal issues pertinent to the area of assignment, including long-term, in-depth research and legal advice regarding policy and specific information regarding time-sensitive situations.
• Acts as liaison to various boards, committees, and community groups, based on caseload assignments, recommending policy development within the County and State directing communicating and collaborating with public and elected officials and other community leaders, and researching and interpreting law for the purposes of recommending policy development.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level