Chief Attorney, Criminal Division

Anoka County

1d • $173,118 - $251,035 • Onsite

About The Position

Join a team of over 110 talented individuals in the Anoka County Attorney’s Office united by a common mission to preserve the public's trust and serve the interests of justice. We do this by bringing our very best to work every day and serving Anoka County's 369,000 citizens with respect and compassion. No two days will be the same as the Chief Attorney in the Criminal Division. The Criminal Division of the County Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting adults and certified juveniles charged with felony crimes and designated misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes occurring within Anoka County. The Criminal Division Chief Attorney reports directly to the County Attorney and leads a division of the office that includes two assistant chief attorneys, over a dozen prosecutors, law clerks, paralegals, legal assistants, and other staff. The person in this role must work to carry out the vision set by the County Attorney and mission of the office in a collaborative way. The Criminal Division Chief ensures that the office’s prosecution function complies with its constitutional, ethical, and statutory responsibilities and that FBI/BCA criminal justice data regulations are followed by the staff. The Criminal Division Chief will also work with the office’s leadership, justice partners, court partners, and county departments to maintain and improve a high-level criminal justice system for Anoka County. It is regular for the Criminal Division Chief to act as a resource for law enforcement across the county and to be directly involved in the training and mentoring of lawyers and paraprofessionals. The Anoka County Attorney's Office vigorously pursues justice and serves as the voice of the community's victimized and vulnerable in court. We are a team of fair-minded professionals who bring integrity and ingenuity to the table, and who appreciate the impacts that we have on each life we touch. To be considered for this full-time, exempt position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59 pm on Thursday, January 15th to be considered.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited law school, licensed to practice law in Minnesota, and possess at least 15 years of legal practice experience, including a minimum of 10 years in criminal law.
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Comprehensive knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and trial practice.
• Principles, methods, and practices of legal research.
• Familiarity with Minnesota Rules of Court, Rules of Professional Responsibility, and Rules of Evidence.
• Ability to effectively present evidence, advice, information, and arguments both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology in everyday legal practice.
• Skill in strategic presentation of criminal cases.
• Ability to lead people, build consensus, and foster teamwork.
• Strong communication skills for interaction within the division and with court and justice partners.
• Capability to teach criminal law, procedure, and trial skills.
• Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with attorneys, court partners, and law enforcement.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, tact, and diplomacy to resolve conflicts between staff and partnering agencies.
• Skill in setting reasonable expectations, prioritizing tasks, and following through to achieve goals.
• Competence in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting facts; drawing logical conclusions; evaluating cases; and making appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the County Attorney, attorneys, legal support staff, corrections, social workers, law enforcement, and other criminal justice professionals.
• Proficiency in conducting research, organizing facts, and presenting evidence and other material in written and oral form.

Nice To Haves

• High comfort level with and appreciation for technology and its use in the workplace
• Prior experience managing others
• Experience leading teams and creating positive and productive work environments
• Experience representing a state, county, city or other government entity
• Completion of paid Court of Appeals, Federal or District Court Judicial Clerkship
• Knowledge of pleadings and practice of effective presentation of court cases including rules of court and evidence
• Experience conducting legal research and data analysis
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Work closely and collaboratively with the County Attorney, Chief Deputy County Attorney and other office leaders to set the vision of the criminal division consistent with the County Attorney’s philosophies.
• Maintain an office culture of encouragement and professional growth.
• Make decisions regarding policy and procedure.
• Participate with local, county, state, and federal law makers to shape and influence new rules, regulations, and statutes.
• Understand new legislation and start a plan for training and implementation of applicable laws.
• Establish and implement long-term and short-term goals for criminal division.
• Handle emergency matters and questions.
• Lead training and professional development in the division and for justice partners.
• Orient and mentor attorneys and law clerks.
• Responsible for hiring, retention, and discipline/termination of prosecutors and law clerks.
• Serve as a resource for your division and the office on criminal legal issues and ethical issues, charging questions, and case strategies.
• Participate in high-level policy meetings and decisions such as the office’s Brady/Giglio policy.
• Attend meetings and collaborate with internal and external partner divisions/agencies.
• Liaison to case management software, Evidence.com, and other technical advisory groups.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the criminal division.
• Prepare and submit required annual reports and maintain division statistics.
• Appear for the State in important hearings and/or trials as necessary.
• Establish guidelines and retain authority over the final approval of plea negotiations, departures, restorative justice programs, and related policies.

Benefits

• Anoka County Salary Schedule, Grade 44 $173,118.40 ($83.23/hr) to $251,035.20 ($120.69/hr). Offer to be commensurate with experience, skill level, and other leadership positions in the office.
• The Anoka County Attorney’s office values its employees and invests in their professional growth and development. Employees have advancement and professional development opportunities.
• Employees have access to a medical and dental satellite clinic located in the Anoka County Government Center with services dedicated exclusively to employees.
• Employment packages include medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Anoka County contributes to a pension plan, and employees can voluntarily supplement these contributions or take advantage of other retirement investment options.
• Employees have paid Flexible Time Off (FTO) for vacation or for health issues or appointments.
• Employees are also paid for recognized holidays as approved annually by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree