Chief Criminal Litigator

Yellowstone County • Billings, MT

5d

About The Position

Manages and directs attorneys regarding criminal operations and activities in the County Attorney’s office. Prosecutes adults charged with felony crimes, as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses occurring in unincorporated areas of the County and other limited areas defined by statute. Performs related duties as required. This is an appointed, at-will, non-classified, non-merit-system position serving at the pleasure of the County Attorney, an elected official.

Requirements

• Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a Law Degree/Juris Doctorate.
• Four years of experience practicing law, including civil litigation, criminal litigation, and/or local government law; or an equivalent combination of experience and training totaling eight years.
• Valid membership in the Montana State Bar Association.
• Valid driver’s license issued by the State of Montana.

Responsibilities

• Represents or assigns and supervises casework at the trial, appellate, or sentence review level.
• Makes direct recommendations and advises the County Attorney on legislative matters important to the Criminal Justice System.
• Prosecutes criminal offenses in District and Justice Court systems and argues felony and misdemeanor appeals before appellate courts.
• Represents the County at hearings, arraignments, entry of pleas, orders to show cause, waiver hearings, pre-trial conferences, preliminary hearings, trials, and appeals, as needed in any area of the County Attorney Criminal Division.
• Reviews files and screens law enforcement reports; may investigate crime scenes and interview law enforcement officers, victims, and witnesses.
• Acts as a direct liaison with the County governing body, the Montana Attorney General, and the District and Justice Courts.
• Evaluates cases under investigation by law enforcement agencies regarding the existence, nature, and degree of offenses.
• Sets policy for the County Attorney’s Office regarding its relationship with law enforcement agencies.

What This Job Offers

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