Chief Deputy City Attorney, Criminal Division

City of Meridian•Cocoa, FL

About The Position

The Chief Deputy City Attorney for the Criminal Division performs the full range of criminal prosecution duties and manages a team of criminal prosecution attorneys and criminal division support staff. The role provides legal services and counsel to elected officials, department heads, and staff on legal issues of significant complexity, sensitivity, and potential risk and consequences for the City of Meridian. The position will help build the new Criminal Division team, including hiring prosecutors and support staff and providing input on the office structure and organization. It performs prosecution work such as case preparation, meeting with victims and witnesses, court appearances, and trials; oversees criminal court calendaring, case prosecution, and case screening; and manages attorneys, support staff, projects, and special assignments. The role also provides counsel to the mayor, city council, and City staff; develops training materials and conducts training and mentorship; reviews attorneys’ work; supports department administration and policy; and leads efforts to improve operations and streamline processes. Work is primarily in an office environment, with occasional outside conditions and site visits over rough terrain. Daily travel between and within Boise and Meridian is required using personal or City-owned vehicles. Occasional in-state travel to other jurisdictions and out-of-state travel for training may be required. The salary is $10,261.59 per month. The City is unable to provide visa sponsorship; candidates must have U.S. work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Bachelor’s degree or higher from a four-year accredited college or university.
Five years of experience practicing law, including five years managing professional and support staff in municipal leadership or governmental legal practice, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
Licensed attorney in the State of Idaho and in good standing with the Idaho State Bar.
Knowledge of Criminal Justice Information Services and requirements for managing CJI data in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Knowledge of criminal, civil, and administrative law, particularly as related to municipal governments.
Knowledge of state and federal court procedures, court administration, and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of interview techniques, case preparation, pleadings, and effective court presentation practices.
Knowledge of legal research and investigation methods, legal communication, law office management, and effective management and supervision.
Knowledge of applicable personnel or employment laws and municipal public-sector laws.
Ability to define and analyze complex legal issues; research and organize facts; perform legal risk-benefit analyses; evaluate alternatives; and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to present facts, law, and arguments clearly, logically, and persuasively; exercise sound independent judgment; and interpret and explain laws, regulations, legislation, and constitutional provisions affecting City operations.
Ability to represent the City effectively in hearings, courts, and meetings, and to handle sensitive situations with tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
Ability to perform supervisory duties, including recruiting, hiring, performance reviews, discipline, and termination.
Ability to communicate effectively in English and provide training to individuals and groups, including attorneys, internal staff, and citizen stakeholders.
Must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

Represent the City of Meridian with the highest standard of legal ethics, accountability, and responsibility.
Help build the Criminal Division team, including hiring prosecutors and support staff and advising on office structure and organization.
Perform criminal prosecution duties, including case preparation, meeting with victims and witnesses, court appearances, and trials.
Ensure assigned operations and activities comply with organizational goals and objectives, and direct major processes and programs.
Manage attorneys assigned to criminal prosecution and manage projects assigned to attorneys and support staff.
Oversee criminal court calendaring and criminal case prosecution.
Oversee special projects and assignments relating to criminal prosecution.
Provide legal counsel, guidance, and advice to the mayor, city council, and City staff.
Develop and maintain training materials for attorneys and support staff, and plan and conduct training and mentorship.
Review attorneys’ work for quality assurance and accuracy.
Provide legal services, including negotiating, preparing, and reviewing contracts, and handle other assigned special projects and mayor- or council-driven initiatives.
Assist the City Attorney with department administration, policy, and Criminal Division management.
Oversee projects to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, and streamline work processes.
Handle or supervise case screening, ensuring review of arrests and citations, including written reports for charging decisions.
Perform legal duties as directed by the City Attorney and other assigned duties.