Deputy County Attorney – Criminal Department

Cascade County•Cascade County, MT

About The Position

The Deputy County Attorney – Criminal performs complex legal, professional, and administrative work under established legal standards, state and federal law, County policy, and procedures established by the Cascade County Attorney. The role initiates and prosecutes criminal cases through final disposition and provides legal counsel and advice on criminal-law matters, along with other related duties as assigned. The position requires passing a criminal background check and meeting and maintaining required security approvals. Successful applicants serve a one-year probationary period. Full-time employees may not engage in private practice, except to represent immediate family. The position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cascade County and the County Deputy County Attorney’s Association. The position also requires serving as an on-call attorney for law enforcement on a rotational basis.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Admission to the Montana State Bar with an active license to practice law in Montana, or ability to obtain admission within six months of hire.
Valid Montana driver’s license.
Reliable transportation for on-call assignments.
Ability to pass a criminal background check and meet and maintain required employment security approvals.
Knowledge of civil and criminal law, rules of civil and criminal procedure, rules of evidence, the appellate process, trial advocacy, court procedures, applicable rules, County policies and procedures, word-processing software, online legal research, and safety rules and practices.
Ability to use County and State codes and ordinances, especially those authorizing criminal penalties; analyze legal issues and conduct effective legal research; handle stress and conflict; maintain confidentiality; and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people of varied ages and backgrounds, and to establish effective working relationships with County officials and departments, government agencies, law enforcement, victims, and the public.
Ability to prepare accurate reports and legal documents, sustain concentration and attention to detail, use a computer for word processing and online research, and perform accurately under time-sensitive deadlines.
Ability to learn and apply new skills and knowledge and develop solutions using logical and creative thinking.
Submit a Cascade County Employment Application, letter of introduction, resume, writing sample, and copy of current law license.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a County Attorney’s office.

Responsibilities

Prosecute adult criminal offenders through final disposition in Justice and District Courts.
May prosecute child abuse and neglect cases, bring involuntary mental health commitments, prosecute child support enforcement, initiate guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, prosecute youth offenders in Youth Court, and attend Drug Treatment Court.
Review law enforcement investigative reports and determine what charges to file, whom to prosecute, and when to decline prosecution.
Draft and file charging documents, pleadings, briefs, legal opinions, memoranda, proposed orders, and other legal documents.
Coordinate, plan, prepare, and conduct jury and judge trials, hearings, and related proceedings.
Communicate regularly with victims and law enforcement about case status and prepare witnesses for courtroom proceedings.
Attend court hearings, including arraignments, omnibus, bail, suppression, change-of-plea, sentencing, and revocation hearings.
Respond to written and oral motions and arguments made by defense counsel.
Prepare jury instructions and trial or hearing exhibits.
Negotiate plea agreements and work with concerned parties to resolve contested issues.
Assist law enforcement with and draft search warrants and subpoenas.
Conduct legal research; research and interpret statutes, codes, and ordinances; and prepare legal briefs and arguments.
Provide legal advice to County officials, outside agencies, and law enforcement.
Prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law and draft proposed orders.
Serve as an on-call attorney for law enforcement on a rotational basis.