Prosecuting Attorney

Salt Lake County•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

Salt Lake County is hiring for multiple Prosecuting Attorney openings in the District Attorney’s Office. The role involves entry- through senior-level legal work, applying professional judgment and skill to prepare and present cases. Work follows general office policies and is reviewed by the District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney, or a designee. Entry-level attorneys work under guidance from more senior attorneys; senior attorneys take on greater responsibility for training and assisting less-experienced attorneys. Open until filled. The office is seeking attorneys across Grades 18, 19, and 20. Compensation is $122,000–$124,000 for Grade 18, $127,000–$131,000 for Grade 19, and $135,000–$174,000 for Grade 20, all dependent on experience. Candidates must be members in good standing of a state bar association and able to become members of the Utah State Bar on their first day of work. A successful initial criminal background check and continued compliance with Bureau of Criminal Information requirements, including checks every two years, are required. The open recruitment may be used to fill current and future openings at various Salt Lake County locations. Applications remain active for a designated period based on recruitment needs, and applicants must respond to interview requests to remain active. Applicants with prosecution and trial experience in homicide, special victims, white-collar fraud, or gang and organized crime are preferred.

Requirements

Be a member in good standing of the Utah State Bar Association or another state bar association, with the ability to become a member of the Utah State Bar Association on the first day of work.
Hold a Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized college of law for Grade 18 and Grade 19 positions.
For Grade 18: have the stated range of zero to three years of full-time paid employment practicing law; qualifying full-time paid judicial clerk employment in a court of record or appellate court may count as full-time legal employment. The posting also inconsistently states the range as zero to eight years in the same sentence.
For Grade 19: have three to eight years of full-time paid employment practicing law; qualifying full-time paid judicial clerk employment in a court of record or appellate court may count as full-time legal employment.
For Grade 20: have at least eight years of full-time paid employment practicing law; qualifying full-time paid judicial clerk employment in a court of record or appellate court may count as full-time legal employment.
Successfully pass an initial criminal background check, pass checks every two years thereafter, and continuously meet Bureau of Criminal Information requirements.

Nice To Haves

Prosecution and trial experience in homicide, special victims, white-collar fraud, or gang and organized crime.

Responsibilities

Review investigative reports and screen prosecution requests to assess the validity of the facts.
Meet with law enforcement officers, complainants, victims, and witnesses as needed to make screening decisions.
Prepare or direct the preparation of screening worksheets, fact sheets, informations, declinations, arrest warrants, and summonses.
Prepare or direct the preparation of search warrants and investigative subpoenas using knowledge of search-and-seizure law.
Review case files in preparation for trials and hearings, and meet with law enforcement officers, citizens, and expert witnesses to assess evidence.
Evaluate cases for possible plea negotiations, assess case strengths and weaknesses, and negotiate plea agreements in accordance with guidelines and office policies.
Prepare cases for court appearances, research applicable law, and prepare witnesses.
Conduct trials and hearings in appropriate courts, presenting evidence and arguments on behalf of the County and/or State.
Maintain current knowledge and skills in all phases of trial practice, including procedural and evidentiary rules.
Prepare judgments, orders, findings of fact, and conclusions of law as directed by the court.
Review cases for appeal and prepare appeals when necessary to protect the interests of the County and/or State.
Participate in office training and legal professional development programs, including continuing legal education required by the Utah State Bar and the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office.
Provide educational services and training to law enforcement agencies and the public in accordance with professional conduct rules and office policies.
Comply with office and county policies regarding annual leave, sick leave, and other special leave.
Train and assist less-experienced attorneys when serving in a more senior role.