Prosecutor - Sanders Justice Center

City of Overland Park•Overland Park, KS

20h

About The Position

The City of Overland Park’s Law Department is hiring a full-time Prosecutor to prepare and prosecute municipal court cases. The position also handles related legal research and advice, case preparation and appeals, communications with court participants and city personnel, officer training, diversion policy, public information, legislative matters, and support-staff coordination. Other duties may be assigned. The Prosecutor works the days and hours necessary to carry out assigned responsibilities and must be available to communicate with relevant people and organizations, meet deadlines, and maintain punctual attendance. The role has no City residency requirement. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Selection is contingent on passing a background check, drug screen, physical exam, and essential functions test. Access to the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System may be required and is subject to its stated eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Membership in the State Bar of Kansas.
One to three years of legal work in governmental law, criminal prosecution, or trial practice, or equivalent experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Legal research skills.
Good independent judgment.
PC and telephone skills.
Analytical skills.
Ability to read and comprehend statutes, case law, ordinances, legal reference materials, and legal correspondence.
Ability to analyze legal issues and write perceptively, coherently, thoroughly, and succinctly.
Ability to recognize and protect confidential data.
Ability to make presentations to large and small groups.
Ability to empathize with crime victims, work in a hectic environment, and interact constantly with others.
Ability to travel to and attend courtroom proceedings, physical sites, and legislative sessions; meet and consult with judges, witnesses, jurors, opposing counsel, staff, elected officials, the public, and others; use a personal computer and relevant technology; place and receive telephone calls; and sit attentively for extended periods.
If KCJIS access is required: be at least 18 years old, have no felony or serious misdemeanor conviction, and have no arrest history that warrants disqualification.
Pass a background check, drug screen, physical exam, and essential functions test.
Be legally eligible to work in the United States and provide proof of eligibility if selected.

Responsibilities

Review complaints and read, research, and discuss case details.
Conduct legal research and provide legal advice as appropriate.
Communicate with staff, police, witnesses, and victims to gather facts.
Identify legal issues; analyze cases; prepare written memoranda, pleadings, or briefs; and communicate legal analysis to appropriate parties.
Attend Council, standing Committee, and other City meetings as requested.
Prepare municipal court cases for prosecution by reviewing reports, conducting research, and preparing witnesses, including civilians and law enforcement personnel, for trial.
Prosecute de novo appeals to Johnson County District Court and appeals to the Kansas Court of Appeals and Kansas Supreme Court.
Communicate with judges, witnesses, juries, and opposing counsel to present the City’s position clearly.
Prepare exhibits and conduct jury selection, opening statements, cross- and direct examinations, and closing arguments.
Counsel, advise, and train police officers and code enforcement officers on municipal court prosecution issues.
Implement the City’s DUI diversion policy and remain familiar with statutory requirements concerning diversion of criminal cases in Municipal Court.
Develop and maintain Public Information Programs, including researching, writing, distributing, and promoting programs about the criminal justice system.
Assign work duties to support staff as needed and advise the Legal Support Administrator about staff performance.
Conduct plea negotiations with defendants and defense attorneys and enforce Law Department plea policies.
Testify concerning legislative matters; research and prepare written testimony and proposed legislation; and present testimony to legislative committees.
Meet attendance, punctuality, work-hour, deadline, and communication expectations.
Perform other assigned duties.