Assistant County Attorney

Assistant County Attorney

Department:
County Attorney

Status:
Full Time;
Exempt

Starting Salary:
Salary will be based on experience. Receive anniversary step increases and annual cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLA).

The Douglas County Attorney's Office is hiring a full‑time Assistant County Attorney. This position involves a variety of legal work, including criminal, social services, and civil cases for the county attorney’s office. Strong courtroom and legal research skills are essential.

The Assistant County Attorney represents the State of Minnesota and Douglas County in the enforcement of law in District Court and other court settings.

• Manage the following cases from start to finish:
  Truancy and Runaway Petitions, Civil Commitment Petitions (mental health and/or chemical dependency, Guardianship/Conservatorship cases, juvenile diversion cases, dangerous dog appeals, prosecute all juvenile cases (petty, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felonies), Ordinance Enforcement, License Enforcement, assist County Assessor with tax appeals including litigation in Tax Court, and conduct trust reviews for Social Services.
• Manage child protection cases from start to finish, including Termination of Parental Rights and permanency cases. Collect reports. Analyze evidence. Organize the CHIPS case. Inspect all pleadings and motions. Prepare for contested hearings. Estimate the time needed for court hearings. Select witnesses. Examine witnesses in court. Argue motions. Devise and execute a trial plan.
• Manage the following cases from start to finish:
  Truancy and Runaway Petitions, Civil Commitment Petitions (mental health and/or chemical dependency, Guardianship/Conservatorship cases, juvenile diversion cases, dangerous dog appeals, prosecute all juvenile cases (petty, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felonies), Ordinance Enforcement, License Enforcement, assist County Assessor with tax appeals including litigation in Tax Court, and conduct trust reviews for Social Services.
• Manage child support cases from start to finish, including contempt cases. Collect and evaluate social services reports and data. Collaborate with the child support officer. Present the case in court. Propose an appropriate child support amount. Justify the same.
• Interpret Minnesota law. Appraise the relative strength of a criminal case. Choose appropriate criminal charges. Estimate the likelihood of a successful prosecution.
• Argue for appropriate bail in court. Justify said amount based on public safety concerns and flight risk.
• Create advisory opinions for all county departments as necessary.
• Provide legal advice to law enforcement on a 24/7 basis, including weekends.
• Review and approve 48‑hour probable cause holds for weekend arrests.
• Reliable, predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, as assigned or apparent.

• Provide information to law enforcement outside of normal office hours as needed.
• Answer phone and take messages.
• Prepare subpoenas and miscellaneous documents.
• Copy video and audio recordings as needed.
• Direct and screen inquiries from the general public.
• Attend continuing legal education courses to keep the license to practice law current.

• Perform job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission, and values.
• Implicit in the employer‑employee relationship is the right of Douglas County to rely upon the presence of the employee during assigned hours of work and the obligation of the employee for timely and regular attendance.
• Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of all department and County‑wide policies, protocols, and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co‑workers.
• Inform immediate supervisor of all important matters about assigned job responsibilities.
• Seek opportunities for further personal growth and development.
• Represent the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
• Comply with all rules and…