Assistant County Attorney - Civil​/Juvenile​/Human Services

SALARY RANGE
Assistant County Attorney I $50.23 - $70.37 Hourly
Assistant County Attorney II $56.97 - $79.82 Hourly
Placement on salary schedule dependent upon qualifications.

DESCRIPTION:
This position supports the mission of the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office in the promotion of justice and public safety through fair, effective, and efficient prosecuting of crime; to protect the children, families, and vulnerable in need; and to provide quality legal representation for Blue Earth County. Serving at the pleasure of and under the general supervision of the County Attorney, this position will assist in providing legal services and representing the County in a wide variety of civil, juvenile, and human services matters.

Minnesota law specifies that an assistant county attorney has the same duties as the county attorney. This position may entail any and/or all of the statutory duties of the County Attorney's Office as assigned. The secondary area of practice will concentrate on criminal prosecution.

• Performs County Attorney duties. Pursuant to M.S.388.10, each Assistant County Attorney shall have the same duties and be subject to the same liabilities as the County Attorney.
• Practices law and performs statutory duties and tasks as assigned by the County Attorney in a professional manner in keeping with the high expectations bestowed upon them with a public office.
• Drafts basic and moderately complex contracts, memoranda, ordinances, conveyances, agreements, resolutions, legislation, and other documents which establish legal rights of Blue Earth County.
• Confers with and, under supervision, advises County and other officers, departments, employees and representatives on litigation and legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, liabilities, and obligations.
• Advises County Departments and law enforcement. Reviews requests for advice from county departments, or law enforcement agencies. Researches statutes, administrative rules, and court cases to determine appropriate response. Consults with supervisors regarding appropriate advice or alternatives. Prepares memorandums with supporting documentation to advise agency or respond orally, documenting response. Participates in meetings with Human Service staff. Provides training to county regarding law and procedures.
• Prepares cases for court. Researches relevant legal issues. Reviews reports, exhibits and other evidence. Meets with witnesses to review testimony. Prepares legal memoranda and exhibits. Prepares oral arguments. Outlines and organizes the order of witnesses and evidence to be presented. Determines relevance of evidence or testimony. Evaluates strengths or weaknesses of witnesses' presentation.
• Appears in court. Transports, organizes, and sets up files, exhibits, etc. Meets with counsel and presiding officer to discuss unresolved issues and court procedures. Appears for pretrial, trial, post-trial, and appellate court proceedings. Conducts jury selection, delivers opening statements, conducts direct and cross-examination of witnesses and presents closing arguments. Offers exhibits, documents, real evidence, etc. into evidence. Makes appropriate and timely objections.
• Reviews police and social worker reports. Reviews delinquency, paternity, commitment, guardianship, and conservatorship referrals. Determines appropriate legal action. Drafts petitions, complaints, and other appropriate pleadings, including Children in Need of Protective Services (CHIPS) petitions, paternities and non-support petitions, commitment petitions, welfare fraud complaints, and juvenile petitions. Reviews and approves juvenile citations, child support pleadings for expedited child support process. Determines if jurisdiction and probable cause exists for requested action.
  
  Determines level, type of charges appropriate, essential witnesses, physical evidence and refers to other agencies as needed. Drafts appellate documents.
• Administers all day care and welfare appeals. Reviews referrals of administrative appeals; conducts legal research and prepares appropriate documentation, letter briefs, and formal briefs. Prepares for and attends all…