In-House Attorney III: Misdemeanor & Civil Litigator

Job Description

The purpose of this position is to provide assistance to the City Attorney's office by serving under the Direction of the City Attorney as an in-house counsel for the City and State of Utah for misdemeanor offenses in Saratoga Springs. Performs professional duties as required to expedite the efficient and effective litigation of criminal and civil cases.

This position is the first-line supervisor of assigned positions, which may include Assistant City Attorney(s) I, Legal Assistant(s), Law Clerk(s), and Intern(s).

Works under the specific direction of higher-level Assistant City Attorney(s) and the general direction of the City Attorney. All employees are also under the general supervision of the City Manager.

Job Responsibilities

• Provides legal memoranda, opinions, and advice on government law and criminal prosecutions matters including but not limited to criminal law, evidentiary law, litigation, contracts, land use, real estate, government records, open meetings, civil rights, employment, telecommunications, personal injury, environmental, water, bankruptcy, and municipal bonds
• Drafts and reviews highly technical contracts, leases, and agreements
• Assists with the representation of the City and assigned departments in civil and criminal litigation in state and federal trial courts
• Attends meetings of the Planning Commission, City Council, Library Board, Development Review Committee, and other various City departments, boards, and commissions, which are often held during evening hours
• Maintains knowledge and skill levels in current case law and legislation
• Assists and fills-in for City Attorney when needed and as assigned with civil and criminal responsibilities
• Provides adequate office coverage onsite at City hall as directed by City Attorney
• Screens potential criminal prosecutions from law enforcement agencies
• Evaluates evidence and reviews case reports
• Determines charges and pursuit of prosecution
• Prosecutes misdemeanors in justice and district courts
• Monitors case progress to ensure efficient and effective processing and litigation
• Prepares and tries civil and criminal litigation
• Interviews victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers
• Recommends appropriate criminal charges to be brought against accused persons or organizations
• Prepares for court by performing tasks such as legal research, drafting motions and briefs, gathering and analyzing evidence, and preparing jury instructions
• Attends and participates in motions, pleas, arraignments, pretrials, hearings, and sentencing
• Negotiates plea offerings and settlements of criminal and civil cases
• Drafts legal materials and documents such as motions, Informations, subpoenas, and arrest and search warrants
• Prepares memoranda, motions, writs, subpoenas, and other legal documents
• Submits regular reports, written or verbal, to apprise city attorney of status of assigned matters and cases
• Follows established policies and procedures
• Provides legal advice to city departments and law enforcement
• Prepares and conducts legal topic training for police officers, city employees, appointed officials, and elected officials
• Assists in the development of administrative procedures for department heads and elected officials
• Advises, counsels, and consults with various city departments and agencies of the City
• Acts as 2nd Chair in criminal and civil proceedings and 1st Chair as assigned
• Performs other duties as needed or directed

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in municipal government law or a closely related field

Special Qualifications & Certifications:

• Admission and Active Status with the Utah State Bar Association
• Mandatory continuing legal education (CLE) as required by Utah State Bar Association
• Must possess a valid Utah driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communicate in a concise and effective manner
• Excellent writing skills including correct use of English language and vocabulary
• General knowledge of municipal government operations
• Knowledge of litigation procedures including but not limited to Rules of Evidence, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, and Utah Administrative Rules
• Knowledge of civil, criminal, evidentiary, and government law including but not limited to civil and criminal, the Utah Criminal Code, Utah Traffic Code, litigation, contract law, land use law, real estate law, government records, open meetings law, civil rights,…