Assistant City Attorney - Criminal

JOB
This position is open until filled. Hiring range is $78,725.97 to $92,987 dependent on experience.

Under general direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney-Criminal assists in the administration and supervision of the City Attorney's Office; provides expert legal advice to the Mayor, City Council, Department Directors, City Boards and Commissions, and City employees on a wide range of municipal law issues. Prosecute City traffic citations, misdemeanor charges, and other City Code violations. Negotiating cases and plea agreements; conducting bench and jury trials; presenting motions, pleadings, and arguments in court; and interviewing witnesses, Police Officers, victims, and others. Represents the City in criminal proceedings, status conferences, jury trials, contract negotiations, and other legal matters and proceeding under the direction of the City Attorney. May assist the Assistant City Attorney-Civil from time to time on an as-needed basis.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Prosecutes a variety of City traffic violations, misdemeanor charges, and other City Code violations. Drafts pleadings, motions, briefs, jury instructions, and other similar documents. Conducts discovery and prepares cases for trial. Evaluates evidence and strength of cases. Interviews witnesses and victims. Communicates with defense counsel, pro se defendants, and others in a timely and respectful manner. Represents City in criminal hearings, bench trials, jury trials, and in appellate actions. Makes reasonable and ethical offers. Maintains complete, organized, and detailed records of prosecution activities. Serves as a special prosecutor from time-to-time. Works closely with the Lewiston Police Department and Nez Perce County Prosecutor's Office. Works with City Code Enforcement officers to achieve public compliance with the Lewiston City Code.

Confers with and advises the Mayor, the City Council, City departments, boards, and commissions concerning their duties, powers, and functions; performs legal research and investigates, evaluates, and resolves a variety of complex legal matters; prepares written and oral opinions on various legal issues for presentation to the City Council, City departments, and various boards and commissions.

Provides legal support to City departments; prepares drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, and other legal documents and instruments; reviews joint agency agreements, mutual aid agreements, grants, and various competitive bid documents; provides opinions as to the legal acceptability of agreements, covenants, and other binding documents presented to the City for consideration by outside parties or agencies.

Reviews or responds to public records requests; prepares memos, legal opinions, ordinances, and resolutions, as needed.

At the request of the City Attorney, Department Directors, or other City officials or employees, provides training to public safety officers, first responders, and other City employees, as well as legal training in civil and related law topics in areas of municipal law, code enforcement, legal compliance, and policy development.

Attends City Council meetings and meetings for City Boards and Commissions, including those that occur in the evening hours.

Learn ordinances, statutes, and court decisions relating to municipal corporations; confers with and advises City departments in establishing policies by applying legal points and procedures; recommends changes in policies and procedures to meet current legal requirements; learn organization, procedures, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the City Attorney's office, City government, and other public agencies.

Manages a heavy workload effectively and efficiently; meets deadlines.

Areas of emphasis may include providing extensive legal advice and training for the police, fire, and code enforcement departments; processing public records requests and assists with property and weapon dispositions; review code compliance and enforcement issues; and serve as an assigned advisor for the police and fire department.

Demonstrates conduct of a team player.

Assists the Assistant City Attorney-Civil as needed. This may include providing legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, Department Directors, City Boards and Commissions, and City employees on matters relating to real property transactions, land use, planning and zoning, and civil litigation, mediation and arbitration, among other tasks.

Attends CLE courses and maintains bar membership and remains in good standing with the Idaho State Bar.

Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school; licensed member of the Idaho State Bar in good standing or a state bar with reciprocity in Idaho; 1-3 years' experience as a practicing attorney with an emphasis in criminal or municipal law preferred. Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge & Abilities:
Functional knowledge of Idaho municipal law, civil and criminal rules, rules of professional conduct, rules of evidence, and civil and criminal trial procedures
Ability to communicate proficiently verbally and in writing to appropriately manage criminal cases in state or federal court
Represent the City effectively in criminal hearings, courts of law, and meetings
Knowledge of and ability to effectively use online legal research tools
Excellent legal research and writing skills
Knowledge of state statutes and case law
Maintain confidentiality
Ability to define and analyze complex legal issues and problems, research and organize facts, perform legal risk-benefit analysis, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound conclusions and recommendations
Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively
Operate a computer to prepare legal documents and perform legal research
Communicate effectively, professionally, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing
Work harmoniously with clients, co-workers, the general public, other attorneys, and other organizations
Use a high degree of tact, discretion, and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals
Work independently with minimal direction
Exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters under pressure
Interpret and explain city, state, and federal law, regulations, legislation, and constitutional provisions
Strong work ethic
Exercise tact, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and good judgment
Conduct self in a professional manner
Successful completion of a City of Lewiston background check
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may lift or carry up to 25 pounds. The noise level is generally quiet. General office environment. The position requires occasional after-hours, weekends, and holiday work as City business necessitates.

With or without reasonable accommodation, this position requires: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing that permits the employee to communicate effectively in writing, on the telephone, and in-person; Sufficient vision that permits the employee to review written and electronic materials; Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to handle a variety of records and files and to operate a computer; and sufficient personal mobility that permits the employee to access office files, attend courtroom proceedings, and public meeting, visit other City offices and governmental agencies.