Assistant City Attorney Jobs

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Bozeman, Montana is looking for an experienced and hardworking attorney to accept a challenging position addressing a wide diversity of legal and organizational matters. We seek an attorney with integrity, a lively work ethic, and an appreciation for collaboration, leadership qualities, and an affinity for change. This position will be primarily assigned to the criminal division for prosecution services, with the possibility of some assigned civil duties. As part of the City Attorney’s Office, this position represents the City in all matters that involve criminal charges and municipal code violations, including receiving and evaluating new case files, arguing bond, bail, or sentencing as necessary, reviewing police reports and citations to determine appropriate charges, drafting charging documentation accordingly, and advocating for enforcement of the law. The principal duties of this position are performed in a general office and courtroom environment.

FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Week: Generally 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday though additional or varying hours may be required including evenings and weekends due to the nature of the position.

This is a full-time career opportunity with excellent benefits! As a City of Bozeman employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively serving the community. This great opportunity also provides enrollment in an established Employee Retirement System, with significant employer contribution, generous vacation and sick time accruals, and excellent medical/dental/vision benefits.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Addresses inquiries or requests from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and/or the general public on criminal issues and related court procedures;
• Participates in various community outreach activities as assigned;
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions;
• Reviews and evaluates requests for prosecution, including researching case law for motions, determining presence of probable cause, ascertaining likelihood of conviction, and discovering any need for additional information;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• Represents the City in all matters that involve criminal charges and municipal code violations, including receiving and evaluating new case files, arguing bond, bail, or sentencing as necessary, reviewing police reports and citations to determine appropriate charges, drafting charging documentation accordingly, and advocating for enforcement of the law;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and other materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas;
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
• Provides advice and legal assistance to members of various City Departments, including addressing inquiries or requests from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and/or the general public on criminal and civil issues, providing informal, written, email, or verbal opinions to municipality department staff, researching specific legal questions, and preparing formal, written memoranda;
• Manages criminal cases from arraignment to trial, including negotiating plea arrangements, and responding to bond petitions and revocation proceedings;
• Prepares and reviews ordinances, resolutions, and contracts, including editing complex documents, drafting originals, and appearing before the Commission to report on new or amended legislation;
• Prepares evidence for trial and tries cases in both state and federal district courts, including conducting victim/witness interviews, briefing victim/witnesses on court procedures, identifying and organizing evidence, and providing and responding to discovery;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately and diligently informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Researches and writes memoranda and legal briefs in accordance with trial, appellate, and federal court guidelines, including initiating motions and appeals on behalf of the State, and presenting oral arguments accordingly;
• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.
• Attends City Commission and other agency meetings as assigned or necessary;
• May perform functions in the absence of the City Attorney as assigned;

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Some (1 – 3 years’) experience as an attorney, criminal law experience preferred; or,
• License to practice law and membership in good standing in Montana; and
• Any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; and

Applications MUST include:

• Writing Sample (not to exceed 10 pages)
• Resume
• Supplemental Questionnaire
• Cover Letter

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data and use of the appropriate levels of discretion;
• Ability to develop persuasive opening and closing statements, including making effective use of visual aids and analogies;
• Ability to work with clients in adverse situations and maintain a working relationship;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ability to develop new arguments grounded in the law, that will set precedents for new cases in favor of the organization;
• Substantial knowledge of Montana ethical considerations and disciplinary rules;
• Ability to handle a large volume of assignments;
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal laws, criminal case law regarding law and procedure and criminal law and theory;
• Ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks and to stay apprised of developments in technology as it relates to legal practice and law;
• Thorough knowledge of civil law and theory;
• Ability to negotiate and persuade others, including both individuals and groups;
• Thorough knowledge of Montana State statutes relating to local government, open meetings and public records, zoning, planning, property law, contract law, insurance law, and labor law;
• Thorough knowledge of State and Federal statutory and case law related to municipal government and State and Federal court procedures;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability to present routine and complex issues to varied audiences including colleagues, elected and appointed officials, and the public;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Substantial knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, and references utilized in legal research;
• Consistently performs assignments in accordance with the City’s Core Values of Integrity, Leadership, Service and Teamwork.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Offers for employment are conditional upon satisfactory responses to appropriate post conditional offer process.
• Valid driver’s license (must obtain valid Montana Driver’s License within 60 days of employment); and,