Assistant City Prosecutor I

Mesa Police Department; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Assistant City Prosecutor I, where you'll engage in meaningful legal work within the municipal court system. This entry-level position offers the opportunity to develop your skills in trial advocacy, negotiation, and legal research while working under the guidance of experienced supervisors. As you build your career, you can advance through noncompetitive promotions to higher-level prosecutor roles. This role not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to make a significant impact in your community. If you're passionate about law and eager to grow, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must have a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active membership in the Arizona State Bar Association required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute cases in municipal court.
• Negotiate cases and plea agreements, conduct trials.
• Interview witnesses and present motions in court.

Skills

Legal Research

Trial Advocacy

Negotiation Skills

Public Speaking

Case Management

Education

Juris Doctorate Degree

Job description

Salary Range and Growth Potential: It is anticipated that an entry-level prosector will start at a salary around $103,000. The salary range for this Assistant City Prosecutor I position is $80,196 - $118,687 annually, with the potential to advance by noncompetitive promotion to Assistant City Prosecutor II ($88,397 - $130,824 annually) and to Assistant City Prosecutor III ($102,353 - $151,478 annually) upon meeting specific criteria-based promotion requirements.

This recruitment will be used to fill one vacancy, as well as establish an eligible list to fill possible future vacancies. First review of applications will be Monday, March 24, 2025, and weekly thereafter.

This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.

An Assistant City Prosecutor I performs entry-level, professional legal work in the preparation and prosecution of cases in municipal court. Responsibilities include 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. This class is also responsible for performing some appellate work and related duties as required.

This class is distinguished from the next higher-level classification, Assistant City Prosecutor II, by the latter's increased responsibilities and greater degree of legal and administrative knowledge and expertise. Employees may progress by noncompetitive promotion to Assistant City Prosecutor II upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements. This class is supervised by a Deputy City Prosecutor who reviews work closely during initial training; however, incumbents may receive functional supervision from an Assistant City Prosecutor II or an Assistant City Prosecutor III on a special project basis. However, incumbents are eventually expected to handle trial work independently and under more general supervision. This class is FLSA exempt-professional. (Part-time employees in this class are FLSA nonexempt).

Minimum Qualification Required: Graduation from a school of law, accredited by the American Bar Association, with a Juris Doctorate Degree.

Special Requirements: Active membership in the Arizona State Bar Association at the time of hire. For this position, an individual receiving a conditional offer of employment from the City of Mesa must pass a background investigation through the City of Mesa Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment with the City of Mesa.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification: Some (6 months - 1 year) experience in the practice of law, including trial work, as a legal intern, law clerk, or practicing attorney is preferred.