ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR/ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

City-of-Cincinnat; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cincinnati Law Department seeks an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to handle criminal and traffic cases with courtroom experience. Responsibilities include preparing courtroom dockets, responding to discovery, negotiating plea bargains, and trying cases whether bench or jury.

The ideal candidate has strong oral and written communications and works well in a team within a high-volume environment. Candidates must hold a Juris Doctorate and be licensed in Ohio; knowledge of appellate

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution.
• Current license to practice law in Ohio.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare courtroom dockets and manage calendars.
• Prepare cases for trial and respond to discovery.
• Conduct legal research and draft opinions.
• Advise on plea negotiations and appeals.
• Collaborate with team in the City Solicitor’s Office.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Courtroom experience

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Ohio license to practice

Tools

Case management software

Job description

The City of Cincinnati Law Department is seeking an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. The ideal candidate will have prior courtroom experience and be familiar with the processing of criminal and traffic cases. Jury trial experience is helpful but not necessary. The person who fills this position will be responsible for preparing courtroom dockets, responding to discovery requests and motions, and managing cases in the courtroom. This includes working out plea bargains, trying cases to the bench or to a jury, and handling cases on appeal. Candidates should have excellent oral and written communications skills and be prepared to respond cordially and professionally to phone calls, emails, and other communications. The applicant should be able to handle a high-volume caseload and work collaboratively in a team setting. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a comfort level with technology related to case management and case preparation as needed for this position. The applicant must possess a current license to practice law in the State of Ohio and be in good standing. The City of Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer. The salary for the position will be competitive commensurate with experience and skill set.

This Position is located in the City Solicitor’s Office, 801 Plum Street, Room 214, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

(Below is illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAS nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs that may be required.)

Knowledge of:

Modern and complex principles and practices of public law. Basic methods of public administration.

Legal principles, practices, and procedures of civil, constitutional, and administrative law.

Methods and techniques of legal research and transactional practice.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations and their past applications. Awarenessoftheorganization,duties,powers,authority,policies,andproceduresofboththeCitySolicitor's Office in general and the division to which the attorney is assigned in particular.

Advanced legal writing skills.

Ethical standards as applied to the City Solicitor's Office and public employment in Ohio.

Ability to:

Prepare clear, concise, and complex legal position papers and opinions.

Organize, interpret, and apply legal principles and knowledge of complex legal problems.

Assist with presentation of complex cases in court.

Conduct exhaustive research on complex legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Research legal issues through various computer programs and applications.

Interact with elected officials, City administration, and the general public.

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited academic institution.

Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience prosecuting criminal cases and managing courtroom dockets
• Experience responding to discovery requests and motions, negotiating plea bargains, and trying cases (jury trial experience is a plus)
• Experience researching and writing appellate briefs and making oral arguments in courts of appeals
• Experience working as part of a team to achieve specified goals

Examples of Work Performed:

Specific:

Preparing courtroom dockets: enter correct information into software to obtain a docket report; identify cases set for motion, pretrial, trial, or sentencing; ensure all evidence has been ordered for each case; locate or create missing paperwork; deliver paperwork to paralegals to notify officers and subpoena witnesses; and organize paperwork to be ready for court.

Prepare cases for trial or motion: review case evidence and make requests for evidence that has not been ordered; contact and interview officers and witnesses; prepare opening statement, direct examination, cross-examination, closing argument, and voir dire; map out arguments in response to any defense motions and prepare written responses to such motions.

General:

Research legal questions and prepare written memoranda that synthesize the research results.

Prepare cases and appear in court to prosecute them.

Coordinate office activities with those of other departmental divisions.

Review new statutes and case law to keep abreast of current legal issues; attend seminars to keep abreast of new legal decisions, laws, and issues.

Respond to complaints from officers and witnesses.

Develop proficiency on computer software required to perform assigned tasks.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Environmental Conditions

Work in an office setting and walk or drive to county courthouse; exposure to computer screens; need to work closely with others.

Physical Conditions

Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Reasonable accommodation for qualified people with disabilities. To help us achieve the City’s goal to recruit qualified persons with disabilities, please self-identify at the time of application and at employment interviews.

All offers extended to candidates are contingent upon successful completion of a physical evaluation/drug screen and background check. An applicant with a positive drug test result may not be considered for any position with the City of Cincinnati for a period of one year. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Our on-line application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Help Desk between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM Pacific Time Monday - Friday at 1-855-524-5627.

For inquiries, please contact Lisa Kunz, Chief of Staff, Law Department, Room 214, City Hall, 801 Plum Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, [e-mail]

Applications for City positions are considered public records under Ohio’s Public Records Act. As a public record, applications maintained by the City shall be made available to any person requesting to view them.