Associate Prosecuting Attorney (FT) - Administration

City of Brooklyn Park; Brooklyn Park (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Brooklyn Park seeks an Associate Prosecuting Attorney to join our inaugural prosecution team. You will assist the lead Prosecuting Attorney in prosecuting criminal cases, from arraignments to trials, while upholding equitable justice in a diverse community.

Ideal candidates will have two years of prosecutorial experience and a strong familiarity with Minnesota courts, plus the ability to build partnerships with police, investigators and city stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of U.S. and Minnesota criminal law and procedures.
• Ability to argue persuasively and present clear legal arguments.
• Strong ethical standards and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Appear in court at all stages of criminal proceedings from arraignments to appeals.
• Screen cases for viability and evaluate reports/evidence.
• Litigate complex criminal procedures and manage asset forfeiture, ERPOs, and expungement petitions.
• Confer with attorneys, law enforcement, and stakeholders on prosecutions.
• Prepare witnesses and officers for hearings and trials.
• Research and write legal briefs including appellate work.

Skills

Criminal prosecution

Public speaking

Legal research

Case management

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Tools

Municipal case management systems

Job description

The City of Brooklyn Park is seeking an experienced Associate Prosecuting Attorney to be a part of our inaugural prosecution team. In this vital role, you will assist the lead Prosecuting Attorney in criminal prosecution of payable, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases including, but not limited to, arraignments, pretrials settlement conferences, Rasmussen hearings and court/jury trials.

Ideal candidates will possess advanced knowledge of criminal prosecution and a strong, established familiarity with the Hennepin County District Court system.

A commitment to equitable justice is essential in this position as the City of Brooklyn Park is one of the most diverse communities in the state. You will be tasked with building and maintaining strong, trust-based partnerships with the Brooklyn Park Police Department, investigators, and key municipal stakeholders to ensure a fair and just community.

• Appear in court at every stage of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pre-trial plea negotiations, pre-trial hearings, trials, sentencings, and appeals.
• Screen cases for viability of criminal charges by reviewing and evaluating the reports and evidence obtained from law enforcement, speaking with law enforcement, witnesses, and victims regarding cases, and assessing potential legal and evidentiary issues prior to making filing decisions.
• Litigate and manage complex criminal procedures, along with routinely handling state asset forfeiture proceedings, emergency and final Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) hearings, and statutory expungement petitions.
• Confer with attorneys, city employees and interested parties regarding criminal prosecution cases and trials.
• Provide updates and responds to inquiries from affected parties in a timely manner, discusses proposed case resolutions with law enforcement and victims, and prepares witnesses and officers for hearings and trials.
• Research and write legal briefs on issues, including appeals to Minnesota appellate courts.
• Author legal advisories and actionable training memorandums.
• Prepare and present training materials to police department employees in collaboration with the Police Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree in law.

Experience

Two (2) years of prosecutorial experience.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Be licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota and eligible to renew every 3 years.
• Attorney in good standing with the MN Ethics Board.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of United States and Minnesota constitutions, statutes, and cases regarding criminal law.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment while meeting the highest ethical standards.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both in verbal and written formats including effective public speaking and presentation skills and technique.
• Argue legal matters persuasively and present clear, cohesive arguments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, law enforcement, and court personnel.
• Ability to prioritize multiple work tasks and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Ability to prepare and present cases in court.
• Research, analyze and respond to a variety of legal issues and problems.
• See, read and understand complex documents.
• Represent the city professionally and positively.
• Navigate sensitive and high-pressure situations effectively.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement.
• Proven ability and demonstrated commitment to an inclusive workplace related to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of criminal prosecution and a strong, established familiarity with the Hennepin County District Court.
• Prior experience practicing specifically within a municipal government framework, including a strong understanding of city ordinances and the local legislative process.
• Proficiency with standard prosecutors' case management systems.
• Active membership in professional legal associations, such as the MN County Attorneys Association (MCAA ) and Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) Criminal Law Section.
• Familiarity with digital evidence, including body-worn camera footage, digital forensics and electronic discovery disclosure rules.
• Experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Continuous learning in racial equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility space.
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s).

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.

• Core business hours are set by departments based on operational needs. Alternative schedules can be arranged, but must comply with the City’s Alternative Work Arrangement policy.
• Office environment; exposure to computer screens; working closely with others, frequent interruptions.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and operate office and presentation equipment for extended periods; to communicate and speak clearly in person, in writing, and through digital channels.
• Use fine motor skills to write, operate a computer and review written materials and files.
• Highly skilled in defusing volatile situations and managing challenging interpersonal dynamics.
• Maintains exceptional professionalism, patience, and poise in high-stress situations.

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Sixty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.

Our Vision, Values, and Goals