Attorney II - Criminal

City of Boise; Boise (ID); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PERSI retirement

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

The City of Boise Criminal Division is seeking an experienced attorney to advance courtroom advocacy as an Attorney II. You will manage a diverse caseload, from routine misdemeanor matters to complex felonies, including jury trials and appellate work, with mentorship for newer attorneys and flexible hybrid work when appropriate.

Requirements include a Juris Doctorate and at least two years of civil or criminal litigation, licensure in good standing with Idaho State Bar, and a valid driver's

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and two years of civil or criminal litigation experience.
• Licensed and active Idaho State Bar member in good standing.
• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Handle cases from misdemeanors to complex felonies, including trials and appellate work.
• Mentor and train junior attorneys while building litigation expertise.
• Prepare and argue motions, draft briefs, and manage case planning across all stages of prosecution.
• Conduct legal research and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Litigation

Courtroom advocacy

Legal writing

Mentoring

Research

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Are you a talented attorney with a few years of experience ready to take your courtroom advocacy skills to the next level? The City of Boise Criminal Division is seeking dedicated prosecutors who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about serving justice in our community. This role offers the perfect blend of independence and mentorship, handling everything from routine misdemeanor cases to more complex felony matters and high-profile trials.

As an Attorney II, you'll build your litigation expertise while managing a diverse caseload that includes motion practice, jury trials, and appellate work. We offer a supportive environment where you can develop your courtroom presence, refine your legal writing, and even mentor newer attorneys - all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements when appropriate.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and two years of experience in civil or criminal litigation or municipal governance.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Must be a licensed and active member in good standing with the Idaho State Bar.
• Valid state-issued driver's license.

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Education Verification
• Criminal Justice Information System background check (CJIS)
• Hybrid Work Eligible

Why the City of Boise?

The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (an estimated $10,000 - 20,000 value)
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

Disclaimer

This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.

Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.

Performs all duties of Attorney I - Criminal, in addition to providing team support and training of lower-level criminal attorneys; performs both routine and more complex tasks, and assists others as required.

Handles criminal cases in court. Represents the City of Boise at all levels of the criminal process, including arraignments, pre‑trial conferences, motion hearings, probation violation and contempt hearings, bench and jury trials and post‑sentencing hearings and appeals.

Handles a significant number of misdemeanor criminal and civil infraction cases. Handles more complex cases, appellate matters, high profile cases, and conflict juvenile or felony cases, as assigned.

Prepares files for court. Reviews criminal case files, police reports and other evidence. Conducts a criminal background check for each defendant, and reviews defendant’s driver’s license and bond status when necessary. Conducts case analysis depending on the charge alleged and evaluates strengths and weaknesses of each case. Develops an offer of settlement and negotiates a resolution when possible. Communicates with pro se defendants, defense attorneys, victims, victim witness coordinators, witnesses, police officers, judges and clerks in a timely manner.

Prepares unresolved cases for trial. Uses and updates the office’s internal case management system. Prepares cases for all stages of prosecutions, including drafting motions and preparing for hearings and trials. Assigns tasks to support staff and successive attorneys as a part of case preparation.

Researches and writes memoranda and briefs on various criminal issues. Responds to various defense motions, such as motions to suppress or motions to dismiss, and files preemptive motions on behalf of the city. Responds to inquiries from the general public as well as stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Mentors level I attorneys as assigned.

Manages cases assigned throughout all stages, from charges filed to trial. Trains new attorneys and interns on technology, office procedures, case preparation and providing support and resources in preparing for cases.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

Knowledge of:

• principles of criminal law, court rules and trial procedure, rules of evidence, rules of professional conduct and legal ethics;
• rules of civil procedures within Idaho and the Boise Police Department;
• computer usage including related software.

Ability to:

• work effectively in a fast-paced environment and advocate for clients both in and out of the courtroom;
• conduct legal research, analyze and provide legal analysis of contract language;
• apply legal concepts from a broad federal law to the minutiae of the Idaho Code;
• communicate proficiently both verbally and in writing especially when administering more complex criminal issues, such as writing briefs and other complex legal documents;
• communicate complex legal issues to police officers and other city employees;
• communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• perform all essential and functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• 4 years of experience in civil or criminal litigation or governmental law practice managing a significant workload
• Experience with research and writing, and mentoring or supervising the work of others.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision and distance vision. Employees will sit, stand, and walk.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.

This position works: outside of, or extends beyond, a typical 8am to 5pm M-F work week, as required.