Chief Deputy City Attorney, Criminal Division

City of Meridian; Florida; On-site; USD 104,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Meridian is seeking a highly experienced chief prosecutor to lead the new Criminal Division. You will perform the full range of criminal prosecution duties, manage attorneys and support staff, and provide legal counsel to the mayor, city council, and staff.

You will hire prosecutors, shape the division's structure, oversee case preparation and court appearances, and ensure compliance with laws and policies.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum five years of legal practice, with municipal leadership or governmental experience.
• Active license to practice law in Idaho.

Responsibilities

• Provide the highest standard of legal ethics and represent the City of Meridian.
• Assist in building the new Criminal Division team; hire prosecutors and staff; shape organizational structure.
• Perform all duties of a criminal prosecutor including case preparation, court appearances and trials.
• Oversee calendar, prosecutions, and related projects; guide staff and attorneys.
• Advise the mayor and city council; develop training materials; mentor staff.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Court proceedings

Policy interpretation

Team leadership

Contract negotiation

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Be part of a team that is making a difference in the lives of our residents every day. Together, let’s shape a brighter future for our community!

Salary:

$10,261.59, per month

Job Summary:

Performs the full range of criminal prosecution duties and manages a team of criminal prosecution attorneys and criminal division support staff. Provides legal services and counsel to elected officials, department heads, and staff on legal issues of significant complexity, sensitivity, and potential risk and consequences for the city.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide the highest standard of legal ethics, accountability, and responsibility in representing the client, the City of Meridian;

• This position will assist in building the new Criminal Division team; this includes hiring prosecutors and support staff and providing input on all aspects of the criminal team office structure and organization going forward;

• Performs all duties of a criminal prosecutor including case preparation, meeting with victims and witnesses, appearing in court, and handling trials;

• Ensures that assigned operations and activities comply with organizational goals and objectives; and directs actions and results of major processes and programs;

• Manages team of attorneys assigned to criminal prosecution assignments;

• Oversees criminal court calendaring and criminal case prosecution;

• Oversees other special projects or assignments relating to criminal prosecution;

• Manages projects assigned to attorneys and support staff;

• Provides legal counsel, guidance and advice to the mayor and city council and City staff;

• Develops and maintains training materials for attorneys and support staff;

• Plans and conducts training and mentorship for attorneys, support staff, and other employees;

• Reviews work of attorneys for quality assurance and accuracy;

• Performs legal services, including the negotiation, preparation and review of contracts and other special projects as assigned and other mayor and/or council-driven initiatives;

• Assists the City Attorney with issues relating to department administration, policy and criminal division management;

• Oversees projects to improve operations, decrease turnaround times and streamline work processes;

• Handles and/or supervises the case screening function of the department to ensure proper review of all arrests and citations, including the review of written reports for charging decisions;

• Perform any and all legal duties, as directed by the City Attorney, to serve the interest of the City of Meridian; and

• 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.

Job Specifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school;
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a four (4) year accredited college or university;
• Five years of experience in the practice of law, including five (5) years of experience managing both professional and support staff in municipal leadership or governmental legal practice; or equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge skills and ability necessary to perform the job.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Criminal Justice Information Services and the requirements to manage CJI data in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;

  • Knowledge of Principles and practices of criminal, civil, and administrative law, especially as they relate to municipal governments;

  • Knowledge of state and federal court procedures, court administration and rules of evidence;

  • Knowledge of interview techniques, methods and strategies for case preparation, pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases;

  • Knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation;

  • Knowledge of principles and practices of legal communication;

  • Knowledge of basic methods and practices of law office management;

  • Knowledge of principles and practices of effective management and supervision;

  • Knowledge of applicable personnel or employment laws and municipal public sector laws;

  • Ability to define and analyze complex legal issues and problems;

  • Ability to research and organize facts, perform legal risk-benefit analyses, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations;

  • Ability to present statements of fact, law, and argument, clearly, logically, and persuasively;

  • Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters;

  • Ability to interpret and explain state and federal laws, regulations, legislation and constitutional provisions affecting city operations;

  • Ability to represent the city effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings;

• • Ability to use a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals;

  • Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties, including recruiting, hiring, and performance reviews, disciplinary actions and firing; and

  • Ability to communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and

  • Ability to communicate with and provide training to both one-on-one and in-group settings to other attorneys, internal staff, and citizen stakeholders.

Licensing or Certification:

• Licensed attorney in the State of Idaho and in good standing with the Idaho State Bar;
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise level. The employee in this class is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes;
• Employee is occasionally subject to outside environmental conditions and is required to negotiate rough terrain in order to conduct site visits which may also involve extreme heat and/ or cold;
• Frequently requires sitting at a desk for long periods of time, up to 8 hours;
• Requires ability to lift up to 40 pounds;
• Constantly requires repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and/ or fingers;
• Constantly requires clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Constantly requires clear vision to read printed materials and computer screen to accomplish work;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment to accomplish the tasks noted above.

Travel Requirements:

• Daily travel between and within Boise and Meridian is required using personal or city-owned vehicles.
• Occasional in-State travel to other jurisdictions may be required.
• Occasional out-of-state travel for training may be required.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you’ll enjoy your career with us!

City of Meridian is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

The City of Meridian is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This includes, but is not limited to, H-1B and F-1 visa categories. Candidates must possess valid work authorization in the United States that does not require employer sponsorship.