Deputy District Attorney - County Court

Adams County Colorado; Brighton (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado is seeking an entry-level Deputy District Attorney to prosecute misdemeanor and traffic offenses, including DUIs, with support for victims.

You will prepare and conduct jury trials, perform legal research, and collaborate with law enforcement and court staff while handling a substantial docket under deadlines.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado
• Colorado Bar License or eligibility
• Ability to work under statutory deadlines
• Strong legal research and writing skills

Responsibilities

• Prepares and conducts jury trials on misdemeanor and traffic offenses
• Reviews police reports, evidence and witness statements for plea offers
• Presents evidence, conducts cross-examinations and opening/closing arguments
• Performs legal research and drafts pleadings and briefs
• Assists victims through the criminal justice system and communicates with them
• Serves on call to provide legal advice to law enforcement and the public

Skills

Critical thinking

Legal writing

Courtroom presentation

Communication skills

Caseload management

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Colorado Bar License

Tools

Case management software

Job description

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is committed to seeking and pursuing justice on behalf of victims of crime through the fair and ethical prosecution of those who commit offenses in our community. With a focus on education, treatment, and a reduction in recidivism, the District Attorney’s Office will also work vigorously to reform the criminal justice system to better serve those who live and work in Adams and Broomfield Counties.

The Deputy District Attorney performs professional legal work in the prosecution of cases in County Court, acting on behalf of the District Attorney and representing the People of the State of Colorado in court proceedings. The Deputy District Attorney is an entry level prosecutor who handles a significant docket of misdemeanor and traffic cases including DUIs, domestic violence, assault and careless driving cases.

• Prepares and conducts jury trials on misdemeanor and traffic offenses and, when appropriate, serves as co-counsel on felony cases as well.
• Reviews criminal case files including police reports, evidence, witness statements, criminal histories and victim input and determines appropriate plea offers for said cases.
• Presents evidence, argues motions of suppression and other technical legal motions, conducts jury selection, cross-examination of witnesses and opening and closing arguments in open court.
• Performs legal research and legal writing for legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
• Assists victims of crime through the criminal justice system and communicates with victims and witnesses on cases in which they are involved
• Periodically serves on call to provide legal advice to law enforcement agencies and answer immediate questions from the public
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado
• Knowledge of Colorado criminal case law statutes and relevant case law
• Commitment to protecting the public and making the criminal justice system better
• Commitment to working collaboratively in a team environment
• Responsible for reviewing criminal case files and preparing said files for trial
• Ability to prepare for and effectively manage a heavy caseload including reviewing each case prior to court and being prepared to facilitate disposition of cases
• Skill in researching and drafting legal pleadings necessary for the successful prosecution of cases
• Ability to effectively prepare for and conduct court and jury trials.
• Ability to comply with all Victims' Rights mandates, to include victim notification and/or consultation at all critical stages of a case
• Strong critical thinking skills, writing skills, and ability to think on one’s feet in a high stress environment
• Skill in courtroom presentation
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to meet statutory deadlines
• Ability to learn and utilize computer case management software programs
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, court officials, law enforcement, the public and other government agencies

• Must possess a JurisDoctorate from an accredited law school
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Colorado Driver's License
• Must pass a criminal background check