Deputy District Attorney II - Criminal

Churchill County; Fallon (NV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% retirement contribution to Nevada PERS

100% employee-only health insurance premiums

No Social Security deductions

Job summary

A county in Nevada is seeking an experienced legal professional to represent the State in criminal actions. The role involves preparing and presenting evidence, advising county officials, and performing legal research. Applicants must hold a Juris Doctorate and have at least two years of experience as a licensed attorney in Nevada. The position offers comprehensive retirement contributions and health insurance premiums.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney.
• Admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and presents the State’s evidence in criminal actions.
• Interviews and advises complainants and witnesses regarding prospective criminal action.
• Confers with County officials on legal questions and drafts ordinances.

Skills

Application of legal principles to individual cases

Judicial procedure and rules of evidence

Applicable laws, codes, and regulations

Legal research

Effective communication

Maintaining accurate records

Education

Juris Doctorate in Law

Job description

Applicants

Applicants are required to submit an online application at www.churchillcounty.org/careers. Applicants also need to submit a résumé, cover letter (indicating why you are interested in working for the Churchill County District Attorney’s Office), and a writing sample attached to their online application. Applicants that are members in good standing of a State other than Nevada are encouraged to review Nevada Supreme Court Rule 49.1 for eligibility to practice in Nevada. If you need assistance attaching your documents, please notify Kim Brontsema at [e-mail].

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Prepares and presents the State’s evidence in criminal actions to include legal arguments regarding merit; argues on behalf of the State against writs of habeas corpus, petitions for post‑conviction relief and motions to suppress evidence.
• Appears on behalf of the State in probation, revocation, and sanity hearings; prepares and supervises the preparation of legal briefs filed on behalf of the State.
• Presents plea negotiations with opposing attorneys.
• Interviews and advises complainants and witnesses regarding prospective criminal action.
• Performs legal research and studies; interprets and applies laws, court decisions and legal points and authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs for the prosecution or the defense.
• Confers with and advises County officials, employees and representatives on legal questions; drafts ordinances, resolutions and other legislative measures; confers with investigators regarding the collection of facts and evidence.
• Attends pre‑trial police lineups; attends arraignments, preliminary hearings, hearings and trials and defends indigent clients in a variety of cases before County or State courts; dictates legal instruments, correspondence and reports.
• Maintains accurate records and files; prepares a variety of records and reports as assigned.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Compensation and Benefits

The County pays 100% of the retirement contribution to Nevada PERS on your behalf (36.75% over and above your wage, equivalent to $36,400/year). The County pays 100% of the employee‑only health insurance premiums (equivalent to $12,800/year). You will not have Social Security taken out of your paycheck, which results in an additional 6% take‑home pay (equivalent to $5,900/year).

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the experienced level class in this professional series, responsible for providing proficient completion of complex legal assignments. This class requires the application of seasoned judgment and latitude in completing casework. This class is distinguished from the Chief Deputy District Attorney in that the latter is a supervisory level classification. This is an at‑will position which serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney. This job description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate in Law and admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada; or as provided by Supreme Court rule. Minimum of two years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Application of legal principles to individual cases or problems.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Computer applications, particularly as related to the performance of legal research.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio‑economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

Skills In

• Understanding and interpreting constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
• Researching, interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports.
• Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or department goals, objectives and activities.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and procedures.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in dealing with court officials, witnesses, members of the legal community and the general public.

Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

• Nevada Driver’s License.
• Certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Nevada and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Nevada.
• Permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW).

Physical Demands

Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone and in person.

Conditions of Employment

1. Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
2. New employees are required to submit to a background investigation and, if hired for a safety‑sensitive position, a drug/alcohol screen. Employment is contingent upon passing the background and the drug/alcohol screen (if applicable).
3. Churchill County participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I‑9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.