Deputy State's Attorney - Civil

Pennington County; Rapid City (SD); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A county government office is seeking a deputy state’s attorney responsible for various divisions, including Civil, Juvenile, and Abuse and Neglect. The role involves conducting legal research, representing the county in court, and collaborating with multiple agencies. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctorate, and be a member of the South Dakota Bar. This is an in-office position requiring strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to conduct legal research and writing.
• Experience in representing the State in court.
• Strong communication skills in various formats.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and writing for civil cases.
• Attend court proceedings and represent the County.
• Prepare witnesses and present evidence.

Skills

Legal research and writing

Communication skills

Representation in court

Collaboration with agencies

Education

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school

Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school

Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota

Job description

Civil Department: The Civil Department of the State’s Attorney’s Office is divided into the Civil, Juvenile, and Abuse and Neglect divisions.

Position Objective: The role of a deputy state’s attorney working in the Civil Department varies depending upon the division(s) an attorney is assigned to as noted below. The duties of a deputy state’s attorney in the Civil Department are directly related to the general operations of the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Essential Functions:

Civil Division

• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Attend county government meetings, court, and administrative proceedings, and provide legal representation to the County Commission, Planning Commission, and the appointed and elected officials who manage and operate the various offices and departments within Pennington County Government.
• Prepare witnesses and present evidence at all required administrative hearings, court hearings, and trials.
• Communicate with citizens and other interested parties on matters relevant to county government functions.
• Work and consult with federal, state, local and tribal agencies on matters involving county business.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with all county policies and procedures.

Juvenile Division

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make charging decisions.
• Represent the State of South Dakota and present evidence at all required hearings and trials before the Court involving juvenile offenders.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Abide by all victims’ rights and assist victims through the Juvenile Justice System.
• Meet with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Prepare law enforcement officers, witnesses, and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, Juvenile Services Center, Department of Corrections and Court Services.
• Work cooperatively with the Juvenile Diversion Program of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Abuse and Neglect Division

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make charging decisions.
• Represent the State of South Dakota and present evidence at all required hearings and trials before the Court involving abuse and neglect proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Abide by all victims’ rights and assist victims through the judicial system.
• Meet with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Prepare law enforcement officers, witnesses, and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Represents the Department of Social Services in all stages of litigation in civil proceedings against parents and guardians accused of abusing or neglecting their children.
• Work cooperatively with the Department of Social Services, tribal representatives, children’s counsel, CASA, and others involved in abuse and neglect proceedings.

Education And/or Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited school.
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in-person and in writing.

Working Environment

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Extra hours may be required to complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Some travel may be required for training, meetings, and court/administrative hearings.