Part-Time Assistant County Attorney

Beltrami County; Bemidji (MN); Presencial; USD 67.000 - 86.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

Beltrami County is seeking a part-time (0.5 FTE), non-benefited Assistant County Attorney to handle a mixed caseload including criminal matters, social services cases, and general county legal advice. The role emphasizes courtroom skills and strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Schedule will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Position starts January 2027, contingent on County Board approval in December 2026.

Formación

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• 1+ year experience as a law clerk and/or attorney (including certified student attorney or equivalent).
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota or ability to obtain Minnesota license within a reasonable period.
• Valid MN driver’s license.

Responsabilidades

• Conducts criminal appeals; researches and prepares briefs and oral arguments; appears in appellate court.
• Provides legal advice to law enforcement in criminal investigations.
• Prepares orders and pleadings; prepares county testimony; assists in training child support workers.
• Prepares for and conducts criminal prosecutions; directs staff; manages pre-trial and trial strategies; gathers information and evidence; presents arguments at trial.
• Reviews child protection matters and coordinates with schools and case managers for hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Reviews adult protection matters; works with social services in guardianship and conservatorship cases; represents County at hearings.
• Provides legal advice in probate collection or reimbursements for public assistance programs.
• Advices and represents County in licensing and administrative cases before ALJs.
• Prepares complex legal memoranda, letters, briefs, and court pleadings.

Conocimientos

Legal research

Courtroom skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Educación

Juris Doctor degree

Descripción del empleo

The Position

POSITION WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED. APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED EVERY TWO WEEKS.

Beltrami County is creating an eligibility list for a part‑time (0.5 FTE) non‑benefited Assistant County Attorney. The individual selected for this position will handle a mixed caseload, including criminal matters, social service cases and general county legal advice. The caseload will involve court hearings and trials, as well as office practice. There will be an emphasis on courtroom skills and legal research abilities. In addition to necessary courtroom skills, the successful applicant must possess strong written and verbal communication skills. A part‑time schedule will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Performs professional work as assigned by the County Attorney in representing the interests of the county in state and federal court, advising county staff in a variety of legal matters, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief Assistant County Attorney and limited supervision of the County Attorney.

Preferred hiring salary range is $48.50 to $53.38 per hour* with a full range of $48.50 to $62.64 per hour*. Placement depends on factors such as qualifications, internal equity, market conditions, and applicable policy guidelines.

This position is anticipated to begin in January 2027, pending final approval by the County Board in December 2026

*Salary listed is the 2025 pay rate and may be adjusted for cost of living increases following contract settlement for 2026–2028

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor degree.
• One year or more of experience as a law clerk and/or attorney (including certified student attorney or equivalent experience).
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota, or ability to obtain Minnesota License within a reasonable period of time.
• Valid MN driver's license.

Essential Functions & Requirements

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Conducts and oversees the criminal appeal process; researches and prepares briefs and oral arguments; appears in appellate court.
• Provides legal advice and direction to law enforcement agencies in the investigation of criminal cases.
• Prepares orders and pleadings; prepares County representative testimony; assists in training child support workers regarding current laws; represents County when appropriate.
• Prepares for and conducts criminal prosecutions; directs support staff in all preparation activities; determines violation of law and prepares complaint or citation to appear in court; manages, oversees, and implements strategies for pre‑trial and trial; gathers information and evidence, research issues prior to and during trial; presents arguments at trial; examines and cross‑examines witnesses. Provides legal advice and direction to County human services staff on the establishment of paternity and collection of child support.
• Reviews documents and determines appropriate approach in child protection matters; participates in collaboration between schools and child services case managers in child protection and truancy cases; reviews reports, court orders, and file documentation; prepares for and represents County at hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Reviews documents and determines appropriate approach in adult protection matters; works with social service case managers in cases of guardianship and mental illness; prepares documents and files with the court; oversees staff in pleadings and motions in probate, guardianship, and conservatorship cases; prepares for and represents County at hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Provides legal advice in the preparation of probate collection or lawsuits for reimbursement for medical assistance and expenses related to public assistance programs.
• Reviews documents, prepares pleadings, and handles matters relating to forfeiture of money, vehicles and other property used in the commission of crimes or represents proceeds of criminal activity.
• Advises and represents County in licensing and administrative cases before administrative law judges.
• Prepares complex legal memoranda, letters, briefs, complaints, citations, petitions, and court pleadings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of local and state government legal and general public issues; thorough knowledge of criminal and civil law; thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of local and of the State laws; thorough knowledge of legal research and the investigation, preparation and presentation of cases for trial; considerable knowledge of legal office procedures, practices and methods; general knowledge of personal computer and associated hardware and software programs; skill in trial practice in state courts; ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, court officials, members of the bar and the general public; ability to handle complex trial and appellate litigation.

Physical Requirements This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, reaching with hands and arms, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to hostile defendants, attorneys, and citizens; work is generally in a quiet location (e.g. library, private offices).

Supplemental Information

• Continuing legal education as required.
• Employment offer contingent upon successfully passing drug screening, background check, and obtaining Minnesota Law License.