Attorney I - PA (Criminal Division)

General Summary

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems which includes 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing
• The Ada County Prosecutor’s Office is a qualifying employer under the Federal Public Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program (certain conditions apply). Student loan forgiveness eligibility

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I handles and manages general misdemeanor and felony cases. A Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I is assigned to the magistrate division, juvenile division, preliminary hearing team. This position is located in the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Criminal Division.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I is an attorney new to the legal profession or new to this office who is learning various litigation, negotiation, preparation, and trial skills which may entail spending long periods of time in court and documenting a high volume of cases. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I works in a variety of legal environments and is exposed to numerous caseload types. The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I learns to work independently and make critical decisions in case strategy, negotiations, and handling with assistance of colleagues.

Essential Functions

• Appears in court and documents cases during court proceedings;
• Drafts legal documents such as motions, orders, and memoranda;
• Participates in case negotiations with defense attorneys, which involves analyzing the case to determine its overall strength, evaluating the number and kinds of witnesses available and determining what resolution is appropriate;
• Prepares for hearings and trials in District and/or Magistrate Court by reviewing reports, legal issues, and physical evidence surrounding the case, identifying and interviewing witnesses, consulting with victims, conferring with police officers and preparing for trial;
• Appears in court to represent the State by presenting evidence and argument at arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial conferences, hearings on motions, jury and court trials, sentencings, and specialty courts;
• Conducts legal research necessary for case preparation and keeps abreast of Court decisions and legislation affecting the Idaho Criminal Code;
• Demonstrates the conduct and behavior of a team player by helping create a professional and rewarding work environment for all Prosecuting Attorney employees;
• Manages a heavy caseload effectively and in a timely manner;
• Manages and prepares cases, meets discovery deadlines and meets other critical deadlines;
• Supports and interacts with other team members to ensure effective caseload management;
• Communicates effectively and maintains high credibility with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, victims, witnesses, and co-workers;
• Utilizes the services of the Victim-Witness Unit when appropriate to ease trauma to victims and/or witnesses exposed to the criminal justice system;
• Handles some appellate casework before district court sitting in an appellate capacity;
• Treats pro se litigants, victims, law enforcement officers, witnesses, members of the public, support staff, colleagues and victim-witness staff with dignity and respect;
• Maintains collegial relationship with defense counsel and treats all counsel fairly.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I shall serve at the direction and discretion of the Prosecuting Attorney and shall perform any and all job functions assigned by the Prosecuting Attorney;
• Attends CLE courses to develop legal advocacy and maintains bar membership and good standing with the Idaho State Bar.

Job Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited law school and member of the Idaho State Bar;
• Knowledge of Idaho Statutes, case law, rules of evidence, criminal procedure, and criminal jury instructions;
• Knowledge of online legal research tools such as Westlaw and LexisNexis;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with victims, witnesses, members of other agencies, and co-workers;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively;
• Ability to be a team player;
• Ability to exercise good judgment;
• Ability to conduct self in a professional manner both inside and outside the courtroom;
• Ability to manage a high volume case load.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a strong work ethic;
• Must maintain the highest of ethical standards;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;
• Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks.

DISCLAIMER:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.