Deputy County Attorney

JOB OVERVIEW

The law places several responsibilities on the county prosecutor and each requires significant training, dedication and competency. In the criminal courts, a Deputy County Attorney is commissioned with the power and responsibility to pursue justice for all. The duty is not solely to convict; there is also a duty to protect the rights of the accused and a great many decisions must be made for the benefit of the accused. The Sarpy County Attorney has statutory responsibility for several other critical functions. These responsibilities require a DCA to be familiar and functioning in civil law issues, capable in making decisions concerning the mental health process, confident and competent in administering the duties of county coroner, proficient in the cases before the Separate Juvenile Court, and competent in child support enforcement cases. The DCA is the face of justice in Sarpy County and carries the professional and ethical responsibilities that accompany that position

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, Officials, supervisors, employees, attorneys, judges, law enforcement staff, other County employees, other agencies, and the general public.

Review investigative reports and evidence.

Interview and prepare witnesses for various legal proceedings.

Develop strategies and arguments in preparation for legal proceedings.

Conduct hearings and present evidence concerning all stages of legal proceedings.

Perform professional legal research.

Draft pleadings, motions, correspondence, reports, briefs and other legal documents as required or requested.

Review orders, opinions, memos, contracts, rules and regulations, correspondence, and other legal papers for use by county departments and officials.

Confer with judges and opposing counsel concerning pending cases.

Confer with and advise investigative agencies concerning pending investigations.

Advise various county entities on legal questions and interpretations.

Demonstrate working knowledge of the rules of evidence, criminal procedure, civil procedure and other relevant Nebraska statutes.

Prosecute cases under the Nebraska criminal, juvenile and traffic code.

Confer with colleagues to establish and verify basis for legal issues.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of Diversion Services, Victim Witness and other outside agencies that may be relevant for making referrals as needed or requested.

Peripheral Duties

Perform other related duties as may be required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree, and

Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice law in Nebraska.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience with felony level cases

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of laws, research, and legal writing ability

Skill in preparing legal opinions and orders; effective communication skills; skill in operating the listed tools and equipment

Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive legal documents

Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion

Ability to communicate effectively, in English, both verbally and in writing

Ability to work under pressure, deadlines, and/or frequent interruptions

Ability to maintain confidential information

Ability to navigate stressful situations while maintaining composure

Ability to interact with individuals of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work requires some physical activity, including frequent periods of sitting/remaining stationary walking/moving about, standing/remaining upright, as well as occasionally bending and reaching. The incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate/manipulate equipment (e.g. use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close and color vision as well as the depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk (verbal exchange) and hear within normal ranges.

SELECTION GUIDELINES