Assistant Attorney

Will be assigned to felony division. Under general supervision, the Assistant Attorney represents and advises Scott County on legal matters and represents the State in criminal court. Prepares cases, writes, reviews, and files all pleadings necessary for criminal prosecution. Advises, trains and cooperates with law enforcement. Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Analyzes reports and evidence to determine the appropriate charges; prepares charging documents and other pleadings for prosecution to include a formal list of charges against the defendant, the minutes of testimony, and motions.

Prepares criminal cases for trial by issuing subpoenas to witnesses and preparing exhibits; communicates regularly with victims and witnesses to discuss case progress and prepare for trial.

Addresses a variety of defense issues to include requests for investigative reports, exhibits, evidence, and responds to defense motions; works with the defense to determine the scheduling of motion hearings and trial.

Reviews case for sentencing or charging concessions via plea negotiations.

Researches legal issues. Must be familiar with the Code of Iowa, the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Rules of Evidence. Stays abreast of changes in law and authority in criminal matters.

Serves on multi-disciplinary teams as requested.

Reviews police reports, videos, audio recordings, photographs, and other evidence collected by law enforcement or other sources; gathers additional evidence and contacts witnesses and victims for information.

Prepares evidence and develops trial strategies; writes proposed motions to the court and jury instructions; meets with witnesses to prepare and outline questions and arguments.

Conducts plea negotiations; prepares disposition memos; meets with and informs victims of case updates.

Researches and stays abreast of recent developments with laws; drafts memos for law enforcement and other attorneys regarding changes in the law.

Schedules and attends depositions.

Is available for on-call duty as requested to advise law enforcement after hours and on weekends.

Provides law enforcement training as requested.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Juris Doctorate degree is required. Jury trial experience preferred.

Knowledge of:
Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

Trial and court procedures.

Protocols and strategies of negotiation and litigation.

Case management procedures and techniques.

Legal research methods, sources, databases, and other tools.

Negotiation and conflict management methods and techniques.

Skill in:
Analyzing legal issues.

Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics.

Reading, understanding, interpreting, and applying State and Federal statutes, codes, and rules.

Developing and presenting sound legal arguments.

Mediating and negotiating difficult and complex situations.

Analyzing and organizing complex facts, evidence, and precedents.

Developing, refining, and presenting legal strategies.

Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.

Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.

Conducting research.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.License and Certification Requirements
Must possess an Iowa Law license and be in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in Scott County Courthouse and in a standard office environment