Chief Criminal Litigator

Description Manages and directs attorneys regarding the criminal operations and activities in the County Attorney’s office; prosecutes adults charged with felony crimes, as well as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanors that occur in the unincorporated areas of the County and other limited areas as defined by statute; does related duties as required.

To view complete job description, please follow link below:

Class Specifications | Chief Criminal Litigator (L) | Class Spec Details Examples of Duties

• Represents or assigns and supervises casework at the trial, appellate or sentence review level; will make direct recommendations and will advise the County Attorney as to legislative matters important to the Criminal Justice System;
• Prosecutes criminal offenses in the District and Justice Court systems and argues felony and misdemeanor appeals before the appellate courts;
• Represents the County at hearings, arraignments, entry of pleas, orders to show cause, waiver hearings, pre-trial conferences, preliminary hearings, trials, and appeals and is able to do so in any area of the County Attorney Criminal Division on as needed basis;
• Reviews files, screens law enforcement reports, may investigate crime scenes, and interviews law enforcement officers, victims, and witnesses; acts as a direct liaison with the County governing body, the Montana Attorney General and the District and Justice Courts;
• Evaluates cases under investigation by law enforcement agencies regarding the existence, nature, and degree of offences; sets policy for the County Attorney’s Office as to its relationship with law enforcement agencies.

Minimum Qualifications This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position. This is an appointed position serving at the pleasure of the County Attorney, an elected official.

Education/Experience/Training:

• Graduation from a college or university of recognized standing with a Law Degree/Juris Doctorate; and
• Four (4) years’ experience practicing law including civil litigation, criminal litigation and/or local government law; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training totaling eight (8) years.

Certifications:

• Must possess valid membership in the Montana State Bar Association;
• Valid driver’s license issued by the State of Montana.

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:

• Employer paid health insurance, which includes dental and pharmacy benefits
• Employer paid life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability
• State of Montana PERS retirement
• Vision plan coverage
• 457 deferred compensation plans and ROTH plans
• Flexible spending accounts, dependent care accounts, limited purpose accounts and health savings accounts (HSA)
• Education assistance program
• EAP - Employee Assistance Program
• Weight Management program
• Annual wellness screenings
• Paid holidays
• 12-days sick leave per year
• 3-weeks' vacation your first year!

Part-time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page. https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/human_resources