Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Rochester, MN

Government

Rochester, MN

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Rochester, MN

Attorney

1-3 yrs required

No

Job Title: Assistant City Attorney I

Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant City Attorney I is entrusted with providing professional legal services to the **Members Only**, operating under the guidance of the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney. This role primarily involves representing the City in criminal cases, conducting legal research, preparing and maintaining criminal files, and advising or issuing legal opinions to City officials or other relevant parties. Specific duties include:

- Representing the City and the State in prosecuting criminal offenses, serving as a prosecuting attorney at all stages of criminal cases including arraignment, pre-trial, trial, sentencing, and probation violations before the District Court and the Court of Appeals.
- Reviewing criminal reports and body camera footage from law enforcement agencies to determine charging decisions that constitute criminal violations.
- Drafting formal complaints and warrants, conducting litigation on behalf of the City and State, and processing and drafting criminal litigation documents.
- Assembling evidentiary matters, conducting legal research, negotiating settlements, and discerning other professional actions relative to matters involved in litigation.
- Undertaking plea negotiations in criminal cases and consulting established guidelines to judge suitable plea alternatives in view of evidence and nature of pending charges.
- Preparing plea petitions as appropriate.
- Attending meetings and supplying professional legal expertise and guidance to boards and committees.
- Collaborating within the judicial system to establish policy and procedure in response to changing laws and regulations.
- Serving as a legal advisor for the City, advising police officers concerning criminal law enforcement issues, updating, informing, and training police officers concerning new laws and investigation procedures.
- Responding to inquiries from the public, explaining ordinances, municipal procedures, state and federal laws and regulations, or other legal issues affecting the City.
- Researching, preparing, and issuing legal opinions and advice involving criminal law for City departments, boards, commissions, and officials, under the direction of the City Attorney.
- Assisting with select civil-related projects or defined civil topics, at the discretion and direction of the City Attorney.

Education and Experience Information:
- Required: Graduation from an accredited law school under the Rules of Minnesota Supreme Court with a Juris Doctor Law Degree.
- A license or ability to be immediately licensed to practice law within the State of Minnesota.
- Desirable: Previous criminal law experience.

Special Requirement:
- Must maintain a program of continuing legal education with an emphasis on criminal and municipal law.

Salary Information:
The starting rate of pay for the Assistant City Attorney I position in 2025 is $103,003 annually, with the potential for advancement to $151,474.

Additional Information:
Competencies expected of the incumbent include a strong understanding of legal principles, practices, and procedures; the ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships; effective time management skills; adept legal writing; and the ability to interpret laws, regulations, ordinances, or other governing rules. The candidate must also demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, maintain accurate records, and efficiently use office equipment.

Physical and Environmental Criteria:
The role is categorized as Light Work, requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. The job involves continuous sitting and the simultaneous use of arms, wrists, and fingers, with occasional standing, walking, and other physical activities. Sensory requirements include sight and hearing. The position is not substantially exposed to environmental conditions.

The **Members Only** emphasizes equity and inclusion in its hiring practices and strives to create a diverse and innovative workforce. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications and are committed to advancing the City's legal interests with respect, integrity, and professionalism.