Prosecuting Attorney - Open Recruitment (Grades 17,18,19)

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Performs entry to senior level responsible and complex legal work in the District Attorney s Office; applies professional judgment and skill in the preparation and presentation of cases. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and is reviewed by the District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney and/or their designee. Entry level attorneys perform under the guidance of more senior attorneys. More senior attorneys assume greater responsibility for training and assisting lower graded/less-experienced attorneys.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Grade 17

Graduation from a recognized college of law with a Juris Doctor (JD).

Entry positions require between zero (0) and eight (3) years of full-time paid employment in the practice of law.

Employment as a full-time paid judicial clerk in a court of record or appellate court may be credited as full-time legal employment.

GRADE 18

Graduation from a recognized college of law with a Juris Doctor (JD).

Entry positions require between three (3) and eight (8) years of full-time paid employment in the practice of law. Employment as a full-time paid judicial clerk in a court of record or appellate court may be credited as full-time legal employment.

GRADE 19

A minimum of eight (8) years of full-time paid employment in the practice of law. Employment as a full-time paid judicial clerk in a court of record or appellate court may be credited as full-time legal employment.

All Grades

Member in good standing with the Utah State Bar Association or other state bar association with the ability to become a member of the Utah State Bar Association on the first day work.

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must successfully pass an initial criminal background check as well as every two years thereafter and continuously meet the requirements of the Bureau of Criminal Information (BCI).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews investigative reports and screens requests for prosecution to determine validity of facts.


• Meets with law enforcement officers, complainants, victims and witnesses as may be required for screening decisions.


• Prepares or directs the preparation of screening worksheets, fact sheets, informations, declinations, arrest warrants or summons.


• Prepares or directs the preparation of search warrants and investigative subpoenas using knowledge and understanding of the law of search and seizure.


• Reviews case files in preparation for trials and hearings and meets with law enforcement officers, citizens and expert witnesses to determine evidence of cases prosecuted.


• Reviews cases with regard to possible plea negotiations, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of cases and negotiates plea agreements within the guidelines and office policies and procedures.


• Prepares cases prior to court appearances, researches laws pertaining to case facts and prepares witnesses for court appearances.


• Appears in appropriate courts conducting trials or hearings, presenting evidence and/or arguments as an advocate for the County and/or the State.


• Maintains current knowledge and skill in all phases of trial including knowledge of rules of procedure and evidence.


• Prepares judgments, orders, finding of fact and conclusions of law as directed by the court.


• Review for appeal and prepares appeals where necessary to protect the interests of the County and/or the State.


• Participates in office training programs and other legal professional development programs for continuing legal education as required by the Utah State Bar Association directives and the Salt Lake District Attorney s Office.


• Provides educational services and trainings to law enforcement agencies and the public within the guidelines of the Code of Professional Conduct and the policies and procedures of the Salt Lake District Attorney s Office.


• Complies with office and county policies and procedures regarding annual leave, sick leave and other special leave.


• Provides educational services and trainings to law enforcement agencies and the public within the guidelines of the Code of Professional Conduct and the policies and procedures of the Salt Lake District Attorney s Office.

Additional Information

Salt Lake County District Attorney is currently hiring attorneys with preference afforded to applicants with experience in prosecution and trying cases in any of the following areas: homicide; special victims; white collar fraud; gang organized crime. Salt Lake County District Attorney serves the capital city and county of Utah with a total population of 1.3 million. It's located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains known for the "Greatest Snow on Earth"! Utah is also home to the "Mighty Five National Parks" - Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Carefully complete all questions within the application. This open recruitment will be used to fill current and future openings at various locations throughout Salt Lake County. Applications received for this recruitment will remain active for a designated period as determined by the recruitment needs. Additionally, the applicants will remain active on the open recruitment as long as applicants respond to requests for interviews. When an opening occurs, applicants who best meet the needs of the hiring agency will be selected for interviews.