Assistant Attorney - Criminal Division

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Graduation from and accredited college of law and licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota or will be licensed within six (6) months of employment.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Nature of Work

Under direct and regular supervision of the County Attorney, performs basic and routine professional legal work in the County Attorney’s Office on criminal matters involving adult defendants.  Work involves the preparation and presentation of cases brought in District Court and the preparation of related briefs, findings, and legal documents.  Work performed will be done at the direction and under supervision of the Managing Attorneys and the Chief Deputy.

Examples of Work

• Prepares and presents criminal cases in District Court, covering all level of criminal offenses and/or traffic matters.  Applies Minnesota law to investigations conducted by law enforcement. Determines appropriate course of action based on this review and drafts the appropriate complaints, petitions, and/or pleadings.
• Provides legal advice and direction to law enforcement officers, probation officers, and social workers regarding legal options and/or course of action.   Directs further investigation when necessary.
• Appears in court at all stages of proceedings and effectively provides information and/or makes legal arguments to the court relating to bail recommendations and/or conditions of release, plea agreements; sentencing recommendations; and probation violations.
• Prepares for and represents the State in contested matters, court trials, and jury trials before the District Court.
• Performs related work such as preparing petitions, complaints, and correspondence.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the County Attorney
• Knowledge of the organization, powers, and limitations of County government
• Knowledge of the principles of criminal and civil law and their application
• Knowledge of legal research methods
• Knowledge of the Minnesota and United States Constitution
• Knowledge of trial procedures and the rule of evidence
• Skill in conducting basic legal research
• Skill in the use of computers and technology
• Skill in the use of negotiation techniques
• Ability to communicate effective both verbally and in writing, including presenting to a variety of groups
• Ability to interview victims and witnesses in a respectful and professional manner
• Ability to analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems
• Ability to present legal arguments
• Ability to apply the principles of criminal and civil law
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and respectful professional working relationships with others
• Ability to effectively manage time and prioritize workload
• Ability to work effectively with others

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.