Assistant Prosecuting Attorney III

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community.  We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government.  We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees.  Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY

Primary function of the job is to participate in the prosecuting of all phases of criminal felony and misdemeanor felony trails, motions, hearings, and appeals in any/all courts. Employees in this job have no formal supervisory role, however, may train, guide, or lead employees in the designated work unit. Employees work as part of a team and are responsible for ensuring that the team meets its objectives.

Employees must meet the minimum requirements, conditions of employment, and be able to perform successfully all essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

This position may require irregular hours. This position may also require travel by the employee in the employee's own vehicle. May be required to work on-call in an emergency.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)

• Prosecutes all phases of criminal and civil trials, jury or non-jury, motions, appeals, and/or hearings in District, Probate, or Circuit Court, as well as certain appeals in the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Federal Courts.
• Provides legal advice and consultation to less experienced attorneys, law enforcement, internal staff, and citizens.
• Reviews and collaborates on the investigations of law enforcement, applicable internal departments, and office staff.
• Assists in the development, review, and implementation of policies and procedures for groups related to the criminal justice system.
• Prepares for litigation proceedings, which includes: researching the law; writing and preparing briefs; conversing with and preparing witnesses to give testimony; negotiating case resolutions with attorneys; preparing and implementing case strategies; and, performing related activities.
• Presents and argues cases to juries, judges, and other fact finders.
• Prepares legal documents, including petitions, motions, briefs, and directives.
• Serves generally as a felony trial attorney, or serves as the principal attorney in a specific field such as child support enforcement, child abuse and neglect, juvenile division of the Family Court, narcotics, or other specialized area.
• Participates in the day-to-day tasks of reviewing police reports, warrant screening, drafting of search warrants, petitions, and other legal documents, and provides specialized information and advice to various police agencies.

EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE (minimum requirements)

• Juris Doctorate Degree
• Four to six years directly related experience

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES (minimum requirements)

• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan is required
• Requires a valid driver's license and personal vehicle insurance and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the County's Vehicle policy.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (minimum qualifications - legal or contractual preemployment obligations and/or requirements, such as drug testing, background check, etc.)

• Required to serve in an “on-call” capacity.

A background check may be required for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, or promoted into to this job. The categories of background checks may include, but are not limited to: confirmation of a persons’ identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; and/or drug testing as required and allowable by law.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Work involves the origination of models, concepts, theories that are new to the field, and where no prototype exists in the overall organization and few, if any guidelines exist. Leadership judgment, and risk management skills are needed to deal with largely undefined issues or to find solutions to unyielding problems. Errors at this level could lead to extraordinary costs, major litigation, destruction of property, loss of funding, or failure of the agency to accomplish its mission and may require the intervention of the County’s senior executives to resolve or may not be resolvable. Compared to the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney II, tries more complex cases and leads the work of other attorneys. Compared to the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, does not formally supervise other staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, criminal suspects or prison inmates.
• May occasionally be required to lift/move up to 50 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES (minimum requirements)

• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
• Knowledge in the prosecution of certain appeals in the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Federal Courts
• Considerable knowledge of substantive and procedural law in all areas of criminal and civil law
• High degree of expertise regarding complex or major felony prosecutions, with or without multiple defendants
• Knowledge and ability to use a personal computer to prepare reports, maintain records, search for and compile data
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies.
• Appropriately and effectively represent the County at a variety of community events and activities in support of positive public relations initiatives, and develop liaison relationships between the community and the County.
• Skill in researching and resolving problems in order to ensure compliance
• Skill in researching and resolving problems in order to ensure compliance
• Ability to interpret and explain complex policies, processes, regulations, and applicable laws in layman’s terms
• Ability to recognize case-specific and systemic problems
• Ability to provide expedited legal guidance under exigent circumstances
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment
• Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity
• Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job
• Ability to facilitate meetings effectively and efficiently
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently

Compensation:

Grand Traverse County is a great place to live, work and play. Come join our team and experience what northern Michigan is all about, apply today!

You really should see what we have to offer: 

• Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year.  You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.

• Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.  

• Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services. 

• Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle. 

• Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school. 

• Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends. 

• Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion. 

• Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours. 

• Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child. 

• Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.

• 457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.

• Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance. 

• Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.

• Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.