Deputy Attorney - Civil

Position: Deputy Attorney – Civil                                        Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Department: Ravalli County Attorney’s Office                 Reports to: County Attorney

Posting Date: November 27, 2023                                     Application Deadline: Until filled

Rate of Pay: $72,000 - $82,000 DOE (potential $10,000/year stipend)

Position Schedule: Mon. – Fri.                                             Benefit Eligible: Full benefits/PERS

Job Summary:

It is anticipated that the Deputy Attorney will undertake the civil legal work of Ravalli County under the supervision of the Chief Deputy Attorney and the County Attorney.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• providing legal counsel to Ravalli County offices, departments, and elected boards
• advising the board of county commissioners and other county offices at public meetings
• representing Ravalli County in defending or prosecuting civil litigation in all courts and administrative hearings, including preparing pleadings, leading negotiations, engaging in pre-trial discovery and conducting court hearings
• acting as liaison with Ravalli County’s insurer and assigned insurance defense attorneys
• prosecuting enforcement of statutes or regulations as assigned
• communicating orally and in writing on civil legal issues
• being on-call as assigned to assist and advise elected officials and county departments with civil issues requiring immediate action, or law enforcement agencies in criminal matters.
• undertaking other work as assigned by County Attorney

Under the direction of the Chief Deputy Attorney or County Attorney this position might involve secondary duties that include, but are not limited to, prosecuting mental health involuntary commitment proceedings, dependency and neglect cases, youth in need of care, and representation in adult guardianship proceedings, or aspects of the criminal prosecution functions of the Office.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to adhere to strict standards of confidentiality
• Ability to provide legal representation in jury and non-jury trials, and other court hearings and proceedings
• Ability to present oral and written arguments, and communicate effectively in the English language
• Ability to analyze law enforcement investigations and make charging decisions
• Ability to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence and complex legal documents, and analyze legal theories and arguments of opposition
• Knowledge of civil procedure and laws, and rules of evidence
• Ability to handle conflicts between the public and County departments, work under stress, work late hours, and communicate in contentious situations, all while remaining professional and representing well the County Attorney’s Office
• Ability to accurately implement policy positions of County Attorney
• Ability to distinguish between law and policy
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to advise County entities, including County official, boards and employees
• Knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively perform all essential duties listed above
• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures
• Availability to be on-call, as assigned, to assist and advise elected officials and county departments on civil issues, and law enforcement agencies in criminal matters, requiring immediate action
• Skill in the use of a personal computer with Microsoft Office package and related equipment; dictation equipment; on-line and manual legal research
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and handle a full caseload

Required Education and Experience:

• have a Doctor of Jurisprudence from an ABA accredited institution
• be admitted and licensed to practice law in the State of Montana in good standing
• authorize and pass criminal background check and personal investigation to the satisfaction of the Ravalli County Attorney

Work Environment:

A Deputy Attorney (Criminal Prosecutor) commonly remains in an office or courtroom setting, but out of office and evening meetings are occasionally required. On occasion, may be required to lift up to 25 pounds, and to visit sites, projects or physical locations involving steep slopes, rough terrain or other difficult environmental conditions. This position requires occasional day and evening vehicle travel within the State, particularly within Ravalli County and to the state capitol in Helena.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

Ravalli County is an equal employment opportunity employer (EEO). Ravalli County does not refuse employment or discriminate in compensation or the other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, or veteran’s status.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.