Attorney I - Criminal

Summary Statement

The Boise City Attorney's Office is currently seeking applications for an entry-level Criminal Attorney I position . We are looking for highly motivated candidates with strong communication skills who will enjoy working in a team-oriented setting.

• Prosecutes defendants accused of misdemeanors and infractions at the magistrate court level.
• Appears in court proceedings on behalf of the City of Boise and evaluates the legal merits of whether a defendant is guilty or innocent.
• Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda to prepare cases.
• Answers general inquiries from the public in matters related to criminal law and criminal procedure.
• This position works under limited supervision.
  
  

City employees receive a generous lifetime-annuity pension plan with an 11.98% employer contribution through PERSI, 401(k) employer match, and free healthcare coverage for employees and their dependents. In addition, you’ll receive three weeks of vacation, 96 hours of sick time, 10 public holidays, and 2 floating holidays annually. Other benefits include public employee student loan forgiveness, 10 weeks paid parental leave, a cash-incentive wellness program, and more. Imagine that.

Essential Functions

• Performs routine tasks and assists others in more complex tasks.
• Handles criminal cases in court. Represents the City of Boise at all levels of the criminal process, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, post-sentencing hearings, and appeals.
• Handles a significant number of misdemeanor criminal and civil infraction cases. Prepares files and reviews cases, documents, criminal histories, factual reports and applicable laws for all stages of court proceedings. Writes and replies to all relevant motions.
• Conducts a criminal background check for each defendant, evaluates strengths and weaknesses, and reviews the defendant's driver's license status when necessary. Synthesizes factual reports provided by law enforcement and witnesses. Inspects and redacts evidence in preparation for disclosure.
• Discloses relevant and legal evidence to the defense parties. Provides sentencing recommendations based on criminal history and the defendant's conduct, develops an offer of settlement and negotiates with defense counsel to reach a joint resolution. Communicates with pro se defendants, defense attorneys, victims, the victim's witness, police officers, judges and clerks in a timely manner. Prepares unresolved cases for trial.
• Researches and writes memoranda and briefs on various criminal issues. Responds to various defense motions, such as motions to suppress or motions to dismiss, and files preemptive motions on behalf of the city. Responds to inquiries from the general public or stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Assigns tasks to support staff and successive attorneys as part of case preparation.
  
  

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited university
  
  

Knowledge of:

• principles of criminal law, court rules, and trial procedures
• rules of evidence, professional conduct, and legal ethics
• computer usage and related software.
  
  

Ability to:

• use strong interpersonal skills, including working collaboratively with other prosecuting attorneys;
• speak effectively in public;
• exhibit proficiency in legal research and writing;
• interpret various statutes and code sections;
• understand relevant case law;
• negotiate effectively;
• write legal briefs and motions skillfully;
• communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  
  

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• 1 or more years of courtroom experience in either a civil or criminal context
  
  

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Must be a licensed and active member in good standing with the Idaho State Bar
• Must have a valid driver's license
  
  

Special Requirements

Applicants Must Be Able To Pass

• City of Boise background check processes including a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Education Verification
• Criminal Justice Information System background check (CJIS)
  
  

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision and distance vision. Employees will sit, stand and walk.

Working Environment

The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.

This position works: outside of, or extends beyond, a typical 8am to 5pm M-F work week, as required.