Prosecuting Attorney

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

GRADES 18 & 19:

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.

GRADE 20:

Performs responsible and complex prosecutions for the Justice Division of the District Attorney’s Office at the highest skill level. Works independently and applies professional judgment and skill in the preparation and presentation of cases. Monitors the legal work of less senior attorneys and other District Attorney staff. Demonstrates advanced and broad knowledge of criminal law. Work is performed in accordance with general policies and is reviewed by the District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney, and/or their designee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

ALL GRADES:

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

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 Identification (BCI).

GRADE 18- $122,000 to $122,700 DOE

Entry level. 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- $127,000 to $131,000 DOE

Minimum of three (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 20- $131,000 to $174,271 DOE

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position.Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.•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 forscreening 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 andunderstanding 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.• Reviews 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.• 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.

Knowledge of:• Salt Lake County Ordinances• Legal documentation• Legal research methods and techniques• United States and Utah State Constitution• Substantive and procedural law• Utah State, County, and local governmental organizations• Methods and techniques of effective public administration and organizations• Criminal Justice system and courtroom procedures• Supervision methods and techniques• Salt Lake County and District Attorney’s Office policies procedures

Skills and Abilities to:• Speak and present to the public• Utilize basic and advanced computer skills including presentation and word processing• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing• Relate effectively with individuals from various social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds• Interpret written law• Think and reason logically and systematically• Apply effective general principles to specific situations• Act independently

Additional Information

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSWork duties are typically performed in a general office setting. Exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior, workload, and consequence of decisions.