Assistant Prosecuting Attorney II - Livingston County

Livingston County was named a 2023 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 5 elected offices, and 5 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Prosecutor and Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for performing a wide assortment of prosecutorial duties in District, Family, Probate, Juvenile, Circuit and Appellate Courts while functioning with broad latitude in prosecuting assigned cases.

Benefits:

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional HSA with an employer match
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & 13 Holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program

*Pro-rated based on DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The Assistant Prosecuting Attorney II is a non-union position and starting pay is $93,313.06/yr. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Non-Union Grade 13 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $118,206.20/yr.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Appears in court for arraignments, motions, pre-trials, trials, sentencing, and other related activities regarding cases in District, Family, Probate, Juvenile, Circuit and/or Appellate Courts.
2. Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, appeal, motion, sentencing, and other proceedings. These cases are typically the most complex or of a sensitive nature.
3. Prosecutes and manages in District, Family, Probate, Juvenile, Circuit and/or Appellate Court docket on a regular basis and exercises discretion and independent judgment on a wide variety of cases, primarily criminal in nature.
4. Provides advice and/or training to County officials, attorneys, departments, employees, and law enforcement officers regarding legal obligations, authority, and liability in connection with official duties.
5. Interviews and informs witnesses, clients, victims, officials, and other parties regarding cases, legal procedures, and court appearances.
6. Coordinates services with other agencies, such as law enforcement, medical personnel, social services, probation officers, and other related groups.
7. Assists lower-level attorneys and supervisors with interpreting legal information, courtroom policies and procedures, and preparing cases for trial and court hearings.
8. Reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, medical reports, child protective service reports, and researches legal issues in order to authorize warrants.
9. Keeps the Prosecutor and Chief Assistant Prosecutor apprised of case status and high-profile cases.
10. Attends legal conferences and seminars to stay current on legal issues, updates and learns strategies and information regarding criminal and other matters.
11. Is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on a rotating basis with the other attorneys in differing job descriptions within the prosecutor's office to provide legal advice to law enforcement, dispatch, and Department of Health and Human Services/Child Protective Services and the review of search and arrest warrants.
12. Prepares written answers, and briefs on legal issues raised by defendants before the Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court.
13. Participates in oral arguments in the Circuit Court, Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court regarding the briefs and issues filed in those courts.
14. Performs redactions of protected personal information contained in documents that must be disclosed upon request under the Freedom of Information Act.
15. Performs on-call prosecutor duties, which include reviewing warrant requests, which may result in authorizing/denying/furthering a warrant request and suggesting bond conditions/bail amounts to the court.
16. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Juris Doctorate Degree and four years of progressively more responsible experience as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney I, Public Defender or private attorney.
• The County, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of State of Michigan criminal and case law, and courtroom procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of performing legal research, reviewing and interpretation evidence, interviewing witnesses, assigning proper charges, preparing, and interpreting legal documents, mediation and conflict resolution principles, document production and courtroom presentation, developing legal arguments, and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing and making presentations in public forums.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, software programs utilized by the Prosecutor's Office and specialized legal research software.
• Ability to attend meetings scheduled at times other than normal business hours.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.
• Ability to work with confidential, highly sensitive information.
• Knowledge of Court procedures.
• Skill in applying local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations to complex fact patterns.
• Skill in developing and presenting persuasive legal arguments.
• Skill in organizing and presenting complex or specialized cases for trial.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of using Zoom technology for meetings, conferences, and court hearings.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view, and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to manage stress, be it from dealing with people under duress, from the confrontation and negotiation components of the adversarial process or from the demands of the courtroom setting. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects of light weight. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

The typical work environment of this job is a business office or court setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate.