Deputy City Attorney - Prosecution

THIS IS A SUPPLEMENTAL RECRUITMENT TO THE ORIGINAL RECRUITMENT. APPLICANTS WHO RECENTLY APPLIED DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY.

The City of Missoula Attorneys Office prosecutes misdemeanor offenses and municipal code violations committed in the City of Missoula. The average caseload for a prosecutor is 200 + active cases. The Attorneys Office uses an entirely paperless case management system.

The Deputy City Attorney will provide a full range of legal services related to municipal government prosecution operations and represent the City in criminal proceedings before the courts. Duties require a high degree of independence and initiative to maintain a significant case load and address complex legal issues.

To Apply: All applicants must submit the City of Missoula application AND a Cover Letter that shares why you are interested in this position and how your past experience makes you a competitive applicant.

Failure to attach the cover letter will result in your application being incomplete, and therefore, not reviewed by the hiring manager.

• Prosecute Missoula Municipal Code violations, and misdemeanor criminal violations in Missoula Municipal Court, including domestic violence cases, assault, sexual assault, DUIs, property crimes, etc.
• Prepare all cases for trial, including providing all discovery pursuant to Montana State Law, reviewing discovery, meeting with victims, interviewing witnesses and preparing all witnesses for trial.
• Develop plea agreements and engage in appropriate plea negotiations.
• Litigate cases in jury trials and bench trials in Municipal Court.
• Prepare for and attend all pretrial court proceedings.
• Monitor suspended sentences and petition the court to revoke suspended sentences.
• Attend district court civil implied consent refusal hearings.
• Research and write legal memoranda, motions, and briefs on criminal law.
• Prepare legal pleadings, and other court documents.
• Provide feedback and training to law enforcement officers.
• Track legislative changes and provide legal advice regarding changes to Montana State law and Missoula Municipal Code.
• Provide verbal and written legal advice to City departments, and assist civil attorneys, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to municipal operations, including Montana Code Annotated, Missoula Municipal Code, Administrative Rules of Montana, and uniform technical codes adopted by the City.
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal practices and procedures, conducting legal research, preparing court documents, pleadings, motions, and municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of the rules of evidence.
• Skill in preparing cases for trial, negotiating plea agreements and litigating cases.
• Skill in using an electronic case management system.
• Skill in operating office equipment, using various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in negotiating and communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with diverse individuals.
• Ability to problem-solve and resolve conflict, facilitating positive outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to learn City and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.

• Must have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law and have a membership, in good standing, in at least one jurisdiction within the United States and the ability to obtain license to practice law in Montana at the time of hire.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.