Assistant City Attorney I - Limited Term

About the role

The Assistant City Attorney I provides professional legal services on behalf of the City while working under the direction of the City Attorney or Deputy City Attorney. Duties include representing the City in criminal cases; conducting legal research; preparing and maintaining criminal files; and advising or issuing legal opinions to City officials or other appropriate persons. An Assistant City Attorney I is responsible for prosecution of criminal offenses occurring within the jurisdiction of the City of Rochester and City Attorney's Office. An Assistant City Attorney I may also have the opportunity to assist with select civil related projects or defined civil topics.

Responsibilities

• Represent the City and the State in the prosecution of criminal offenses.
• Serve as prosecuting attorney at all stages of criminal cases including arraignment, pre-trial, trial, sentencing, and probation violations before the District Court and the Court of Appeals.
• Review criminal reports and body camera footage from law enforcement agencies to determine charging decisions that constitute criminal violations.
• Draft formal complaints and warrants.
• Conduct litigation on behalf of the City and State.
• Process and draft criminal litigation documents.
• Assemble evidentiary matters, conduct legal research, negotiate settlements, and discern other professional actions relative to matters involved in litigation.
• Undertake plea negotiations in criminal cases. Consult established guidelines to judge suitable plea alternatives in view of evidence and nature of pending charges. Prepare plea petitions as appropriate.
• Attend meetings and supply professional legal expertise and guidance to boards and committees.
• Collaborate among all entities within the judicial system to establish policy and procedure in response to changing laws and regulations.
• Advise law enforcement concerning criminal issues. Update, inform and train law enforcement concerning new laws and investigation procedures.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, which includes but is not limited to explaining ordinances, municipal procedures, state and federal laws and regulations, or other legal issues affecting the City.
• Research, prepare, and issue legal opinions and advice involving criminal law for City departments, boards, commissions, and officials, under the direction of the City Attorney.
• Assist with select civil related projects or defined civil topics, at the discretion and direction of the City Attorney.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited law school under the Rules of Minnesota Supreme Court with a Juris Doctor Law Degree. A license or ability to be immediately licensed to practice law within the State of Minnesota. Individuals that recently tested for the July 2026 bar exam are eligible to apply, however, proof of a passing score will be required by October 5th, 2026 and/or prior to an offer being extended.

Desirable Qualifications: Previous criminal law experience

Special Requirement: Must maintain a program of continuing legal education with an emphasis on criminal and municipal law

Competencies

The incumbent will be required to demonstrate a strong understanding of and/or an ability to perform each of the following:

• Apply knowledge base and understanding of principles, practices and procedures of law to include principle methods, materials, and practices of legal research and investigation; state and federal constitutional provisions that affect criminal prosecutions and municipal operations; and procedures to process, obtain and present evidentiary materials.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships through effective communication and persuasive advocacy.
• Utilize effective time management skills to include organization, prioritization, strategic planning, and problem solving.
• Manage documents and materials.
• Demonstrate adept legal writing.
• Present complex material in an understandable manner.
• Interpret laws, regulations, ordinances, or other governing rules.
• Analyze and prepare legal documents and instruments.
• Appraise and organize facts; present evidence and other materials, whether written or oral, clearly, concisely and effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the City Attorney's office, other City department staff, external justice partners, and the public.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
• Maintain accurate and complete records; prepare clear and detailed reports.
• Efficiently use office equipment such as personal computer, word processor, copier and fax machine.

Pay

The 2026 salary hiring range is $107,123 to $126,027 depending on qualifications, with advancement to $157,533.

Benefits

This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester.

Schedule

This is a limited-term position expected to last approximately five months, subject to currently available funding. Continued employment beyond that period is contingent upon the availability of additional funding or FTE authorization, as well as satisfactory job performance. While the City is optimistic that funding or FTE approval will become available, continued employment beyond the initial limited term cannot be guaranteed.

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