Assistant City Prosecutor

Position Overview

The Assistant City Prosecutor conducts prosecutions in Court proceedings on behalf of City Government, including appeals to higher courts, and special assignments in Justice Court.

Essential Job Functions

• Questions witnesses, police officers, and other law enforcement personnel and analyzes evidence and pertinent decisions/legal authorities to determine appropriate conclusions.
• Conducts criminal litigation, including trials, appeals, and hearings, and conducts pre-trial discovery and investigations.
• Conducts legal research and fact-finding, including using computer databases and electronic searches for relevant cases, statutes, regulations, and legal authorities.
• Recommends withdrawal or dismissal of cases where evidence and expense are not merited and the public interest is not detrimentally affected.
• Performs other duties related to the judicial system as directed or required and acts as an Officer of the Court.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of law enforcement and criminal law, especially as they relate to Municipal and State Courts.
• Thorough knowledge of judicial procedure, criminal procedure, rules of evidence, court rules, and applicable rules of professional conduct.
• Familiarity with the role of the Prosecutor and the need to prosecute cases to conclusion.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal law, violations of State and Federal laws, City Ordinances, Zoning Codes, and Rules of the Road.
• Ability to analyze evidence, investigative reports, and applicable law, regulations, policy, and precedent decisions to determine appropriate conclusions.
• Skill in obtaining and prosecuting judicial hearings for pre-arrest and pre-seizure or post-seizure/detention hearings.
• Skill in analyzing municipal codes for violations and prosecuting them for public enforcement.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to apply and argue legal authorities in support of positions.
• Ability to communicate and deal with the general public, law enforcement, and defense counsel under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to work with other professionals, administrators, and officials in analyzing, scheduling, preparing, and presenting cases.
• Proficiency in legal terminology and the ability to communicate ideas and concepts both orally and in writing to the court, city personnel, the public, and city administrators.
• Proficiency in modern computer equipment and programs, including Microsoft Office, Tyler Context Management, Incode, and video software.

Education and Experience

• A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school is required.
• Must be a member in good standing of the Mississippi Bar.
• Three to five years of increasingly responsible experience as a practicing Attorney, with experience in criminal law and cases before municipal and state courts in Mississippi.
• High level of proficiency in the following computer programs is highly desirable: Incode, TCM, Microsoft Office, video software (Avail).

Licenses or Certificates

• Proof of a current license to practice law in the State of Mississippi, having been admitted to practice before the County and Circuit Courts of Harrison County and the Mississippi Supreme Court/Court of Appeals.
• Valid Mississippi driver’s license.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasional lifting/carrying of 10+ pounds.
• Visual acuity, speech, and hearing.
• Hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment.
• Sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting, and kneeling to perform the essential functions.
• Primarily inside an office environment.