COUNTY COURT DEPUTY DA - STUDENT PRACTICE ACT

About the role

This position is for persons completing their second year in law school and eligible under the Colorado Student Practice Act, or those taking a bar examination and awaiting results. Employment terminates upon failing the bar exam. If the employee passes, the position converts to County Court Deputy District Attorney. All Mesa County employment is at-will.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and handle a caseload of county court criminal and traffic cases.
• Draft and respond to legal motions; research legal issues; analyze cases; prepare and present witnesses at motions hearings and trials to the court and jury.
• Review law enforcement reports, filings, search warrants, arrest warrants, and arrest affidavits.
• Consult with law enforcement regarding reports and additional follow-up.
• Prepare for and litigate various motions.
• Discuss plea bargains with opposing counsel and pro se defendants.
• Draft charges for filing with the court.
• Argue bond hearings.
• Consult with victims regarding case filings and subsequent prosecution; ensure victims are properly notified of court hearings and their input is solicited on case dispositions pursuant to the Victims Rights Act.
• File documents; prepare for trial; prepare witnesses and exhibits; try cases; and attend sentence hearings.
• Prepare and try adult criminal and juvenile delinquency cases.
• Maintain professional competence and training by attending related ongoing continuing education opportunities.
• Perform within the authorized practice of the Student Practice Act.
• Demonstrate professionalism, composure, and appropriate interpersonal skills during performance of tasks in an adversarial system, including contentious dealings with opposing counsel, defendants, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, or other members of the public.
• Handle frequent exposure to disturbing case materials, including assaults, murders, physical and verbal abuse, sexual assaults (upon adults and children), child abuse, and gruesome or sexually explicit photographs, images, and recordings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Completed second year in an accredited law school, or have a Juris Doctorate and planning to take a bar examination or awaiting bar results.
• Must be eligible for the Colorado Student Practice Act (details).

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

This position requires standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 10 pounds. Work is generally confined to a standard office environment but involves frequent exposure to mentally and emotionally stressful case materials.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan
• Paid sick leave and vacation leave
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability