Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Meridian, ID (NOW HIRING)

Being a Deputy Prosecutor in Canyon County is more than just a job - it is an opportunity to make a real impact. Members of our team are dedicated to seeking justice, holding offenders accountable, and standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. We seek trial-oriented, dedicated team players who are passionate about protecting the innocent, appropriately punishing the guilty, and protecting the rights of crime victims. Canyon County, the second largest in Idaho, is warm and friendly, and neighbors great recreation opportunities in Boise, on the Snake River, and the Sunnyslope wine region.
The Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office invites all interested and qualified persons to apply for a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Criminal Division. We are a fast-paced, high volume office looking for individuals who can dedicate themselves to our team effort. Interested individuals must be licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho. Compensation is DOE, but starts at $92,705 and ranges up to $163,280 annually, plus excellent benefits. Application period ends: Open until filled. Please include a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample with your application. Applications and inquiries will be considered confidential.
Job Summary
The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney represents the State of Idaho as a trial attorney in the prosecution of criminal, quasi-criminal, and limited civil actions in Juvenile, Magistrate, and District Court proceedings and assist the elected Prosecuting Attorney in performing the statutory and constitutional functions of the office.
This is a multi-level class series in which incumbents may be assigned to any of five levels, depending on organizational needs, professional legal experience, individual expertise and skill, proficiency, and complexity of assigned caseload. Positions in these classes are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level. Progression from one level to the next is at the discretion of the appointing authority, provided minimum qualifications are met.
Positions within the class:
Rule 226 Provisional Deputy is the pre-entry level in the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) series, assigned to law students and recent law school graduates studying for the Bar Exam. Provisional Deputies are legal interns admitted under Idaho Bar Commission Rule 226 to the limited practice of law.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I is the entry level in the (DPA) series, assigned to employees with limited previous legal experience who are fully licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho. This class is typically used as a training class and employees work under immediate supervision while learning job skills and tasks.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II is the first working level assigned to employees with at least the equivalent of one year as a DPA I. Under general supervision, employees at this level perform work of average difficulty in all phases of criminal, quasi-criminal, and limited civil practice.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III is the full journey level assigned to employees with the equivalent of at least two years' experience as a DPA. Employees at this level are assigned increasing difficult and complex cases and should require limited instruction or assistance.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney IV is the senior journey level assigned to employees with the equivalent of at least three years' experience as a DPA. Employees at this level are generally assigned more difficult and sensitive cases, are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the CCPA and require only occasional instruction or assistance as necessary.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage assigned cases:
o Perform screening duties, including review of incoming police reports to determine which charges, if any, will be filed against whom
o Prepare complaints
o Prepare witness list and confer with citizen witnesses and law enforcement agents
o Research case-specific legal issues and draft motions, orders, and memoranda
o Negotiate potential case resolutions with defense counsel/defendants as appropriate, in accordance with facts, law, and policy
o Prepare questions, legal strategies, jury instructions, jury selection, opening and closing statements
o Prepare witness for trial
o Present evidence and argument at arraignments, preliminary hearings, hearings on motions, trials, juvenile proceedings, mental commitment proceedings, and Grand Jury
• Supervision & Training:
o Conduct legal research as necessary to stay abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting practice of criminal law
o Conduct training for law enforcement agents designed to improve procedures for arrests, searches, seizures, etc.
o Exercise direct supervision over attorney, investigators, and support staff in accordance with Office policies and procedures
o Participate in interview and evaluation and training of employees
• Public Outreach:
o Respond to legal questions from law enforcement agencies and obtain search warrants by being on call 24 hours per day, per the duty roster of the CCPA
o Conduct outreach and advise the public on criminal practice and issues of community concern, including the rights of victims, complainants, and witnesses
• Other Duties:
o Assist other counties as Special Prosecutor when so directed by the PA
o Maintain confidentiality and comply with Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct
o Performs all work duties and activities following county policies, procedures, and safety practices
o Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Skills and Abilities:
• Court systems, procedures and protocols in the State of Idaho
• Local, state, and federal rules of criminal and civil procedure
• Principles and techniques of legal research
• Current technology and trends in legal practice
• Telephone, office, and online etiquette
• Work under pressure within strict timeframes and a heavy caseload
• Work independently and as a team member
• Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively, orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, the public, defense bar, and judiciary, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Exercise appropriate professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, charging and resolving cases
• Operate specialized case management and tracking system and general computer system
• Supervise, lead, and delegate tasks
Special Qualifications
• Must successfully complete a background investigation
Education and Experience
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in all State and Federal courts in Idaho
Essential Physical Abilities
• Ability to perform essential duties and accurately with or without reasonable accommodation and without endangering self or other employees. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and drive; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear
• Sufficient clarify of speech and writing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively on the telephone and in person
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review and prepare a variety of written and text materials, file them in a prescribed order, and organize documents and materials
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate personal computer and other office equipment
• Sufficient personal mobility, agility, strength, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work at a keyboard for an extended period; to reach, stoop, bend, and stretch in filing materials, lift to 25 pounds, and work in an office and courtroom environment.
Disclaimer
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.