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Job Announcement - State's Attorney Saturday, April 4, 2020

Job Title: States Attorney (District Attorney)

 

Application: Apply online at www.williamsnd.com

 

Employment: States Attorney is an elected position; current States Attorney has provided notice of retirement for October 2020.   County Commission will fill the vacated seat by appointment in October 2020 and the appointed States Attorney will need to run for election in 2022.

 

County Overview: Williams County, located in northwestern North Dakota is home to more than 35,000 people and one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Oil and agriculture are the two key sectors of the County’s economy. 

 

Office Summary: The Williams County States Attorneys Office employs 5 licensed attorneys (incl. States Attorney) who were responsible for 1626 criminal cases, 86 juvenile cases and 101 mental health cases in 2019, along with all Williams County child support enforcement actions.  Felony cases increased 12% (472 cases) and misdemeanor cases decreased 7% (1050) in 2019.  Attorneys are supported by a Paralegal, 4 clerical support positions and 3 employees in the Victim/Witness Unit; 1 attorney, officed outside of the SA suite, completes all civil work. 

 

Summary:  Serves as chief legal counsel to Williams County; manages and coordinates State’s Attorney Office operations, activities, and personnel.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

 

  • Serves as the County’s chief legal counsel regarding all criminal felony and various misdemeanor cases; delegating and overseeing prosecutorial work of all States Attorney office staff
  • Prosecutes criminal cases, including review of reports and drafting of charges, search warrants and motions
  • Participates in court hearings including bond, preliminary, motion hearings, jury trials and oral arguments before the North Dakota Supreme Court
  • Oversees and directs State’s Attorney Office operations and activities; hires, trains, supervises, and monitors the performance of assigned personnel in the State’s Attorney Office; ensures compliance with County and departmental policies and procedures
  • Provides legal advice to County agencies, the County Commission, and law enforcement personnel; conducts related legal research and writing
  • Coordinates and provides legal related training for law enforcement personnel
  • Liaises, communicates, and meets with victims, witnesses and the public regarding criminal cases; responds to related legal inquiries
  • Pursues the civil commitment of sexually dangerous individuals; drafts legal documentation; meets with relevant professionals regarding cases; attends preliminary/commitment hearings and annual reviews
  • Manages juvenile and mental heath petitions as required
  • Responds to after-hours calls for legal assistance
  • Maintains confidentiality of non-public records and makes available all data and information deemed a public record by the North Dakota Century Code

 

Required Education/Licensure for initial employment

  • D. from ABA accredited law school
  • Member of the ND Bar; OR the Bar of another state or District of Columbia for a minimum of 5 years meeting AND meeting North Dakota Bar standards for the criteria of actively engaging in the practice of law

 

Preferred Experience

  • Seven (7) years prosecutorial experience
  • Three (3) years management/administration experience

 

Requirements for appointment as States Attorney in October 2020

  • Admitted to the North Dakota State Bar and licensed to practice law in the State of North Dakota, OR has submitted an application for admission to the North Dakota Bar that is pending and has been granted a temporary license to practice law  in North Dakota
  • S. citizen
  • 18  years or older
  • Resident of North Dakota and resident of Williams County 30 days prior to appointment as SA