• Chief Attorney, Criminal Division

    Posted: 03/24/2025
    Legal Services

    Job Posting End Date: April 7, 2025 at 11:59pm CST

     

    Join a team of over 110 talented individuals in the Anoka County Attorney’s Office united by a common mission to preserve the public's trust and serve the interests of justice. We do this by bringing our very best to work every day and serving Anoka County's 369,000 citizens with respect and compassion.


    No two days will be the same as the Chief Attorney in the Criminal Division. The Criminal Division of the County Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting adults and certified juveniles charged with felony crimes and designated misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes occurring within Anoka County. The Criminal Division Chief Attorney reports directly to the County Attorney and leads a division of the office that includes two assistant chief attorneys, over a dozen prosecutors, law clerks, paralegals, legal assistants, and other staff. The person in this role must work to carry out the vision set by the County Attorney and mission of the office in a collaborative way. The Criminal Division Chief ensures that the office’s prosecution function complies with its constitutional, ethical, and statutory responsibilities and that FBI/BCA criminal justice data regulations are followed by the staff. The Criminal Division Chief will also work with the office’s leadership, justice partners, court partners, and county departments to maintain and improve a high-level criminal justice system for Anoka County. It is regular for the Criminal Division Chief to act as a resource for law enforcement across the county and to be directly involved in the training and mentoring of lawyers and paraprofessionals.

    The Anoka County Attorney's Office vigorously pursues justice and serves as the voice of the community's victimized and vulnerable in court. We are a team of fair-minded professionals who bring integrity and ingenuity to the table, and who appreciate the impacts that we have on each life we touch.

    To be considered for this full-time, exempt position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application. Applications must be received by the closing deadline of 11:59 pm on Monday, April 7, 2025, to be considered.

    Interviews will be held in-person on April 15th, 2025.
     

    Pay & Benefits

    The Anoka County Attorney’s Office is a large professional law firm with a collegial environment where employees are part of a team and support each other in the mission of the office and in day-to-day work. In addition, we offer the following:

    • Anoka County Salary Schedule, Grade 44, with anticipated hiring range of $173,118.40 ($83.23/hr) to $196,000.00 ($94.23/hr).  Offer to be commensurate with experience and skill level and other leadership positions in the office.

    • The Anoka County Attorney’s office values its employees and invests in their professional growth and development.

    • Employees have advancement and professional development opportunities.

    • Employees have access to a medical and dental satellite clinic located in the Anoka County Government Center with services dedicated exclusively to employees.

    • Employment packages include medical, dental, and vision insurance. 

    • Anoka County contributes to a pension plan and employees can voluntarily supplement these contributions or take advantage of other retirement investment options.

    • Employees have paid Flexible Time Off (FTO) for vacation or for health issues or appointments.  Employees are also paid for recognized holidays as approved annually by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners.

    Learn more about our robust benefits package by going to www.anokacountymn.gov/417/Benefits.
     

    Work Location

    • This leadership position is located at the Anoka County Government Center in Anoka.

    • Most work is conducted on site at the Anoka County Government Center and the attached Courthouse.

    • Typical expected work hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Schedule may vary based on business needs and supervisory approval.

    • Occasional extra hours and evening hours are required.

    • Occasional “on-call” duties are required. 
       

    Job Duties and Responsibilities

    The Criminal Division Chief will have the following duties and responsibilities, subject to adjustment as needed after consultation with the County Attorney. Examples of specific duties include but are not limited to, the following:

    • Work closely and collaboratively with the County Attorney, Chief Deputy County Attorney and other office leaders to set the vision of the criminal division consistent with the County Attorney’s philosophies. 

    • Maintain an office culture of encouragement and professional growth.

    • Make decisions regarding policy and procedure. 

    • Participate with local, county, state, and federal law makers to shape and influence new rules, regulations, and statutes.

    • Understand new legislation and start a plan for training and implementation of applicable laws. 

    • Establish and implement long-term and short-term goals for criminal division.

    • Handle emergency matters and questions.

    • Lead training and professional development in the division and for justice partners.

    • Orient and mentor attorneys and law clerks.

    • Responsible for hiring, retention, and discipline/termination of prosecutors and law clerks.

    • Serve as a resource for your division and the office on criminal legal issues and ethical issues, charging questions, and case strategies.

    • Participate in high-level policy meetings and decisions such as the office’s Brady/Giglio policy. 

    • Attend meetings and collaborate with internal and external partner divisions/agencies.

    • Liaison to case management software, Evidence.com, and other technical advisory groups.

    • Oversee the day-to-day management of the criminal division.

    • Prepare and submit required annual reports and maintain division statistics.

    • Appear for the State in important hearings and/or trials as necessary.

    • Establish guidelines and retain authority over the final approval of plea negotiations, departures, restorative justice programs, and related policies.

     

    Minimum Qualifications Required

    Graduate of an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in Minnesota; minimum of 15 years practicing law, at least 10 years of experience working in criminal law, a high comfort level with and appreciation for technology and its use in the workplace, strong leadership and interpersonal skills.  Prior experience managing others is preferred.

    Knowledge of:

    • Criminal law, criminal procedure, and trial practice.

    • Principles, methods, and practices of legal research.

    • Minnesota Rules of Court, Rules of Professional Responsibility, and Rules of Evidence.

     

    Skill In:

    • Effective presentation of evidence, advice, information, and arguments both orally and in writing.

    • Utilizing technology in everyday practice.

    • Strategic presentation of criminal cases.

    • Leading people, building consensus, and supporting teamwork.

    • Communicating within the division and with court and justice partners.

    • Teaching criminal law, procedure, and trial skills.

    • Building and maintaining relationships with attorneys, court partners, and law enforcement.

     

    Ability to: 

    • Exercise independent judgment, tact, and diplomacy to resolve conflicts between staff and partnering agencies.

    • Set reasonable expectations, prioritize and follow through with assignments and to achieve goals.

    • Collect, analyze, and interpret facts; draw logical conclusions; evaluate cases, and make appropriate recommendations.

    • Work collaboratively with the County Attorney, attorneys, legal support staff, corrections, social workers, law enforcement, and others who work within the criminal justice system.

    • Conduct research, organize facts, and present evidence and other material in written and oral form.
       

    Selection Process

    It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.

     

    Pre-employment Requirements

    Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

     

    About Anoka County

    As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, we depend on the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. We offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences who can come together for the single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County!  Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

     

    Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment

    Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.

     

    If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit:  https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process

     

    Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO

    Chief Attorney, Criminal Division
    Anoka County Government Center

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