OPENING DATE:  10/30/07 

CLOSING DATE:  CLOSED 

This announcement is for the purpose of developing an Open, Competitive, and Promotional Eligible list. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Public Auditor that the personnel system shall be applied and administered according to the principle of equal opportunity for all citizens and nationals as defined by the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Constitution regardless of age, race, sex, religion, political affiliation or belief, marital status, disability or place of origin.

POSITION:  Legal Counsel (1) 

SALARY:  $40,000 to $70,000 P/A 

LOCATION:  Office of the Public Auditor, Saipan 

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Lead Assistant Attorney General (White Collar/Corruption Unit), the Legal Counsel prosecutes criminal cases in the CNMI Superior Court.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review police reports and OPA investigative files to determine if criminal complaints should be filed 
• Evaluate cases assigned for prosecution; determine appropriate charges and potential motions; issue subpoenas; determine necessity for appropriate dispositional offer; determine most effective trial prosecution strategy 
• Review files for each case; analyze merits of the case and determine appropriate course of action
• Appear in court regarding bench and jury trials, probation hearings, pre-trial conferences, readiness conferences, sentencing and actual bench and jury trials
• Interview witnesses; travel to crime site as necessary; perform preliminary examinations and conduct in-depth interviews of witnesses, victims and others as necessary
• Prepare for court appearances requiring detailed analysis of cases; develop questions and formulate arguments and counter-arguments
• Coordinate witness participation; coordinate with representatives of victim witness to assist victims during criminal proceedings
• Issue information for misdemeanor and felony cases; determine proper charges
• Perform extensive research regarding prosecution of assigned cases
• Consult with expert witnesses in preparation for trial; interact with outside agencies and representatives regarding courtroom preparation
• Respond to legal inquiries from law enforcement concerning criminal law issues
• Argue appropriate sentences of those convicted of crimes; prepare statements regarding sentencing as appropriate
• Review and approve arrest and search warrant affidavits submitted by law enforcement agencies
• Provide vertical prosecution of selected serious felonies
• Read current case and statutory law to remain current regarding criminal law issues
• Conduct criminal calendar in the Superior Court including motion, sentencing, arraignment, and setting trial dates in statutory period and pre-trial cases
• Perform related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• J.D. from a U.S. accredited law school, plus four (4) years of general legal work experience and admitted to the bar of a jurisdiction within the United States; requires one (1) year experience in criminal law or its equivalent. Eligible to practice law in the CNMI.

CONTACT PERSON

For more information, contact Mr. Michael S. Sablan, Public Auditor, as follows:

     Telephone: (670) 322-6481
     Fax: (670) 322-1727
     E-mail: mssablan@opacnmi.com

NOTE TO APPLICANT

Education and training claimed under item 25 (A) through (F) of the Application for Employment must be substantiated by an official school transcript, diploma, or certificate. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION.

INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD SEND THEIR CURRENT APPLICATION FORMS TO:

Office of Personnel Management
J.M. Building, Garapan
Saipan, MP 96950

Office of Personnel Management
Songsong Village
Rota, MP 96951

Office of Personnel Management
San Jose Village
Tinian, MP 96952