Assistant City Attorney Senior Criminal

Salary : $112,902.40 - $169,353.60 Annually
Location : City of Sparks, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 27-13
Department: Legal
Division: Criminal
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Information
DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, performs a full range of professional level criminal legal work involved in prosecuting misdemeanor crimes.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the senior level non-supervisory class in the Assistant City Attorney series, fully capable of working independently on the most complex criminal litigation matters and directing and training staff. Incumbent may be assigned to any of three (3) classes depending upon experience and proficiency gained.
Qualifications
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:
Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctorate and three (3) years of experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of criminal law.
Licenses and Certificates:

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada, at time of hire and maintain active license throughout employment.
Must be admitted to the Nevada State Bar at time of hire and remain an active member throughout employment.
Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Examples of Essential Duties
Advise law enforcement on constitutional and criminal law issues pertaining to prosecution.
Prosecute all criminal cases within the jurisdiction of the Sparks Municipal Court from inception to appeal. Review cases for probable cause. Charge misdemeanors. Negotiate pleas or resolution, at pretrial and at trial. Communicate with attorneys, defendants, victims and witnesses. Handle all aspects of litigating the misdemeanors including trials and appeals.
Research legal problems and prepare opinions, ordinances, and other legal documents.
Represent the City in specialty court programs and in administrative hearings before City boards and commissions and state and federal agencies on an assigned basis. Represent the City in cases encompassing a wide variety of criminal subject matter, including all phases of pretrial and trial work.
Appear at weekend bail hearings on behalf of the City. Conduct in-custody arraignments. Review cases submitted by the Sparks Police Department misdemeanor unit for possible issuance of warrant or summons.
Advise and facilitate communication and exchange of information between client agencies and agencies outside of the City.
Ensure the maintenance of records. Complete and compile reports of work performed.
Monitor legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions in criminal matters. Evaluate their impact on City operations and recommend appropriate action.
Assist other attorneys in all phases of legal work on more complex litigation. Attend meetings of boards and commissions as assigned by the City Attorney.
Provide on call services to the police department on an as needed basis or as assigned.
Perform other duties which may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Nevada Revised Statues and Sparks Municipal Code
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting criminal prosecutions
• Knowledge of municipal government organization, structure and functional responsibilities
• Knowledge of criminal and administrative procedure
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to, Microsoft Office
• Ability to practice effective techniques in the presentation of litigation, judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Ability to analyze problems and issues and perform legal research, evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations in criminal matters
• Ability to prepare clear, concise and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence and other written materials
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically
• Ability to represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters
• Ability to effectively communicate messages and positions on behalf of the City
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment.
SUPPLEMENTAL JOB POSTING INFORMATION

• This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
• This position reports to the City Attorney or the Chief Assistant City Attorney
• Supervision exercised: Direct the work of support staff and act as a resource to City staff
• Must submit a fingerprint card and meet NCIC/CJIS requirements
• May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Application and Recruitment Information
Complete application information including all certifications, degrees, transcripts and work experience are required to be submitted by the applicant at time of application in order for the application to be fully reviewed. Failure to submit the required and/or requested information may result in rejection of your application.

Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you.
Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.
Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, examinations in relation to the job, interviews, or any combination which the City of Sparks may require.
The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.
Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant's background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.
The City of Sparks is proud to offer a quality benefit package to its employees. The benefit package includes a variety of benefits for a diverse workforce.

Below is an overview of the City of Sparks' general benefits. The below information does not in any manner modify, alter, expand or add to the active and applicable contract or resolution.
• Nevada has no State income tax
• The City of Sparks is part of the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The City pays 100% of the employee PERS contribution. There is no social security deduction/participation.
• Group Health Insurance (includes medical, dental, prescription and vision). City pays 100% of the employee premium and 75% of the dependent premium
• City paid life insurance
• City paid long term disability insurance
• Twelve paid holidays
• Vacation/Annual leave - 4.6 hours accrued bi-weekly, accrual rate goes up after 5 years of service
• Sick leave - 5 hours accrued bi-weekly
• Personal leave - 40 hours allotted with the first full pay period of a Fiscal Year (in July) or at time of hire
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Workers' Compensation
• Military leave
• Family leave
• Paid Parental leave
• Longevity pay
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation match up to $125 per pay period

If you have questions regarding the various benefits described, please contact Human Resources at
01

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree AND Juris Doctorate. Copies must be attached to your application. Did you attach the required documentation?

• Yes
• No

02

Your resume and cover letter must be attached to your application. Did you attach the required documentation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question