Assistant County Attorney

The Ford County Attorney’s Office in Dodge City, Kansas, is soliciting applications from qualified candidates to fill two vacancies for the position of Assistant County Attorney. These opportunities are ideal for newly graduated law students who are eager to gain real-world courtroom experience in a supportive, innovative, and community-focused prosecutor’s office.
These positions may also be a good fit for currently licensed attorneys looking for an area of practice where they can see tangible results in the lives of others through their efforts.
About the Positions: As an Assistant County Attorney, your primary job duty is to appear before the Ford County District Court and prosecute assigned cases. Under the supervision of the County Attorney and Chief Deputy County Attorney, you will:
• Review police reports and evidence gathered by law enforcement agencies
• Make charging decisions based on available evidence and office policies
• Present evidence and witness testimony at evidentiary hearings
• Speak with and prepare victims and witnesses for hearings
• Try cases before a judge and/or jury
If selected for either role, you will be expected to generally work in the office from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Assistant County Attorneys spend a considerable part of each week in court. Outside of court, Assistant County Attorneys will meet with law enforcement officers and witnesses, review evidence, and prepare cases for hearing.
The Assistant County Attorney (General) position will handle a caseload that may consist of low-level felonies, misdemeanors, and/or traffic offenses. Efforts will be made to provide the individual with exposure to cases that interest them. However, all case assignments are subject to the skills of the individual attorney and the needs of the office.

The VAWA Domestic Violence Assistant County Attorney is a position funded by the federal Violence Against Women Act. This individual’s caseload will consist of adult-against-adult cases involving:
• Domestic battery, assault, and criminal threat
• Sexual violence
• Dating or intimate partner violence
• Stalking
In addition to the job duties listed above, the VAWA Domestic Violence Assistant County Attorney is responsible for maintaining accurate records of activities, preparing and submitting periodic grant reports, and assisting in applying annually for grant renewal.
About the Office The Ford County Attorney’s Office serves the approximately 35,000 individuals who call Ford County home. Based in historic Dodge City, the office prides itself on using available resources to deliver innovative and effective solutions for the community.
Our office is one of the few offices in Kansas with a dedicated VAWA Domestic Violence Assistant County Attorney. In addition, our Victim Services’ Office was the first to pioneer a districtwide approach, ensuring victims of crime throughout the Sixteenth Judicial District have access to dedicated and trained victim advocates.
Who We’re Seeking: Prosecutors are given an incredible amount of power that can dramatically affect the lives of Ford County citizens and residents. Above all, we seek candidates who are sober-minded and desire to improve the rural community of Ford County. Additionally, candidates should be:
• Professional in appearance, demeanor, and speech
• Capable of explaining complex legal concepts in simple terms
• Willing to accept constructive criticism and direction
• Punctual and attentive to details
• Organized and able to meet deadlines
Ford County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Your Qualifications: To be considered for either position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
• Graduated (or will graduate in June 2025) from an ABA-approved law school
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas (we will consider applicants who intend to sit for either the February 2025 or July 2025 Kansas bar exam)
• Willing to relocate to southwest Kansas and reside in the counties of Ford, Gray, Clark, Kiowa, Meade, or Comanche
• Able to fluently speak, read, and write in English
If you believe you are an exceptional candidate who might not meet all of these minimum qualifications, we would like to speak with you.
Preference in consideration will be given to candidates who have:
• The ability to speak Spanish or another foreign language
• A demonstrated commitment to public or community service
• Experience working or interning at a prosecutor’s office, public defender’s office, private criminal defense firm, or for a state or local government agency

Although prior courtroom experience is a plus, it is not required.
Salary and Benefits: Your starting salary is negotiable and will depend on your qualifications and experience. However, the minimum starting salary for each position is $82,500 per year. Merit and longevity increases are available. In addition, you will receive:
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas health, dental, and vision insurance
• KPERS state retirement
• Annual bar dues paid
• Continuing legal education courses and presentations
• Other optional fringe benefits such as short- and long-term disability, air ambulance coverage, and additional dental and vision coverage
Our office understands the challenges of relocating to southwest Kansas. We want to help remove any barrier that might prevent a qualified candidate from accepting either position. We are willing to discuss and negotiate additional benefits, which could include assistance with relocation, housing, and/or vehicle/mileage expenses.
How to Apply: Our office will receive and review application materials on a rolling basis. To be considered, please submit the following:
• A cover letter describing how you meet the minimum qualifications and whether you are applying for the Assistant County Attorney (General) or VAWA Domestic Violence Assistant County Attorney position
• Your current resume
• A 3-5 page writing sample, such as a research memo, memorandum of law, or similar document. The sample does not have to pertain to criminal law, but the sample should reflect your ability to concisely and accurately identify a legal issue, state the relevant authorities, and advocate for a position or outcome.
Please e-mail all requested documents to Kevin Salzman, County Attorney, at [email protected], or mail them to:
Ford County Attorney’s Office ATTN: Kevin B. Salzman, County Attorney
P.O. Box 1057
Dodge City, Kansas 67801
If you have questions, please reach out to the office using the e-mail above, or call (620) 227-4510.