HomeMy WebLinkAboutFirst Assistant City AttorneyCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #31-01 FLSA Exempt
Non Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: First Assistant City Attorney
Department: City Attorney
Division: City Attorney
Supervisor: City Attorney
Job Summary
Under general supervision from City Attorney, provides legal services to City Council, staff, boards and
commissions. Represents City at administrative hearings and in litigation in state and federal courts.
Job Scope
Occasionally and indirectly responsible for two to five employees/interns. May make recommendations
for the preparation of the department budget.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Acts in absence of the City Attorney including management of staff and serving as the lead for the
department.
Represents the City Council, boards, commissions and departments in litigation, administrative, state
and federal district courts and state and federal appellate courts.
Prepares written and oral arguments, case presentation including fact investigations, discovery,
depositions, witness preparation, legal research, briefing and attendance at hearings.
Researches legal issues for all departments with special attention to employment issues, contract and
negotiation.
Provides counsel to City departments, performing services in person and by written legal opinion.
Performs legal research, fact investigations, clear communications and explanation of conclusions.
Identifies and resolves legal and procedural matters related to resolutions, ordinances and
procedures.
Drafts and revises City documents, resolutions, ordinances, contracts and legal documents.
Attends meetings of City boards and commissions to provide counsel.
Attends City Council meetings in the City Attorney's absence.
Job Class #31-01 City Attorney
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Communicates with the public, attorneys and others to identify and resolve legal issues.
Works with City staff on communication with the public, vendors and others.
Investigates complaints of sexual harassment, improper conduct and personnel policy violations.
Works with outside counsel on City matters.
Oversees prosecution of City misdemeanors and municipal infractions.
Trains and supervises the work activities of the student law school intern and paralegal.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and
community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger,
handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally
required to walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift
and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Juris Doctorate from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body
required. Three years minimum experience in municipal law/litigation required. Admission to Iowa Bar to
practice in Iowa courts required. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Five years experience in municipal law/litigation preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws; federal and state court practice; and municipal organization
and operation. Skills in organizing and presenting persuasive argument. Skills in working with a wide
variety of public issues and public agencies. Skills in facilitating communication with many parties. Skills
in drafting and editing legal documents, ordinances and litigation materials. Ability to read complex
materials, conduct legal research, analyze legal questions, and to effectively explain conclusions. Ability
to efficiently prioritize work assignments and complete assignments within the designated time
deadlines.
Job Class #31-01 City Attorney
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.