HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity AttorneyCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #70-03 FLSA Exempt
Non Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: City Attorney
Department: City Attorney
Division: City Attorney
Supervisor: City Council
Job Summary
Provides legal oversight and direction for the city. Functions as the legal advisor to the City Council,
City staff and most City boards and commissions.
Job Scope
Directly supervises staff of the City Attorney’s office.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Serves as legal advisor and provides advice and recommendations to the City Council, City
Manager, department directors and staff and City boards and commissions; renders oral and written
opinions.
Attends City Council meetings and provides legal advice and opinion during regular, special and
executive sessions.
Represents the City in litigation, administrative, state and federal district courts and state and federal
appellate courts; represents the City in legal matters, brings suits on behalf of the City and defends
the City in suits brought against it.
Researches and drafts ordinances, resolutions and other documents for review and action by the
City Council; prepares contracts, leases and other legal documents; reviews and signs off on
documents prepared by other City staff.
Hires, trains and provides work direction to legal staff; supervises the work performed by staff,
monitors the performance of legal work by outside counsel; assists outside counsel where
appropriate.
Oversees litigation proceedings including evaluation, investigation, analysis, research, discovery,
settlement, pre-trial motions, trials and post-trial motions and appeals.
Provides advice and makes recommendations to City Council on litigation strategy, evaluates and
makes recommendations on potential settlements.
Prepares and monitors departmental budget.
Job Class #70-03 City Attorney
Page 2 Updated 2/16/2021
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and
community.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Ability to transport self from building to building and to attend various court functions and meetings at
other sites either within or outside City Hall.
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 sit; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to walk or stand. 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
Graduation from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body with a
Juris Doctorate degree and admission to Iowa Bar to practice in Iowa courts required. Five years’
experience in municipal practice or general practice with significant exposure to municipal law
required. Must reside in the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City. Must pass criminal background
check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Five years of municipal practice preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and municipal law. Comprehensive knowledge of legal
practices and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods,
materials, and references utilized in legal research. Thorough knowledge of judicial procedure and
rules of evidence. Thorough knowledge of the principles of legal writing and report preparation.
Thorough knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Skill in drafting and editing legal documents, ordinances, and litigation materials. Skill in preparing
clear and concise legal position papers and presenting persuasive arguments. Skill in communicating
concisely and clearly both orally and in writing.
Ability to organize, interpret and apply legal principles and knowledge to complex legal issues. Ability
to read complex materials, conduct legal research, analyze legal questions, and effectively explain
conclusions. Ability to efficiently prioritize work assignments and complete assignments within the
designated deadlines. Ability to supervise the preparation and trial of cases and to present material
Job Class #70-03 City Attorney
Page 3 Updated 2/16/2021
clearly and logically in oral and written form. Ability to plan and supervise the work of a professional
staff. Ability to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion. Ability to communicate effectively
with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language. Ability to
understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions. Ability to establish
effective working relationships with employees, supervisors and the public.
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.