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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.