Assistant County Attorney I- Criminal Division

Johnson County•Iowa City, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the County Attorney, this role performs a variety of administrative, technical, and advanced professional legal work of moderate to considerable difficulty. The position represents the County in criminal, juvenile, and civil cases in accordance with the Code of Iowa or the Johnson County Code. Key responsibilities include prosecuting cases, conducting legal research, representing the State of Iowa in various proceedings, and assisting law enforcement. The role requires sound professional judgment, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and effective interaction with diverse populations. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is expected. The position involves data collection, record keeping, report preparation, and the use of various computer applications and office equipment. The role may involve handling moderate to high levels of stress, meeting deadlines, and solving problems. It requires the ability to follow complex instructions, organize and present information clearly, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Physical requirements include sufficient vision, manual dexterity, and mobility to perform job duties, including lifting up to 20 pounds and working flexible schedules that may include nights, weekends, holidays, and additional time as needed.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree
Admission to practice law in Iowa
Valid driver’s license
Insurable under county liability coverage
Knowledge of Code of Iowa and Iowa Administrative Code
Knowledge of Iowa and Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and Rules of Evidence
Knowledge of Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct
Knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations
Ability to understand, interpret, apply and explain Code of Iowa/Iowa Administrative Code, federal laws and all rules, including the Rules of Professional Conduct, Evidence, and Criminal and Civil Procedure
Ability to conduct legal research and produce accurate legal arguments for briefs, memorandums and other documents as needed
Ability to present evidence in civil commitment hearings
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and prosecutorial discretion concerning cases, taking into consideration laws, policies, standards, precedents and the interests of justice
Ability to work with minimum supervision in often difficult circumstances
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
Ability to represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
Ability to be detail oriented while performing duties
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, victims and witnesses, judges, defense attorneys, law enforcement and members of the public
Ability to interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests and points of view
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports
Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities
Ability to use a computer for the purposes of word processing, data entry, legal filings, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail, case management, scanning, e-filing and Internet
Ability to operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax and postage machines, photo copiers, multi-line telephones and scanners
Ability to handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions
Ability to organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations
Clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
Sufficient vision which permits moderate to heavy production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
Sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate to heavy use of a keyboard and mouse
Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, squat, kneel, bend, twist and reach
Sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities

Nice To Haves

May require use of personal vehicle for official county business.

Responsibilities

Prosecute State of Iowa and Johnson County charges in State court, including pre- and post-trial proceedings, probations revocations, forfeiture, and extradition hearings.
Carry out duties relating to civil commitment proceedings.
Assist law enforcement and other appropriate agencies on legal issues and investigations of criminal actions including taking calls after hours as assigned.
Provide assistance to law enforcement at crime scenes as needed.
Keep victims and witnesses informed about the status of cases and utilize advocacy programs to assist victims and witnesses.
Represent the State of Iowa in post-conviction relief proceedings.
Research issues as needed and as directed by the County Attorney.
Represent the State of Iowa in other legal hearings and proceedings as needed.
Assist with training law enforcement and the public as requested by the County Attorney.
Participate in trainings/education opportunities, conferences, seminars and work-related meetings as requested.
Represent the County Attorney in community meetings and organizations as requested by the County Attorney.
Maintain records of continuing legal education training and file all required reports in a timely manner to maintain valid Iowa law license.
Assist in carrying out duties of the County Attorney as directed by the County Attorney.
Perform all work activities in accordance with County Attorney’s Office and County policies, procedures and safety practices.
Attend work regularly.

Benefits

Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement Systems (IPERS)
ISave 529
Public Loan Forgiveness
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Deferred Compensation plan with County matching for eligible employees
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability (LTD) insurance
Generous paid time off (vacation time, sick days, personal days, holidays, and paid parental leave)