Assistant County Attorney II

Johnson County • Iowa City, IA

4d • $106,977 - $128,373 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general administrative direction of the County Attorney, this role provides legal representation for County offices/departments and employees in administrative and civil cases. The position also offers legal oversight by attending board meetings, drafting ordinances, and preparing/reviewing contracts and agreements, as well as providing legal oversight of County initiatives.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree
• Admission to practice law in State of Iowa
• A minimum of three years of practice
• Valid driver’s license
• Insurable under county liability coverage
• Ability to make difficult decisions requiring a high degree of interpretation and judgment of laws, policies, standards, and precedents
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedence to ascertain the determining aspects of cases
• Ability to understand, interpret, apply and explain Code of Iowa, Iowa Administrative Code and applicable case law
• Ability to understand, interpret, apply and explain applicable federal laws and regulations and applicable case law
• Ability to organize and communicate facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations
• Ability to prepare legal documents including court pleadings, motions, briefs, memos and correspondence
• Ability to present and argue cases in court and administrative hearings
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• 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 and accurate while performing duties
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, judges, County staff and elected officials, representatives of other local governments, members of the public, witnesses, etc.
• Ability to interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests and points of view
• Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare various documents, including but not limited to memoranda, briefs, correspondence, and legal documents
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities
• Ability to use a computer for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, presentations, court filings, e-mail, research and internet
• 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 operate common office equipment such as calculators, postage machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephones and scanners
• 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 25 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, squat, kneel, bend, twist and reach
• Sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities
• Work flexible schedule including periodic evening meetings and additional time as needed

Nice To Haves

• Public Sector legal experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Elected Officials, County Offices, County Departments, Johnson County Conservation Board, Johnson County Public Health, and Johnson County Boards and Commissions.
• Represent the County Attorney’s office in all Courts in Johnson County and the Iowa federal courts.
• Represent Johnson County in administrative hearings.
• Carry out duties relating to civil commitment proceedings.
• Carry out duties related to Johnson County code enforcement.
• Facilitate enforcement of civil penalties related to tobacco enforcement in Johnson County.
• Prepare and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, inter-governmental agreements, and other legal documents.
• Represent the State of Iowa in post-conviction relief litigation.
• Carry out duties related to civil forfeiture actions including representing the State of Iowa in civil forfeiture proceedings.
• Prepare pleadings, motions, discovery documents and jury instructions related to litigation.
• Provide legal advice for township officers as directed by the County Attorney.
• Enforce forfeited bonds accruing to the state or the county.
• Carry out duties related to bankruptcies related to Johnson County.
• Research issues as directed by the County Attorney.
• Coordinate and direct investigative functions in administrative and civil matters as required; may direct the work of investigators, law clerks, and legal assistants.
• Make recommendations concerning policies, procedures, and the more effective utilization of staff.
• Assist in carrying out duties of the County Attorney as directed by the County Attorney.
• Participate in trainings/education opportunities, conferences, seminars and work-related meetings as requested.
• Perform all work activities in accordance with county policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level