Assistant County Attorney - Civil Division

Dallas County•Adel, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dallas County is seeking a motivated Civil Assistant County Attorney who wants to make a meaningful impact in local government. If you’re a detail-driven lawyer who enjoys advising leadership, managing civil matters, and shaping public policy, this role offers the challenge, variety, and purpose you’re looking for. The Civil Division handles a wide range of county legal matters—from contracts and compliance to public meetings, policies, and civil litigation. As an Assistant County Attorney, you’ll work directly with department heads, elected officials, and county boards while providing essential legal guidance that keeps government services running smoothly and lawfully. Your work will influence daily operations and long-term county strategy.

Requirements

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in the State of Iowa
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
Ability to provide confident legal guidance to leadership
Excellent communication and decision-making abilities
Organizational and time-management skills to manage diverse legal tasks and topics in a timely manner

Nice To Haves

Assistant County Attorney I: up to eight years of work related experience.
Assistant County Attorney II: eight to fifteen years of work related experience.
Assistant County Attorney III: fifteen years of work related experience.

Responsibilities

Assist in responding to public records requests
Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, policies, and civil legal documents
Provide legal advice to county departments, elected officials, and boards
Attend public meetings and hearings to guide policy decisions
Represent Dallas County in civil trials, administrative hearings, and related proceedings
Manage diverse civil cases with independence and professionalism
Lead or support specialized civil dockets such as mental health, truancy, and forfeiture. Some criminal docket work may be assigned on an ad hoc basis
Conduct legal research and prepare clear written recommendations
Deliver training to county staff on legal compliance and procedures
Collaborate with a team of attorneys, paralegals, and county leadership