City of Ames, IA - City Attorney

SGR • Ames, IA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ames, IA is seeking a seasoned municipal attorney to serve as its next City Attorney. This role involves advising elected officials, translating complex legal matters into plain language, and leading a legal team. The ideal candidate will be a trusted, forward-facing advisor to the City Council, department directors, and the public. They should be a strong land use and local government generalist, capable of balancing risk with practical counsel, and a confident litigator and problem solver. Ames is a vibrant community of approximately 68,000 residents, home to Iowa State University. The city operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Attorney's Office provides full-service legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, city staff, and the City’s boards and commissions, and potentially to the city-owned Mary Greeley Medical Center. The City Attorney reports directly to the Mayor and City Council. The preferred candidate will be a well-rounded local government attorney with strong land use expertise and the judgment to balance risk with practical, business-minded counsel.

Requirements

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Admission to practice in Iowa state courts, or the ability to obtain admission within six months of appointment.
• Five (5) years of experience in general legal practice.
• At least one year of experience in litigation, negotiation, and contract law.
• Some experience in municipal or government law.
• Must pass a credit and background check.

Nice To Haves

• At least three (3) years in management and supervisory capacity over legal staff and/or a department.
• At least one (1) year of experience in real estate law or construction contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in land use, municipal utilities, and/or property tax matters.

Responsibilities

• Advise elected officials with clarity.
• Translate complex law into plain language.
• Lead a talented legal team.
• Serve as a trusted, forward-facing advisor to the City Council, department directors, and the public.
• Provide strong land use and local government generalist counsel, balancing risk with sound, practical advice.
• Act as a confident litigator and problem solver, interpreting and applying the law.
• Provide full-service legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, city staff, and the City’s boards and commissions.
• Provide legal counsel to the city-owned Mary Greeley Medical Center when available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree