Assistant County Attorney II

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Job Description

DEFINITION AND DUTIES:

Under general administrative direction of the County Attorney, provide legal representation for County offices/departments and employees in administrative and civil cases.  Provide legal oversight by attending board meetings, drafting ordinances, and preparing/reviewing contracts and agreements.  Provide legal oversight of County initiatives.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil and administrative law

• Code of Iowa, Iowa Administrative Code, and Code of Federal Regulations

• Iowa Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure

• Iowa and Rules of Evidence

• Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct and Standards for Professional Conduct

• Methods, practices and references utilized in conducting legal research

• Courtroom procedures and local court rules

• Advanced mathematical concepts including statistical analysis

• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

• Electronic court filing systems

Ability to:

• Make difficult decisions requiring a high degree of interpretation and judgment of laws, policies, standards, and precedents

• Analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedence to ascertain the determining aspects of cases

• Understand, interpret, apply and explain Code of Iowa, Iowa Administrative Code and applicable case law

• Understand, interpret, apply and explain applicable federal laws and regulations and applicable case law

• Organize and communicate facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to groups and individuals in formal and informal situations

• Prepare legal documents including court pleadings, motions, briefs, memos and correspondence

• Present and argue cases in court and administrative hearings

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner

• Be detail oriented and accurate while performing duties

• 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.

• Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests and points of view

• Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare various documents, including but not limited to memoranda, briefs, correspondence, and legal documents

• Handle multiple tasks and competing priorities

• Use a computer for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, presentations, court filings, e-mail, research and internet

• Handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position

• Follow complex oral and written instructions

• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, postage machines, photocopiers, multi-line telephones and scanners

• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication

• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate to heavy production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms

• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate to heavy use of a keyboard and mouse

• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

• Sit, stand, walk, climb, squat, kneel, bend, twist and reach

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities

• Work flexible schedule including periodic evening meetings and additional time as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Juris Doctor Degree; admission to practice law in State of Iowa AND a minimum of three years of practice.  Public Sector legal experience preferred.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.  May require use of personal vehicle for official county business.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• 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 elated 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.

Supplemental Description

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Grade:  16

Job Profile: 2005

Job Family: Attorney - Attorney

Compensation Grade