Attorney I/Attorney II

Summary

The individual hired for this position will be assigned to the Civil Division of the Pottawattamie County Attorney’s Office and will have primary responsibility for post-conviction relief petitions, forfeiture cases, and acting as a civil legal advisor to Pottawattamie County.  Civil work may include, but is not limited to, civil litigation on behalf of the county, legal research and writing, providing legal advice to county elected officials and department heads, reviewing contracts and real estate documents, as well as any other general civil legal matters.  Criminal law experience is preferred, and some cases may be assigned to this attorney for criminal prosecution depending upon experience and interest.

 At least five (5) years of legal experience is preferred, but candidates with less than five (5) years experience will be considered.

Essential Functions

Represents the State and County in criminal, juvenile and civil matters including administrative proceedings.

Evaluates criminal, juvenile and civil cases presented for filing; follows established office policy concerning the disposition of cases; conducts pretrial conferences on cases; and hearings involving victims, witnesses and defense attorneys; recommends case dispositions to other attorneys and supervisors.
 
Prepares and/or reviews drafts of trial information and minutes of testimony for filing with the clerk of the court; prepares pleadings, motions and interrogatories and responses to the same; prepares letters, opinions, memoranda and legal document as requested.

Litigation:
Review, evaluate, prepare and prosecute or defend all phases of civil litigation on behalf of the county and county officials at various administrative and judicial levels.
Prepare and file necessary pleadings and required court documentation for civil litigation matters.
Conduct negotiations and pre-trial discovery for civil litigation matters.
Prepare and prosecute enforcement of local ordinances and regulations.
Prepare and prosecute post-conviction matters on behalf of the State of Iowa.

Advisory:
Provide legal advice to county Board of Supervisors, elected officials, various departments and boards.
Serve as legal advisor for Board of Supervisors, elected officials, department heads and county boards at public meetings.
Provide after-hours on-call assistance to county Board of Supervisors, elected officials, and various departments on civil issues requiring immediate attention.
Establishes effective working relationships with county Board of Supervisors, elected officials, department heads, county boards, the public and the media.
May perform occasional criminal prosecution responsibilities as assigned.
May conduct presentations at workshops and conferences regarding various areas of the law.
Attends seminars on local, state and national level to meet continuing education requirements as required by Iowa law.
Provides training, legal instruction and research assistance to less experienced attorneys.
Perform additional work assigned by the County Attorney.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal, juvenile and civil law.  Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleadings, courtroom procedures and rules of evidence. Knowledge of applicable laws relative to criminal, juvenile and civil cases. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Must possess effective communication skills including written, verbal and listening skills. Ability to present facts in a clear and logical manner and to present and argue cases in court. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to judges, public groups and other attorneys. Ability to perform all functions pertaining to the investigation, preparation, review, filing, pleading and disposition of criminal, juvenile and civil matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals involved in the court system, supervisors, fellow employees and government officials and law enforcement agencies.

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Attorney I Graduation from a recognized school of law and admission to the bar of the State of Iowa.
1 to 3 years experience preferred. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa. Attorney II Graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.
Must be in good standing with Office of Professional Responsibility and the Iowa Supreme Court. Minimum of five (5) years' experience as an attorney. 

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