Assistant County Attorney - Civil/Misdemeanor

Job Description

This position is responsible for performing a variety of administrative, technical, and advanced professional legal work of moderate to considerable difficulty in representing the County in civil cases; including but not limited to, representing the County, County Boards, and Commissions.

Job Duties

• Represents the County in civil matters at all levels, including administrative proceedings and some criminal matters as assigned by the County Attorney.
• Interviews and advises complainants and witnesses in regard to prospective civil actions and litigation. Prepares and presents evidence in those matters including legal arguments regarding merit; performs legal research and other preparatory duties prior to trials and hearings.
• Evaluates civil and some criminal cases presented for filing; follows established office policy concerning the disposition of cases; conducts pretrial conferences and hearings involving victims, witnesses and defense attorneys; recommends case dispositions to other attorneys and supervisors.
• Prepares drafts of pleadings, motions, and interrogatories; prepares letters, opinions, memoranda and legal documents in the composition of legislative reports, briefs, and contracts.
• Gives legal advice and counsel to both law enforcement and non-law enforcement personnel when appropriate; represents assigned clients at hearings and trials in civil and criminal courts; may pursue appeals to higher courts when appropriate.
• Analyzes and evaluates the merit of assigned cases to determine the most appropriate course of action and recommend trial, pleas, dismissal, or other disposition to other attorneys and supervisors; negotiates cases with other attorneys and court personnel in accordance with office policies and guidelines.
• Assists law enforcement agencies with investigations in civil and criminal matters as required.
• Coordinates and provides training to law enforcement, other agencies and the public.
• Manage complicated and difficult investigations and cases.
• Take initiative to maintain and improve current procedures to comply with new legal concepts.
• May provide guidance and direction to less experienced attorneys as required; may assign, evaluate, and review completed work assignments; answers technical and procedural questions and ensures that work assignments are carried out in accordance with departmental procedures, policies, and standards.
• Performs related duties.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Law or related field.
• Juris Doctorate (Law) degree from a law school which holds accreditation recognized for admission to the practice of law in Iowa required.
• Successful completion of the Bar Exam.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Iowa.
• Any relevant civil case experience.

• Knowledge of the Code of Iowa and Iowa Case Law.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal justice procedures.
• Knowledge of the Iowa Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.
• Knowledge of trial proceedings.
• Knowledge of litigation and document management software.
• Skill in the completion of legal research.
• Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.
• Skill in prioritizing, planning, taking initiative and working independently.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in meeting internal and external deadlines.
• Skill in critical and strategic thinking.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in effective, professional, tactful and confident oral and written communication.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office or the courtroom.
• Eligible to telecommute with the approval of the Dallas County Attorney.

Dallas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.