Senior Assistant Attorney-Civil

Under general supervision, the Senior Assistant Attorney is an advanced position which includes supervisory duties over Assistant Civil Attorney or the legal skills and experience necessary to pursue more complex cases. Represents and advises Scott County and its various departments, employees and elected officials on a variety of legal matters. Prepares cases, drafts and files all pleadings necessary for representation in civil matters.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS --Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Litigates civil cases involving Scott County in State and Federal courts; prepares cases involving civil rights, jail lawsuits, personal injury, worker’s compensation, tax assessment appeals, guardianships and conservatorships, mental health hearings, small claims, forfeiture proceedings, and the enforcement of health code ordinances, zoning, and county codes.
• Advises and provides legal opinions to the board of supervisors, elected officials, department heads, and township officers.
• Assists in negotiating and drafting 28E agreements, MOUs, and contracts impacting the County.
• Attends Chapter 229 Involuntary Commitment Hearings on behalf of the State
• Handles all aspects of civil asset forfeiture proceedings under Iowa Code Chapter 809A.
• Handles open records requests for the County Attorney’s Office and reviews other departments’ open records requests for confidentiality and exemptions.
• Researches legal issues. Must be familiar with the Code of Iowa, the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence. Stays abreast of changes in law and authority in civil matters.
• Serves on multi-disciplinary teams as requested.
• Prepares evidence and develops trial strategies; writes proposed motions to the court and jury instructions; meets with witnesses to prepare and outline questions and arguments.
• Schedules and attends depositions.
• Provides law enforcement training as requested.
• Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the advanced level classification for Assistant Attorney.  Works under indirect supervision, conferring with supervisor when necessary.Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Juris Doctorate degree is required and four (4) years of Civil experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Trial and court procedures.
• Protocols and strategies of negotiation and litigation.
• Case management procedures and techniques.
• Legal research methods, sources, databases, and other tools.
• Negotiation and conflict management methods and techniques.

Skill in:

• Supervising and leading Assistant Attorneys, staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Analyzing legal issues.
• Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics.
• Reading, understanding, interpreting, and applying State and Federal statutes, codes, and rules.
• Developing and presenting sound legal arguments.
• Mediating and negotiating difficult and complex situations.
• Analyzing and organizing complex facts, evidence, and precedents.
• Developing, refining, and presenting legal strategies.
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Conducting research.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements
Must possess an Iowa Law license and be in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in Scott County Courthouse and in a standard office environment.