Closing Date: 3rd May, 2024
Description:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative, technical, and advanced professional legal work of moderate to considerable difficulty in representing the County in criminal, juvenile, and civil cases.Illustrative Examples of Work:
- Represents the County in criminal, juvenile and civil matters at all levels, including administrative proceedings; proceeds independently with a minimum amount of guidance and direction from a bureau chief.
- Provides 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.
- Interviews and advises complainants and witnesses in regard to prospective criminal, juvenile, or civil actions and prepares and presents evidence in those matters including legal arguments regarding merit; performs legal research and other preparatory duties prior to trials and hearings.
- May serve as an internal legal representative and advisor for the County in such matters pertaining to the preparation and review of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, and other legal documents; furnishes legal opinions to County officers and staff upon request; may represent and defend the County and its officials in federal and state courts in cases where the County is a party.
- Evaluates criminal, juvenile, and civil 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; prepares drafts of Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Orders based on the record made in Court.
- Furnishes information on inquiries and complaints submitted to the County Attorney's Office from law enforcement and other personnel as required; serves as a liaison with the community and judiciary on law enforcement problems when requested; represents the County Attorney's Office at community and business gatherings when requested.
- Gives legal advice and counsel to both law enforcement and non-law enforcement personnel when appropriate; represents assigned clients at hearings and trials in criminal, juvenile, and civil 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.
- Coordinates and directs investigative functions in criminal, juvenile, and civil matters as required; may direct the work of investigators, law clerks, legal assistants, and legal stenographers.
- Makes recommendations concerning policies, procedures, and the more effective utilization of staff.
- Performs related work as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal, juvenile, and civil law.
- Knowledge of the methods and practices of pleadings.
- Knowledge of courtroom procedures and Rules of Evidence.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws relative to criminal misdemeanor, felony, juvenile, and civil cases.
- Knowledge of methods, practices, and references utilized in conducting legal research.
- Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedence to ascertain the determining aspects of cases.
- Ability to present facts in a clear and logical manner.
- Ability to present and argue cases in court.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, County officials, law enforcement personnel, and the general public.
- Ability to perform all functions pertaining to the investigation, preparation, review, filing, pleading, and disposition of criminal, juvenile, and civil matters.
Training and Experience:
- Graduation from an accredited school of law.
- Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.
Special Requirements:
- A criminal background check is required.
- A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
