Are you detailed-oriented, organized individual with a passion for the legal field? The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a dedicated Assistant City Attorney to play a critical role in providing legal advise and council to all City employees. Come join a team dedicated to servicing our community!
At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.
About our Community
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!
About this Opportunity
Advises and counsels city staff, including department heads, Mayor and City Council on legal matters. The Assistant City Attorney classification levels are distinguished by the complexity and diversity of legal issues assigned. We are hiring 2 Assistant Attorneys at the level of I, II, or III.
Examples of Essential Duties
Assistant Attorney I:
Provides legal advice and guidance to the City Manager, City departments, and division heads on the full range of legal issues affecting the City.
Drafts new and amended ordinances, and other legal documents such as resolutions, policies, procedures, legal memoranda, and legal briefs.
Drafts contracts, agreements, and real estate documents. Represents the City’s interest in contract negotiations and carries out goals of contracts.
Provides legal analysis and opinions on a variety of legal questions and acts as legal advisor to the Council and its various committees, commissions, boards, authorities, and City departments.
Conducts legal research, analysis, drafting, and communication. Assists in various legal matters, including open records requests, open meeting law, policy questions, and other issues. Interprets laws and ordinances and makes recommendations.
Represents the City in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings, including contested trials and appeals.
Supports litigation cases involving a wide variety of subject matters including, but not limited to, torts, civil rights, and prosecuting violations of city code. Represents the City in small claims, foreclosures, and affirmative litigation.
Proactively identifies issues of concern affecting the City.
Performs related work as required.
Assistant Attorney II:
Provides legal advice and guidance to the City Manager, City departments, and division heads on the full range of legal issues affecting the City.
Prosecutes violations of city code and, in consultation with the City Attorney, utilizes professional judgment in charging and disposing of cases.
Litigates cases of moderate complexity, including small claims and affirmative litigation.
Represents the City in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings, including contested trials and appeals.
Drafts and reviews documents of moderate complexity, including ordinances, agreements, and real estate documents. Represents the City’s interest in contract negotiations and carries out goals of contracts.
Proactively identifies issues of concern affecting the City.
Performs legal research, analysis, writing, and advocacy as assigned by the City Attorney. Assists in various legal matters, including open records requests, open meeting law, policy questions, and other issues. Interprets laws and ordinances and makes recommendations.
Provides legal analysis and opinions on a variety of legal questions and acts as legal advisor to the Council and its various committees, commissions, boards, authorities, and City departments. Attends board and commission meetings as needed.
Performs related work as required.
Assistant Attorney III:
Provides legal advice and guidance to the City Manager, City departments, and division heads on the full range of legal issues affecting the City. Proactively identifies issues of concern and recommends solutions.
Litigates cases of increasing complexity in state and federal court, including property taxation, torts, and special assessments.
Represents the City in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative proceedings, including contested trials and appeals.
Prosecutes code violations and simple misdemeanors as needed.
Drafts and reviews documents of increasing complexity, including ordinances, agreements, and real estate documents. Represents the City’s interest in contract negotiations and carries out goals of contracts.
Performs legal research, analysis, writing, and advocacy as assigned by the City Attorney. Assists in various legal matters, including open records requests, open meeting law, policy questions, and other issues. Interprets laws and ordinances and makes recommendations.
Provides legal analysis and opinions on a variety of legal questions and acts as legal advisor to the Council and its various committees, commissions, boards, authorities, and City departments.
Performs related work as required.
Assistant Attorney I: Required Education and Experience
Juris doctor from an accredited law school
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population
Desired Qualifications
One to three years of experience advising municipal or other government entities.
Assistant Attorney II:
Required Education and Experience
Juris doctor from an accredited law school and
Three to Five years of experience advising municipal or other government entities including litigating and advising in torts (personal injury/property damage), small claims, prosecution of violations, and/or contract disputes
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population
Assistant Attorney III:
Required Education and Experience
Juris doctor from an accredited law school and
Five to seven years of experience advising municipal or other government entities including litigating and advising in torts (personal injury/property damage) and contract disputes
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population
Cedar Rapids is a vibrant city, encompassing unique attractions, exciting events, specialty shopping, a dynamic art scene, and a large variety of restaurant and nightlife options. You’ll find that Cedar Rapids offers one of the best places to live, work and play in the Midwest.
Every year the Cedar Rapids community experiences the wonders of changing seasons in our Midwestern landscape. Some say that taking the time to appreciate everyday beauty extends life, almost like an extra season is added to every year. Cedar Rapids offers a unique balance of big city amenities without all the typical hassles and headaches that come with a large city. This extra time afforded to our residents and visitors is why Cedar Rapids is known as “The City of Five Seasons.” This fifth season affords us time to enjoy all other seasons and to enjoy life.