Assistant County Attorney I

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 criminal, juvenile, and civil cases. May be designated an Assistant County Attorney II and placed in salary grade 22 or an Assistant County Attorney III and placed in salary grade 23, if the employee has met the minimum years of experience required.

Job Duties

• Represents the County in criminal, juvenile and civil matters at all levels, including administrative proceedings.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists law enforcement agencies with investigations in criminal, juvenile, and civil 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.
• Position designation based on years of experience listed below:
  • Assistant County Attorney I: up to eight years of work related experience.
  • Assistant County Attorney II: eight to fifteen years of work related experience.
  • Assistant County Attorney III: fifteen years of work related experience.

• Knowledge of the Code of Iowa and Iowa Case Law.
• Knowledge of civil, criminal, CINA and/or juvenile justice procedures.
• Knowledge of the Iowa Rules of Criminal and Civil 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.