Assistant Corporation Counsel

Under general and minimal direction from the Corporation Counsel, performs a variety of legal work of great difficulty, provides legal guidance on a range of matters, and may act as the Corporation Counsel in his/her absence.The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2024 and starts on first day of employment.The City also offers:Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to non-bargaining, management exempt employees)13 paid holidaysLife InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceTuition ReimbursementEmployee Assistance ProgramExecutes a workload similar to a general practice attorney.Prosecutes and defends civil lawsuits on behalf of the City of Davenport in state and federal court.Writes legal briefs and makes oral arguments before all levels of the state and federal courts, including the Iowa Supreme Court and other appellate courts, as well as a number of government regulatory agencies. Prosecution generally involves municipal infractions, traffic tickets, and simple misdemeanors, obtaining administrative warrants, condemnation action, license revocations and contractual disputes. Defense generally involves personal injury, civil rights, contractual and lease disputes, and a variety of constitutional and procedural claims.Responsible for complete coordination, direction, and supervision of litigation matters assigned including conduct of discovery, coordination of witnesses, discussion of resolution, determining strategy and tactics in trials, and briefing and arguing appeals under the consultation and guidance of the Corporation Counsel.Exercises legal judgment and provides guidance to other City staff members in their day-to-day work environments and operations.May assign work to and direct other Legal Department personnel as necessary or required.Studies and interprets the Constitution, laws, court decisions, City Charter, ordinances, and other legal authorities to give legal guidance or prepare opinions.Works directly with elected officials, department heads, and City employees on a day-to-day basis and advises on legal matters.Coordinates and advises other City departments in regards to legal implications of decisions and strategies involving daily operations or issues.Assists land use on a variety of development and preservation issues and serves as an ex officio member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.Provides counsel to and attends meetings of the City Council, various boards and commissions, and committees as assigned by the Corporation Counsel.Advises and assists with employment matters and is primarily responsible for coordination with Human Resources for employment matters or hearings heard before the Civil Service Commission.Assists in the negotiation of contracts and leases for City departments.In the absence of the Corporation Counsel, or in the event that the Corporation Counsel has a conflict, the Assistant Corporation Counsel may be responsible for all or some of the duties and obligations of the Legal Department and for the assignment and review of work of other Legal Department staff.May assist in and perform other related duties as assigned by the Corporation Counsel.Minimum Requirements:Juris Doctorate degree required; plus five (5) years of relevant work experience.Must possess an Iowa Law license and be in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court; must become admitted to a federal jurisdiction as applicable.Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout duration of employment.Must pass a background check as prescribed by the City of Davenport.Extensive Knowledge of:Constitutional, contract, torts, real estate and criminal law, local laws and ordinances, established precedents, and legal references.Legal research methods, sources, databases, and other tools.Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.Negotiation and conflict management methods and techniques.The pleading and practice of effective presentations of court cases.Extensive Skill in:Analyzing legal issues.The conduct of legal research, analysis of data, determination of proper courses of action, and presentation of facts and arguments.Analyzing legal documents and instruments.Appraising and organizing facts and presenting evidence and other material in verbal and written form.Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.Mediating and negotiating difficult and complex situations.Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, City officials, the court, and the general public.

#J-18808-Ljbffr