Assistant County Attorney (Criminal)

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.