What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy City Attorney position at City of Des Moines, IA?
Distinguishing Features of the Class
Provides legal representation and oversees a section of legal functions within the City of Des Moines; performs directly related work as required.
The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide independent legal representation, while overseeing the legal functions of legal representation, contract negotiation, advice on public improvement law, construction law, real estate acquisition, procurement, and advice on all areas of municipal operation as assigned by the City Attorney. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the City Attorney with considerable expectation for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of Assistant City Attorneys and legal support staff within an assigned Division of the Legal Department. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other City employees, City officials, law enforcement officials, legal professionals, business and community organizations and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.
Acceptable Experience and Training
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctorate degree; and
- Considerable (7 years) legal experience with some supervisory role preferred
NOTE: Transcripts verifying degree conferred and proof of an Iowa law license must be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department by the application deadline to receive credit. Please send electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org, by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E MLK Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317.
Required Special Qualifications
- Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen;
- Possession of a valid Iowa driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility;
- Possession of a law license in the State of Iowa by the application deadline
The City of Des Moines’ Residency Requirement is in effect for this position. Applicant must be a resident of the City of Des Moines within seven (7) months of appointment date and maintain residency within the City of Des Moines while employed in this position
Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)
- Provides advice to City Attorneys on ordinance drafting, public improvement law, proposed legislation, procurement, construction law, state and federal laws and constitutional matters and multiple other subjects;
- Negotiates and drafts complex legal documents, including coordination with all City Departments;
- Prepares complex contracts and related legal documents for City Departments;
- Provides legal advice, counsel and course of action recommendations to City Council, City Departments and Boards in various areas, public improvement law, construction law, real estate or related areas of substantial municipal responsibility;
- Represents the City in matters involving public improvement law, construction law, real estate, agreements, procurement, legislation review and advocacy;
- Performs special projects for the City Attorney as requested;
- Supervises, trains, coordinates and manages legal functions within applicable Legal Department Division;
- Studies City, State, Federal and general municipal law for information and precedents having bearing and application on City legal problems;
- Researches and prepares legal opinions, memoranda and data for the guidance of the City Administration and Departments;
- Researches, prepares and compiles proposed ordinances and resolutions and proposed amendments to existing ordinances;
- Provides needed information concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions;
- Keeps City Attorney and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas;
- Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
- Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;
- Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.
