Assistant City Attorney

Under the direction of the Corporation Counsel, performs legal work of considerable difficulty as well as related work as required often involving cross-departmental collaboration on the development of legal frameworks and strategies to accomplish the City Administrator’s annual workplan.

This position will remain opened until filled.

The City of Davenport is committed to diversity and seeks to foster an organizational culture of mutual respect, and to attract, retain and promote outstanding employees from all backgrounds and perspectives.  

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. 

Click the Total Compensation document to view the salary and benefits breakdown for the Assistant City Attorney position. 

 The City also offers: 

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan 
• 457 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)
• 15 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Executes a workload similar to a general practice attorney.

Routinely develops legal frameworks for broad-based programs.

May review and provide legislative summaries, interpretations, counter-proposals, and review documents for local, state, or federal legislative efforts under the directives of the Corporation Counsel or designee.

May assist with the development of cross-departmental, city-wide strategic initiatives as assigned and research legal issues for departments as required.

Prosecutes and defends civil lawsuits on behalf of the City 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.

With the knowledge, guidance, and direction of the Corporation Counsel or designee, may advise elected officials and city administrative personnel on legal matters pertaining to the city's operation.

Studies and interprets the constitution, laws, court decisions, City Charter, ordinances, and other legal authorities to give legal guidance; prepares opinions and recommendations under guidance and direction from the Corporation Counsel or designee.

Handles legal matters as assigned by Corporation Counsel, including any related fact-gathering, evaluation and legal analysis, and the preparation of required legal documents.

Attends meetings of the City Council, various boards and commissions, and committees when assigned.

Advises and assists with employment matters with guidance and direction from the Corporation Counsel or designee.

Prepares documentation and related arguments for hearings, and prepares decisions and any other legal documents for review by the Corporation Counsel or designee.

May act as a mediator between parties when necessary and propose applicable resolutions of dispute.

May exercise supervisory functions as assigned.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Juris Doctorate degree required; plus two (2) 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.  

Considerable Knowledge of:

Civil and criminal law, local laws and ordinances, established precedents, and legal references.

Federal, state, and local laws.

Federal and state court practices.

The principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.

Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.

The pleading and practice of effective presentations of court cases.

Municipal organizations and/or operations or transferrable experience demonstrating the same.

Considerable Skill in:

The conduct of legal research, analysis of data, determination of proper courses of action, and presentation of facts and arguments.

Skills in organizing and presenting persuasive arguments.

Analyzing legal documents and instruments.

Appraising and organizing facts and presenting evidence and other material in oral and written form.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, City officials, the court, and the general public.

Skills in facilitating communication and mediation with a variety of parties.