Senior Attorney

Under the direction of the Corporation Counsel, performs legal work of considerable difficulty on behalf of the City of Davenport.  

This position will remain open 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.   

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

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 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.

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.
 
Under the knowledge, guidance, and direction of the Corporation Counsel or designee, advises elected officials and City administrative personnel on legal matters pertaining to the City's operation; researches legal matters; drafts ordinances, resolutions, motions and various other legal documents.
 
Studies and interprets the Constitution, laws, court decisions, City Charter, ordinances and other legal authorities to give legal guidance or prepare opinions under guidance and direction from the Corporation Counsel or designee.
 
Handles legal matters as assigned by Corporation Counsel or designee, 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.
 
May act as a mediator between parties when necessary and propose applicable resolutions of dispute. 

Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Juris Doctorate degree required.  

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.

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.

Considerable 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.