First Assistant County Attorney

Job Description

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represents Clinton County and performs duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner.
• Assists law enforcement of the county in all criminal case matters.
• Responsible for the prosecution of adult and juvenile criminal cases charged in Clinton County, Iowa.
• Responsible for all aspects of case preparation and management from trial to appeal. 
• Responsible for all aspects of case preparation including motions, responses to motions, witness interviews, depositions, appeals and all related tasks. 
• Drafts and files legal documents and prepares questions and arguments necessary for discovery, hearings, or trials. 
• Responsible for handling CINA cases and represents the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services as statutorily required.   
• Cross trains other staff to become familiar with and competent in specialty legal areas.
• Reviews all work products to ensure highest level of quality.
• Prepares various legal contracts, agreements, confidential letters and other types of correspondence to maintain office function.
• Participates in mental health and/or drug court in the 7th Judicial District of Iowa.
• Assures policies are being upheld with the direction and support of the County Attorney. 
• Advises county departments, offices, agencies, elected officials, and County appointed advisory boards and commissions on legal aspects of local government as assigned. 
• Researches and interprets the law as it applies to county government in multiple practice areas as assigned.   Areas may include but are not limited to: land use, special districts, water law, contracts and procurement, property valuation and assessment, taxes (property, sales and use), financing and budgeting, roads, bridges,  transportation, Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), liquor licensing, elections, employment law, civil litigation, constitutional claims, zoning and building code enforcement, mental health and court committals, open meetings, public records, and/or day to day business of the county, or as assigned by the County Attorney. 
• Completes project-oriented work in assigned practice areas. 
• Prepares memorandum of law, opinion letters, and correspondence. 
• Provides legal counsel and representation in judicial and administrative proceedings in state and federal courts. 
• Drafts and reviews contracts, intergovernmental agreements, memorandum of understanding, and the like.
• Participates in negotiations, mediation, settlement conferences, client meetings, and/or meetings with members of the public. 
• Attends meetings as directed with other governmental entities, agencies, organizations, and professional associations as directed by the County Attorney. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, county departments, offices and agencies, elected officials, court and court staff, opposing counsel, and all others with whom contact is had in this professional capacity. 
• Utilizes technology and software used within the Iowa Courts system and law enforcement. 
• Creates statistical reports, PowerPoint presentations, and briefs as requested by the County Attorney.
• Ability to work within deadlines and remain positive and professional. 
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and competing priorities
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Requirements - (Education and Experience):

• J.D from an A.B.A accredited law school. 
• Must have passed the Iowa Bar. 
• Must acquire an Iowa law license within 2 months of hire and maintain thereafter.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• J.D from an A.B.A accredited law school. 
• Must have passed the Iowa Bar. 
• Must acquire an Iowa law license within 2 months of hire and maintain thereafter.

​​​​​​​Supplemental Information:

• Knowledge of overall function of the County Attorney’s office, local criminal justice system and county government a plus.  The ability to handle confidential information and deal with a variety of people, some who are in emotionally stressful situations is necessary.
• Clinton County is an EEO employer and will engage in the interactive process where necessary to determine if a reasonable accommodation can be implemented to permit any person to perform the essential functions of the job.

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• Job Type: Full-Time
• Department: County Attorney
• Salary Range: $140,460 annually
• Posted: 11/6/26
• Expires: Posted until filled.