Assistant City Attorney I

City of Council Bluffs

Job Description

Assistant City Attorney I

Department: Legal

Supervisor: City Attorney

Location: City Hall

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Talent Acquisition Coordinator

Prepared Date: November 2025

Union: Non-Union

Civil Service Status: Non-Civil Service

Pay Grade: 27

Summary:

Under general direction of the City Attorney, the Assistant City Attorney provides professional legal services for the City of Council Bluffs. This position advises City officials and departments, drafts and reviews legal documents, prosecutes municipal infractions and misdemeanors, and represents the City in court and administrative proceedings. Work is performed independently or in collaboration with senior attorneys depending on case complexity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the City Council, Mayor, City departments, boards, and commissions on municipal law, statutory compliance, and risk management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate ordinances, resolutions, contracts, leases, easements, intergovernmental agreements, licenses, and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, opinions, briefs, and analyses of statutes, case law, and administrative rules.
• Prosecute municipal code violations, infractions, and misdemeanors.
• Represent the City in civil litigation, administrative hearings, civil service proceedings, condemnations, and employment/labor matters.
• Handle or assist in investigations and responses to claims against the City, citizen complaints, and civil rights matters.
• Assist with open records requests and compliance with transparency and privacy laws.
• Attend City Council meetings, hearings, and special sessions as legal counsel.
• Work collaboratively with City staff on cross-departmental initiatives, policy development, training, and legal frameworks for new programs and projects.
• Maintain case files, manage deadlines, and prepare reports as directed by the City Attorney.
• Perform special projects, legal audits, policy reviews, and other assignments as directed by the City Attorney.

Distinguishing Features / Level Differences:

Assistant City Attorney I: Handles matters of moderate complexity with regular supervision.

Assistant City Attorney II: Works more independently, handles complex cases, and may mentor

others. Progression to Assistant City Attorney II is based on demonstrated proficiency, experience handling complex matters, and recommendation of the City Attorney.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in the State of Iowa, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Entry-level applicants will be considered; prior experience is preferred.
• Strong research, writing, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to communicate legal advice clearly to non-attorneys.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to attend evening meetings or court as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in municipal law, local government, or public sector

• Experience in criminal prosecution or civil litigation.
• Knowledge of Iowa Code, zoning, planning, public finance, and open meetings/records law
• Experience in drafting ordinances and intergovernmental agreements

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• License to practice law in the State of Iowa in both State and Federal Court.
• If not currently licensed to practice in Federal Court, must obtain within six (6) months of hire

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and see, talk, and hear
• The work environment is an office setting that is normally quiet

Other Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of judicial procedures, rules of evidence, and municipal, state, and federal law.
• Strong understanding of the organization and authority of City departments and the interplay between legal, administrative, and policy approaches.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles; prepare and present clear written and oral arguments; and manage a varied caseload.
• Ability to determine the limits of action available to opponents and the probable courses of action of opponents in court cases.
• Ability to present and argue cases in court and deal effectively with unanticipated situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, City officials, and the general public.
• Ability to negotiate settlements and resolve disputes efficiently.