CIVIL ATTORNEY

*Position will be filled on or after 7/1/26*

Linn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!

Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget) 
• Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance 
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS) 
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees 
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 100% County paid basic life insurance 
• 12 paid holidays per year 
• Training & professional development opportunities

Salary: $135,783

About Civil Attorney: 
Provides legal counsel and representation to Linn County departments, elected officials, and various boards and commissions in accordance with Iowa Code § 331.756. Represents the County in civil litigation at all levels (trial, appellate, administrative) and across jurisdictions (state and federal). Drafts and reviews contracts, policies, and legal documents, manages outside counsel when necessary, and ensures legal compliance and risk mitigation in county operations.

• Provides legal representation to Linn County in administrative, civil, and appellate litigation across state and federal courts.
• Acts as legal advisor to assigned county departments, including Planning and Development, Juvenile Detention, the Sheriff’s Office/Jail, Auditor, Risk Management, Medical Examiner, and Linn County Community Services (e.g., Mental Health Access Center, Veterans Affairs, General Assistance, Options, LIFTS).
• Drafts, reviews, and advises on contracts, intergovernmental agreements, policies, ordinances, and administrative procedures.
• Represents and advises the Zoning Board of Adjustment, township trustees, and the Historic Preservation Commission on legal matters.
• Provides legal support to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services in dependent adult abuse cases and obtains cremation orders on behalf of the Medical Examiner.
• Provides litigation strategy, risk analysis, and legal guidance to the Board of Supervisors, including recommendations on potential settlements.
• Identifies when external legal counsel is needed and manages outside representation on behalf of Linn County.
• Performs legal research, analysis, and writing to resolve complex questions where no clear statutory or case law guidance exists.
• Provides general legal support to all County departments and participates in additional litigation or advisory matters as needed based on workflow and organizational capacity.
• Communicates effectively with clients, courts, witnesses, and external agencies, and prepares legal opinions and reports as requested.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• Knows the products they personally produce and the customers of each product. Listens to the “Voice of the Customer “and closes gaps between customer expectations and experience whenever possible. 

• Work requires a Juris Doctorate.
• Over four years of experience is required.
• Experience in civil litigation or civil municipal work preferred. 
• Certificate of Admission to practice law in Iowa, Certificate in Northern District of Iowa, Certificate United States Court Of Appeals, Compliance with continuing legal education requirements including ethics and federal practice.