Assistant City Attorney

City of Idaho Falls; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 109,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Idaho Falls is seeking an Assistant City Attorney to provide legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, Department Directors and City employees on a wide range of municipal law issues. You will represent the City in litigation, administrative hearings and contract negotiations under the direction of the City Attorney.

The salary range is based on experience and qualifications, with compensation reflecting responsibilities and alignment with the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college.
• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• No experience required; 1–3 years in criminal or civil practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as legal counsel to the City, advising Mayor, Council and departments.
• Prosecutes misdemeanor charges and traffic infractions.
• Prosecutes domestic violence cases with police and court partners.
• Researches and prepares legal briefs on criminal matters.
• Represents the City in civil litigation and administrative hearings.
• Negotiates contracts and provides policy and risk guidance.

Skills

Legal counsel

Criminal law

Civil law

Negotiation

Litigation

Public service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community. It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team, you would be doing important work for our community that affects people’s lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for an Assistant City Attorney. Under the direction of the City Attorney provides legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, the Council, Department Directors and City employees on a wide variety of municipal law issues. Represents the City in litigation, administrative hearings, contract negotiations, and other legal matters and proceedings under the direction of the City Attorney.

Idaho Falls offers a rare combination of small‑town charm and big‑city amenities, making it an ideal place to live and work. Nestled along the Snake River with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, the city boasts a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure, with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks just a short drive away, as well as world‑class fishing, hiking, skiing, and more right in the area. Professionally, Idaho Falls is a growing hub for innovation, energy, and technology, anchored by institutions like the Idaho National Laboratory and a thriving local business community. The city has been recognized for its economic growth, low unemployment, and high quality of life making it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking to build both a career and a lifestyle they love.

The salary for this role will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall alignment with the position. The expected salary range is approximately $109,000 to $118,500.

Supervision

Works under the general supervision of the City Attorney.

May provide occasional supervision or assistance to other Legal Department staff by assignment or delegation or in absence of the City Attorney.

Essential Functions

• Acts as legal counsel to the City of Idaho Falls and assists the City Attorney in all legal matters, civil and criminal, pertaining to the City.
• Prosecutes misdemeanor charges and traffic infractions, including appeals to the District Court.
• Prosecutes domestic violence cases. Coordinates efforts of police, victim witness coordinator and other victim advocates, victim, and Domestic Violence Court personnel in the prosecution and resolution of domestic violence cases.
• Researches and prepares legal briefs on criminal matters, including appeals.
• Represents the City to the specialty courts and other community and law enforcement groups, committees, and agencies, as assigned.
• Represents the City in civil litigation cases and/or administrative hearings; prepares memoranda, motions, briefs and pleadings to be filed in judicial or quasi‑judicial proceedings; negotiates, reviews, and prepares agreements and contracts for City Departments; may represent City in complex contract negotiations.
• Attends City Council meetings and other City public meetings, as needed or assigned.
• At the request of the City Attorney, Department Directors, or other city officials or employees, provides training to public safety officers and general City employees, as well as legal training in civil and related law topics in areas of law, risk assessment, legal compliance, and policy development.
• Provides customer service to the public and other City staff and departments. Provides information, answers questions and inquiries in person and by telephone.
• Directs and assigns work to legal staff assistants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
• AND Graduation from ABA-accredited law school with a doctorate in law (Juris Doctor).
• AND No experience required. (1-3 years’ experience as a practicing attorney with an emphasis in criminal law and/or civil law preferred.)
• OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Idaho municipal and criminal law; court administration; current principles and applications of Idaho civil, criminal, and administrative law that impacts municipal corporation legal activities; State and Federal court procedures and rules of evidence; interview techniques, methods and strategies used for case preparation; pleadings and effective practices and techniques in the presentation of court cases; principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation; principles and practices of legal communication methods; management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques. Skill in in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; leadership and organizational behavior management; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with State, Federal, and other local officials, elected officials, and staff. Skill in the operation of a computer, and related office equipment. Ability to define and analyze complex legal issues and problems; communicate effectively verbally and in writing research and organize facts; perform legal risk-benefit analyses; evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly, logically and persuasively; exercise sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines and legal parameters under pressure; interpret and explain state and federal law, regulations, legislation and constitutional provisions; develop sound litigation strategy and represent the City effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings; use a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals; determine long range needs for development of the department; display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Qualifications

• Must be a current member of the Idaho State Bar Association or a state bar association with reciprocity in Idaho and currently licensed to practice law in the State of Idaho.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential job functions but may be accommodated. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Regular travel required in course of performing portions of job functions. The position will require, on occasion, attendance at meetings that occur outside of normal business hours.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Pay Range

See Position Description

Benefits

• Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision and life coverage.
• You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI.
• PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full-time employees.

Join a team that’s shaping one of the best places to live and work in the country. As the largest city in eastern Idaho—and consistently recognized for job growth and livability—the City of Idaho Falls offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment. Our employees enjoy meaningful public service careers across 11 departments, including parks and recreation, utilities, public safety, and more. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and retirement through the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). With a strong community spirit, beautiful natural surroundings, and year-round recreational and cultural activities, Idaho Falls is more than a workplace—it’s a place to grow, thrive, and make a difference.