Assistant County Attorney - Civil Division

Dallas County, IA; Adel (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County seeks a motivated Civil Assistant County Attorney to advise leadership, manage civil matters, and help shape public policy. The role supports county operations by ensuring lawful, practical guidance across departments, boards, and elected officials.

You will work with a team to handle contracts, policies, and diverse civil dockets, with opportunities for leadership and professional growth in a public-sector setting.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Iowa.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to provide confident legal guidance to leadership.
• Excellent communication and decision-making abilities.
• Organizational and time-management skills to manage diverse tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in public records responses.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, policies, and civil documents.
• Provide legal advice to departments, elected officials, and boards.
• Attend public meetings/hearings to guide policy decisions.
• Represent Dallas County in civil trials and hearings.
• Manage diverse civil cases with independence and professionalism.
• Lead or support specialized civil dockets (e.g., mental health, truancy, forfeiture).
• Conduct legal research and prepare written recommendations.
• Deliver training on legal compliance and procedures.
• Collaborate with a team of attorneys, paralegals, and county leadership.

Skills

Legal Research

Legal Writing

Analytical Skills

Communication

Decision Making

Time Management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Full-time | Public Sector | Government Law | Civil Attorney

Dallas County is seeking a motivated Civil Assistant County Attorney who wants to make a meaningful impact in local government. If you're a detail-driven lawyer who enjoys advising leadership, managing civil matters, and shaping public policy, this role offers the challenge, variety, and purpose you're looking for.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Civil Division handles a wide range of county legal matters—from contracts and compliance to public meetings, policies, and civil litigation. As an Assistant County Attorney, you'll work directly with department heads, elected officials, and county boards while providing essential legal guidance that keeps government services running smoothly and lawfully. Your work will influence daily operations and long-term county strategy.

Job Duties:

• Assist in responding to public records requests
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, policies, and civil legal documents
• Provide legal advice to county departments, elected officials, and boards
• Attend public meetings and hearings to guide policy decisions
• Represent Dallas County in civil trials, administrative hearings, and related proceedings
• Manage diverse civil cases with independence and professionalism
• Lead or support specialized civil dockets such as mental health, truancy, and forfeiture. Some criminal docket work may be assigned on an ad hoc basis
• Conduct legal research and prepare clear written recommendations
• Deliver training to county staff on legal compliance and procedures
• Collaborate with a team of attorneys, paralegals, and county leadership

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in the State of Iowa
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to provide confident legal guidance to leadership
• Excellent communication and decision-making abilities
• Organizational and time-management skills to manage diverse legal tasks and topics in a timely manner
• Position designation based on years of experience listed below:
  1. Assistant County Attorney I: up to eight years of work related experience.
  2. Assistant County Attorney II: eight to fifteen years of work related experience.
  3. Assistant County Attorney III: fifteen years of work related experience

WHY THIS JOB MATTERS

Civil law in local government directly impacts how communities grow, how services are delivered, and how public resources are protected. Your expertise ensures that decisions are lawful, practical, and aligned with the public interest. Every day, your work strengthens county operations, safeguards residents, and keeps government accountable.

Supplemental Information:

Dallas County offers meaningful public service work that makes an immediate impact on the community, along with opportunities to shape policy and advise county leadership. You'll join a supportive, collaborative team and enjoy a varied day-to-day workload with no repetitive caseloads. The role provides strong professional growth and leadership opportunities, and telecommuting is available with approval. Compensation is competitive and based on experience and role designation, and employees receive a comprehensive county benefits package.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Dallas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Dallas County participates in E-Verify.