City Attorney

City-of-Ames,-I; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Educational assistance

Health benefits

PSLF program

Job summary

The City of Ames in Iowa is seeking a seasoned City Attorney to serve as the chief legal adviser to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager. You will lead the City Attorney’s Office, draft ordinances and contracts, and represent the City in litigation, balancing risk with practical, business-minded counsel.

Ideal candidates bring substantial municipal law experience, strong land use knowledge, and the ability to translate complex law into plain language for officials and the public.

Qualifications

• Required: Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Admission to practice in Iowa state courts, or ability to obtain admission within six months.
• Five (5) years of experience in general legal practice, including at least one year in litigation, negotiation, and contract law.
• Some experience in municipal or government law.
• Must pass a credit and background check.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief legal advisor and attend City Council meetings, advising on the legality of operations, policies, and procedures.
• Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, legal opinions, and other documents.
• Represent the City in litigation and prosecute and defend suits in state and federal court.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the legal team and help administer the department’s budget.
• Advise on land use, municipal utilities, property tax appeals, and construction matters.

Skills

Litigation experience

Contract law

Negotiation

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Are you a seasoned municipal attorney who can advise elected officials with clarity, translate complex law into plain language, and lead a talented legal team? If so, apply to be the City of Ames's next City Attorney!

We’re looking for an exceptional legal leader who is:

• A trusted, forward-facing advisor to the City Council, department directors, and the public
• A strong land use and local government generalist who balances risk with sound, practical counsel
• A confident litigator and problem solver who reads, interprets, and applies the law - then explains it in plain terms

Ames is a vibrant, progressive community of roughly 68,000 residents in the heart of central Iowa. Home to Iowa State University and located in Story County about 35 miles north of the state capital of Des Moines. Ames operates under a council-manager form of government. The Mayor and City Council set policy, while a professional City Manager oversees day-to-day operations.

The City Attorney's Office provides full-service legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, city staff, and the City's boards and commissions, and when available to the city-owned Mary Greeley Medical Center. The City Attorney reports to the Mayor and City Council.

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded local government attorney with strong land use expertise and the judgment to balance risk with practical, business-minded counsel.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to DOQ.

For more information on this position, contact:

Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq. |Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment

Strategic Government Resources

[e-mail]

443-336-5772

The City Attorney's Office provides full-service legal counsel to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, city staff, and the City's boards and commissions, and - when available - to the city-owned Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as chief legal advisor and attend City Council meetings, advising on the legality of operations, policies, and procedures
• Draft and review ordinances, resolutions, contracts, legal opinions, and other documents
• Represent the City in litigation and prosecute and defend suits in state and federal court
• Lead, mentor, and manage the legal team and help administer the department’s budget
• Advise on land use, municipal utilities, property tax appeals, and construction matters

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree
• Admission to practice in Iowa state courts, or the ability to obtain admission within six months of appointment
• Five (5) years of experience in general legal practice, including at least one year in litigation, negotiation, and contract law
• Some experience in municipal or government law
• Must pass a credit and background check

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three (3) years in management and supervisory capacity over legal staff and/or a department
• At least one (1) year of experience in real estate law or construction contracts
• Demonstrated experience in land use, municipal utilities, and/or property tax matters

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Compensation: $150,000 to DOQ
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental coverage, with the City contributing 90-95% toward single or family premiums; term life insurance; and pre-tax flexible medical spending.
• Paid Leave: Paid vacation, ten paid holidays annually, and personal and family sick leave.
• Retirement: Choice of two plans - a defined benefit plan (IPERS) or a defined contribution plan - plus an optional deferred compensation plan (ICMA-RC). The City participates in Social Security.
• Additional Perks: Relocation assistance of 10% of salary with a move within city limits; educational assistance and professional development; an award-winning Health Promotions program; and employee discounts on Parks and Recreation programs. As an Iowa public employer, the City is a qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.