Senior County Attorney (Criminal, Juvenile & Civil)

Polk County, IA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Attorney's Office in Des Moines, IA seeks a senior attorney to represent the County in criminal, juvenile, and civil cases, providing strategic case management and independent judgment. The role also mentors less experienced attorneys and coordinates investigative work.

The ideal candidate has a JD, Iowa license, strong research, and courtroom advocacy skills; participates in policy, trial preparation, and community liaison activities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Represent the County in criminal, juvenile, and civil matters; exercise independent decision-making with guidance as needed.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced attorneys; may supervise and review work for policy compliance.
• Conduct interviews with complainants and witnesses; prepare and present evidence; perform legal research and trial preparation.
• Serve as legal counselor to County officials on ordinances, contracts, deeds and related documents; provide legal opinions; may represent the County in courts.
• Assess merits of cases for filing; oversee pretrial conferences; recommend dispositions aligned with office policies.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and briefs; prepare Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law based on proceedings.
• Respond to inquiries from law enforcement and others; act as community liaison; represent the Office at events.
• Provide counsel to law enforcement and personnel; represent clients at hearings and trials; pursue appeals as warranted.
• Analyze and evaluate cases to determine strategies; negotiate outcomes per policy.
• Coordinate investigative functions and supervise staff as needed.
• Recommend office policy and procedural enhancements; perform related duties.

Skills

Legal research

Courtroom advocacy

Oral written comms

Policy analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed to practice law in Iowa

Job description

Polk County Attorney's Office in Des Moines, IA seeks a senior attorney to represent the County in criminal, juvenile, and civil cases, providing strategic case management and independent judgment. The role also mentors less experienced attorneys and coordinates investigative work.

The ideal candidate has a JD, Iowa license, strong research, and courtroom advocacy skills; participates in policy, trial preparation, and community liaison activities.