HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegal AssistantUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Legal Assistant
Department: City Atorney’s Office
Division: City Atorney’s Office
Supervisor: City Atorney
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 26
Job Number: 2607
Job Summary
Researches and prepares legal correspondence and documents for review, approval and use by
the City Atorney and department staff. Monitors assigned legal files and dockets, contacts
atorneys, witnesses, and par�es to li�ga�on.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Assists City Atorneys in trial prepara�on by helping with deposi�on review to highlight
key statements and preparing deposi�on summaries.
• Dra�s li�ga�on pleadings, discovery and appellate briefs, documents for review, edi�ng
and use by City Atorneys.
• Requests informa�on for discovery and prepares responses.
• Monitors legal files and dockets, ensuring they are complete and up to date.
• Responds to staff and general public’s ques�ons and requests.
• Files, arranges for service and monitors municipal infrac�on cases.
• Communicates with public, atorneys, and officers.
• Subpoenas and interviews witnesses.
• Logs cases.
• Assists with acquisi�on and sale of property by preparing legal documents, dra�ing
closing documents, and processing closing checks.
• Schedules public housing and termina�on hearings.
• Maintains master calendar and �ckler system.
• Assists with Public Works projects, land acquisi�on, plats, dra�ing legal agreements to
buy land or proceed with condemna�on.
• Performs periodic back up du�es to Administra�ve Secretary.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs all other related du�es as assigned.
Updated: March 2024
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or three years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Experience in
legal work.
• Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentage.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to draw contrasts and comparisons or synthesize and digest the material and
apply it to legal issues.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to read and understand complex legal wri�ngs, aten�on to grammar and edi�ng
abili�es.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to write business correspondence.
• Knowledge of legal office procedures and terminology
• Knowledge of processes and procedures of court ac�vi�es.
• Knowledge of research methods and report wri�ng.
• Skill in organiza�on, analysis, and oral and writen communica�on.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, Munis, ProLaw).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
Updated: March 2024
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The
employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required
by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to
adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Du�es are generally performed in
an office se�ng with a controlled environment. The job requires si�ng for extended periods of
�me and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situa�ons and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Eric Goers, City Atorney (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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