HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegal AssistantCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #26-07 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Legal Assistant
Department: City Attorney
Division: City Attorney
Supervisor: City Attorney
Job Summary
Researches and prepares legal correspondence and documents for review, approval and use by the
City Attorney and department staff. Monitors assigned legal files and dockets, contacts attorneys,
witnesses and parties to litigation, as needed.
Job Scope
No supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Assists City Attorneys in trial preparation by helping with deposition review to highlight key
statements and preparing deposition summaries.
Drafts litigation pleadings, discovery and appellate briefs, documents for review, editing and use by
City Attorneys.
Requests information for discovery and prepares responses.
Monitors legal files and dockets, ensuring they are complete and up to date.
Performs periodic back-up duties to Administrative Secretary; answers telephone; relays messages;
and greets staff and the general public upon their arrival in the City Attorney's office.
Responds to staff and general public’s questions and requests.
Maintains and monitors magistrate court docket.
Communicates with public, attorneys and officers.
Subpoenas and interviews witnesses.
Logs cases.
Assists with sales of Housing Authority properties.
Schedules public housing and termination hearings.
Job Class #26-07 City Attorney
Page 2 Updated 8/26/2016
Maintains master calendar and tickler system.
Assists with Public Works projects, land acquisition, plats, drafting legal agreements to buy land or
proceed with condemnation.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop or kneel. The employee must
regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Associate’s degree from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body
and one year of experience or equivalent experience required. Valid driver's license with satisfactory
driving record required. Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background
check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Three years of related experience and/or training preferred. A bachelor’s degree from an educational
institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of research methods and report writing; legal office procedures and terminology; processes
and procedures of court activities. Skills in organization, analysis, and oral and written communication.
Ability to read and understand complex legal writings. Ability to draw contrasts and comparisons or
synthesize and digest the material and apply it to legal issues.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.