Civil Claims Counsel

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation and advice to County elected officials, departments, and employees regarding civil matters, including constitutional claims, employment law, and torts.
• Represent the County in civil litigation and appeals across various jurisdictions, including small claims court, Iowa District Courts, the Iowa Supreme Court, U.S. District Courts, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Manage all stages of civil litigation, including pre-trial investigation, discovery, trial, and appellate proceedings.
• Prepare legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and findings of fact.
• Evaluate civil claims and determine appropriate courses of action, including settlement, dismissal, or trial.
• Provide legal opinions to County officers and staff and offer recommendations to the Risk Management Committee and Board of Supervisors.
• Design and deliver training sessions to County staff on legal liability, compliance, and best practices.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited school of law.
• Minimum of five years of experience practicing civil litigation in state or federal courts, including trial and appellate work.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Iowa.
• Must be admitted to the Supreme Court of Iowa.
• Must be admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.
• Must be admitted to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience representing governmental entities.

About the Company

Polk County provides essential services and governance for its residents. The County Attorney's Office serves as the legal backbone for the county, ensuring that all departments, officials, and employees operate within the bounds of the law while protecting the interests of the public.