City Attorney

City Attorney Brochure

APPLY HERE

The City of West Des Moines seeks an individual for the position of City Attorney.  The City Attorney provides professional legal oversight and direction for the City of West Des Moines staff and officials.  This position is appointed by the Mayor and City Council, with coordination of activities with the City Manager.

This position is responsible for achieving maximum compliance with federal, state and municipal law by City elected and appointed officers, staff and employees; maintains communication with all levels of City government about day-to-day operations and provides both written and oral opinions on legal issues as they emerge; provides legal advice to City Officers and employees, including all boards and commissions as applicable, on proposed contracts, documents, resolutions and other documents for review and action by the Mayor and Council; drafts other legal documents for City staff; participates in ad hoc management teams to assist in the development of solutions to mixed questions of law and policy including but not limited to employee standards and discipline, City department interactions and intergovernmental agreements, actions and programs; reviews and oversees actions filed against or involving the City; represents the City in judicial and administrative proceedings; and, coordinates contracts for other legal matters such as: assessment, bond, condemnation, insurance claims, labor relations, prosecution and other specialist legal counsel.

The desired candidate will have a Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school; admission to practice law in Iowa court; and, ten (10) years of experience in general legal practice including proficiency in litigation and negotiation, real estate, commercial, and contract law with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in municipal law and extensive exposure to administrative or corporate law.  Four (4) years of experience in a management/supervisory capacity preferred.

The desired candidate will possess oral and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with citizens, elected and appointed officials and city staff in an effective and straightforward manner, while maintaining an understanding of the attorney’s role in a service-orientated municipal organization.

You must attach the following documents to your application:

a) Cover Letter

b) Resume

c) Two Writing Samples