City of Council Bluffs

Job Description

Assistant City Attorney II

Department: Legal

Supervisor: City Attorney

Location: City Hall

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared Date: May 2026

Union: Non-Union

Civil Service Status: Non Civil Service

Pay Grade: 32 ($109,899.27 - $140,261.66)

Summary: The Assistant City Attorney II works independently on complex municipal legal matters with minimal supervision. The position handles litigation (bench trials, jury trials, and appellate work), transactional work, and legal counsel for elected officials, department heads, and boards and commissions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Litigation

Represents the City in civil litigation through all stages, including discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeal
Represents the City before state and federal administrative agencies, boards, and commissions
Evaluates claims, develops case strategy, and negotiates settlements

Advisory & Transactional

Advises the City Council, Mayor, and department heads on legal issues, policy implications, and risk, both orally and in writing
Drafts and reviews contracts, leases, deeds, easements, resolutions, ordinances, and other legal instruments
Monitors state and federal legislation affecting municipal operations and advises leadership on impacts
Attends Council meetings and serves as legal resource; attends board and commission meetings as assigned

Collaboration & Department Operations

Serves as legal advisor on interdepartmental projects
Maintains cross-training and collaboration within the Legal Department to ensure continuity of service
Responds to public inquiries regarding City ordinances and applicable law; refers inquiries to appropriate departments as needed
Serves as lead worker on assigned litigation matters
Regular and predictable attendance is required. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
Minimum five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney
License to practice law in the State of Iowa in both state and federal court (if not currently admitted in federal court, must obtain admission within six months of hire)
Municipal law experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Command of Iowa municipal law, including home rule authority, public meetings and records law, and intergovernmental agreements
Proficiency in civil litigation procedure, rules of evidence, and trial advocacy
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and communicate conclusions clearly to non-legal audiences
Sound judgment in balancing legal and policy considerations to advance City objectives
Skill in negotiation, settlement evaluation, and dispute resolution
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Standard office environment. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use standard office equipment, and communicate effectively in person and by phone. Occasional travel to courthouses, off-site meetings, and community events.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None. Serves as lead worker on assigned litigation teams.

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
Minimum five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney
License to practice law in the State of Iowa in both state and federal court (if not currently admitted in federal court, must obtain admission within six months of hire)
Municipal law experience preferred

City of Council Bluffs

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Assistant City Attorney II