We are looking for an experienced Attorney/Lawyer on behalf of our client to lead and oversee a municipal legal department serving a city in Iowa. This Long-term Contract position calls for a strategic legal leader who can guide department operations, advise senior city leadership, and represent the organization in a wide range of legal matters. The role combines hands-on legal counsel with leadership responsibilities, requiring sound judgment, strong communication skills, and deep knowledge of public sector law and civil litigation.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the daily direction of the legal department, setting priorities, reviewing performance, and ensuring work aligns with organizational objectives and legal obligations.
- Provide legal counsel to executive leadership, elected officials, and department heads on matters involving municipal operations, policy interpretation, and risk management.
- Represent the organization in litigation, claims, and other legal proceedings, including oversight of case strategy, pleadings, motions, discovery, and resolution planning.
- Draft, review, and revise ordinances, resolutions, contracts, forms, and other legal documents required to support organizational business and council actions.
- Manage departmental administration, including budgeting, staff supervision, policy development, and coordination with leadership team members across the legal function.
- Evaluate complex legal issues involving civil law, torts, contracts, civil rights, administrative processes, appellate matters, and real property concerns, and deliver clear written and verbal guidance.
- Partner with internal departments, court personnel, government agencies, community stakeholders, and the public to maintain effective communication and support efficient legal operations.
- Participate in personnel-related matters such as recruitment, employee development, training, and issue resolution within the department.
- Serve as a visible representative of the legal department by attending meetings, presenting legal recommendations, and responding professionally to public and stakeholder inquiries.
- Active attorney license with the ability to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction.
- Demonstrated experience in civil litigation, including drafting motions, briefing, discovery, and case management.
- Strong background in municipal law or public sector legal work, with knowledge of contracts, torts, civil rights, administrative law, and real property matters.
- Proven ability to lead legal teams, supervise staff, and manage departmental operations in a complex environment.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to varied audiences.
- Experience preparing and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other formal legal documents.
- Ability to build productive working relationships with senior leadership, government officials, courts, community groups, media representatives, and the public.