Under the direction of the Corporation Counsel, the Senior Attorney performs legal work of considerable difficulty on behalf of the City of Davenport.  

This position will remain open until filled.

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package.  The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2024 and starts on first day of employment. 

 The City also offers:

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan 
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to non-bargaining, management exempt employees)
• 15 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Examples of Duties:

Executes a workload similar to a general practice attorney.

Prosecutes and defends civil lawsuits on behalf of the City of Davenport in state and federal court. 

Writes legal briefs and makes oral arguments before all levels of the state and federal courts, including the Iowa Supreme Court and other appellate courts, as well as a number of government regulatory agencies.
 
Under the knowledge, guidance, and direction of the Corporation Counsel or designee, advises elected officials and City administrative personnel on legal matters pertaining to the City's operation; researches legal matters; drafts ordinances, resolutions, motions and various other legal documents.
 
Studies and interprets the Constitution, laws, court decisions, City Charter, ordinances and other legal authorities to give legal guidance or prepare opinions under guidance and direction from the Corporation Counsel or designee.
 
Handles legal matters as assigned by Corporation Counsel or designee, including any related fact-gathering, evaluation and legal analysis, and the preparation of required legal documents.
 
Attends meetings of the City Council, various boards and commissions, and committees when assigned.
 
Advises and assists with employment matters with guidance and direction from the Corporation Counsel or designee.
 
Prepares documentation and related arguments for hearings and prepares decisions and any other legal documents for review by the Corporation Counsel.
 
May act as a mediator between parties when necessary and propose applicable resolutions of dispute. 

Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Juris Doctorate degree required.  

Must possess an Iowa Law license and be in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court; must become admitted to a federal jurisdiction as applicable.  

Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout duration of employment.
 
Must pass a background check as prescribed by the City of Davenport.

About City of Davenport

Situated along the Mississippi River, half-way between Des Moines and Chicago, the City of Davenport is the third largest city in the State of Iowa. It is the major city in the Quad-City Metropolitan Statistical Area. The entire metropolitan area population is approximately 387,000 and Davenport’s population is approximately 102,000. The City is a full-service municipality with thirteen departments, each overseen by a department director. The organization consists of approximately 1,200+ employees and six bargaining units. The City is governed by eleven elected officials, including an elected Mayor, eight ward aldermen, and two at-large aldermen.

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