Class Code:  00644

90642

 

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

ATTORNEY 2

 

DEFINITION

Performs journey level professional legal work and counsels/represents a state agency on legal matters; performs related work as required.

 

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

 

WORK EXAMPLES

Researches laws, legal opinions, policies, regulations, legal texts and precedents cases; drafts letters memos, opinions, legislative reports, contracts, complaints, orders to show cause, indictments, preliminary motions, supporting affidavits and briefs for case filings.

Prepares pleadings, motions and interrogatories in connection with cases in litigation; examines formal filings for legal sufficiency and full disclosure required by statutes, rules and regulations.

Conducts pre-trial examinations of witnesses and participates in pre-trial and pre-hearing conferences; interviews/selects witnesses and prepares them to give testimony; conducts direct examination of witnesses and cross-examines witnesses in court cases or administrative proceedings.

Conducts investigations of administrative proceedings and prepares reports, exhibits and legal memoranda from the records and hearings, outlining the factual and legal issues and recommending disposition of a case for consideration by quasi-judicial officers.

Comments on and/or drafts proposed legislation or changes in agency rules, regulations, polices and procedures; examines petitions, claims and charges brought against the agency and negotiates/recommends settlement.

Prepares and/or presents the agency's case in administrative hearings, court, charges, show cause orders, complaints, briefs, motions and other documents preparatory or incidental to the trial of a case.

Serve as the specialist on a single program or a major phase of several programs/activities for which specialized technical knowledge is required.

Instructs employees, answering questions and distributing, balancing and checking work; may make suggestions on appointment, promotions, performance and reassignments.

 

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of legal principles and their application and of legal research methods.

Knowledge of the scope and character of Iowa Statutory law and the provisions of the Iowa Constitution.

Knowledge of the principles of administrative and constitutional law; of trial and hearing procedures and of the rules of evidence.

Knowledge of the special statutes, constitutional provisions, procedures, practices or uses of special fields as outlined in the necessary special requirements.

Ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to difficult legal or factual problems.

Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.

Ability to effectively present, argue or explain cases to administrative boards or commissions or to courts.

Ability to draft and/or compose legal instruments and documents and to dictate correspondence involving the explanation of difficult legal matters.

Ability to analyze situations accurately and to adopt effective and proper course of action.

Ability to be admitted to the Iowa State Bar if required at the time of appointment.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct.  Exhibits honesty and integrity.  Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.  Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.  Works with minimal supervision.  Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision.  Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.  Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information.  Listens to others and responds appropriately.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from an accredited law school and experience equal to two years of full-time work in the practice of law;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the State executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work with the employing agency in the practice of law shall be considered as qualified.

 

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

For designated positions the appointing authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise prior approval, may request those applicants possessing a minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of experience, or a combination of both, or a specific certificate, license, or endorsement in the following areas:

 

004       administrative law

188       environmental law

245       government regulation

427       title underwriter

428       real estate and mortgage law

706       transportation coursework – undergraduate level

732       utility regulation

871       license to practice law in Iowa

 

Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable coursework, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.

 

NOTE

Work as a Law Clerk is not considered a "practice of law."

 

Effective Date:               12/01       VA