Class Code: 45009
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL 3
DEFINITION
Performs responsible administrative and/or
professional legal work in counseling and representing a state agency or the
state itself; 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
Reviews cases, prepares memoranda of fact
and law, initiates the filing of legal papers with
appropriate court or administrative tribunals.
Prepares and tries cases or may assign cases to another attorney,
consulting with respect to the line of argument and precedent.
Renders decisions on the points of law or
construction of an act and directs corrective action, payment or relief as
provided under the laws or regulations.
Advises on questions of law or
administrative policies involved in the operation of an agency in its contracts
with industry, private and professional associations, state or local government
and the general public.
Advises on questions of law, regulations,
opinions of the courts or attorneys general, and recommends interpretation by
outlining the facts and the applicable law.
Advises and assists legislative committees
and their staffs in the drafting of legislation; gives testimony before
legislative or administrative bodies.
Exercises full responsibility for the
development, preparation and presentation of cases before administrative
tribunals or before the appellate courts where cases are of such scope they
demand the extensive experience not found in lower levels of attorneys or where
there would be a question of matching professional skills against those of
distinguished paid legal talent.
Writes opinions of the Attorney General,
to be approved by the Supervising Attorney and Opinion
Deputy. Helps review opinions of other
attorneys.
Drafts legislation or prepares complete
reports on changes in basic legislation; evaluates legislation and makes
recommendations thereto.
At one of the highest levels of drafting
or reviewing proposed agency decisions, analyzes the records, including
transcriptions of testimony and pleadings, evaluates the facts, determines
questions of law and either recommends adoption of a decision of another
attorney or drafts own decision.
Prepares and/or presents major cases
before appellate courts.
Conducts trials of major cases independently under
general supervision.
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the legal
principles and their application and of legal research methods.
Knowledge of the scope and character of
Knowledge of the principles of
administrative and constitutional law and of trial and hearing procedures,
rules of evidence and appellate procedure.
Ability to perform independent and
difficult legal research.
Ability to analyze, appraise and apply
legal principles, facts and precedents to difficult legal or factual
situations.
Ability to present statements of fact, law
and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Skill and effectiveness in presenting,
explaining or arguing cases to administrative boards or commissions or to the
courts.
Ability to develop and maintain superior
working relationships with co-workers, subordinates, superiors, agency
personnel, senior government officials and the general public.
Ability to plan, organize and oversee the work of
other staff.
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. Follow policy and cooperates 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 five
years of successful and responsible experience in the practice of law;
OR
three years of experience in the practice of law in the
Department of Justice is considered as qualifying experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Admission to Iowa Bar and appropriate
federal courts.
NOTE:
Positions in this class are exempt from the screening
and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services –
Human Resources Enterprise. Apply
directly to the Department of Justice.
Effective Date: 8/05 DF