Class Code: 00645

90645

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

ATTORNEY 3

DEFINITION

Performs administrative/professional legal work representing a state agency as the agency’s chief legal counsel; 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.

Hears charges brought by the State against violators of provisions or regulations of a state agency; hears cases involving disputes as to governmental contracts.

Renders decisions on the points of law or construction of an act; directs corrective action, payment or relief as provided under the laws or regulations.

Acts as quasi-judicial officer; hears cases involving claims against the State, complaints or requests for relief from the provisions of agency regulations which have the effect of law; conducts hearings pursuant to statutory provisions.

Advises on questions of law or administrative policies involved in the operation of the 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, attorneys general, and recommends interpretation; 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 limited responsibility for the development, preparation and presentation of cases before administrative tribunals or before the appellate courts where cases are of such scope, they should demand.

Drafts legislation or prepares complete reports on changes in basic legislation.

Drafts or reviews 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 a decision.

Assists supervisor by instructing employees, answering questions and distributing, balancing and checking work; may make suggestions on appointments, promotions, performance and reassignments.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

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

Knowledge of the scope and character of Iowa Statutory laws, and provisions of the Iowa Constitution.

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

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.

Ability to develop and maintain superior working relationships with co- workers, superiors, agency personnel and the general public.

Skill and effectiveness in presenting, explaining or arguing cases to administrative boards or commissions or to the courts.

Skill and ability in the oversight and training of lower level attorneys.

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 the equivalent of five years of full-time successful and responsible experience in the practice of law;

OR

the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in the practice of law in the employing agency shall be considered as qualifying experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the Iowa State Bar.

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:

245 government regulation

732 utility regulation

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

Effective Date: 6/01 JG