The City of Newton is hiring an Assistant City Attorney. Our positions offer competitive wages with great benefits that include affordable health, dental and vision insurance. Please see below for the specific details of this position.

Position Summary

The Assistant City Attorney performs skilled legal work for the City of Newton under the direction and supervision of the City Attorney who is the primary legal counsel for the City. The Assistant City Attorney works closely with the City Attorney on legal matters as needed and stands in as legal counsel in the City Attorney’s absence. The Assistant City Attorney, as the primary prosecutor for the City, directs the activities and has oversight and management of all aspects of the prosecution of cases through the Newton Municipal Court.  This oversight includes supervision of the Victim Witness Coordinator and Prosecutor’s Clerk. The Assistant City Attorney performs functions of a complex and confidential nature.  

Essential Functions:

• Supervise prosecutor personnel and operations;
• Train new prosecutor personnel;
• Reviews police reports and other offense reports to determine if there is a basis for filing and prosecuting charges, and to determine the appropriate charges to be filed;
• Investigates, prepares, and prosecutes ordinance violations misdemeanor crimes, and traffic violations;
• Conducts plea negotiations and pre-trial conferences;
• Represents the City in Municipal Court;
• Interviews witnesses as necessary;
• Responds to defense motions;
• Conducts legal research as necessary;
• Maintains proper documentation of prosecutor actions;
• Implements proper office policies and procedures;
• Monitors current case law and legislative updates as it applies to municipal court issues and advises officers and staff accordingly;
• Reviews/revises/updates forms and changes language used by Prosecutor’s Office;

• Provide comprehensive legal advice to the Governing Body, City administration and staff, and the City’s subordinate boards, commissions, task forces, etc.;
• Oversees and advises the Planning Commission;
• Prepare ordinances and resolutions for action by the Governing Body;
• Prepare or review legal documents including contracts;
• Provide legal opinions upon request;
• Monitor developments in the law for potential impact upon functions of municipal government and advise administrative staff and the governing body accordingly;
• Stays current on employment laws and advises Human Resources.