Legal assistant jobs in Iowa - 38 jobs

DEPARTMENT CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE SALARY $27.00 FLSA NON-EXEMPT CIVIL SERVICE NOT INCLUDED BARGAINING UNIT NON-BARGAINING Staff support position responsible for performing a variety of confidential clerical and legal support tasks within the City Attorney's Office requiring the use of independent judgement. The work is performed under the general direction of a department head or designee. This role is ideal for someone looking for a temporary position. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative only) These functions are considered essential for successful performance in this job classification. * Manges EDMS account load of all current filings through EDMs. Files citations for departments that need assistance. * Attends arraignments, sets trials, and acts as court attendant if requested by the Magistrate. * Tobacco violations - prepares letters, complaints and acknowledgment/settlement agreements assessing civil penalties for businesses with cigarette permits who violate the law by selling to minors; follows up with correspondence and Orders to Council; sends written report to Attorney General's Office. * Prepares and sends collection letters for Fire Rescue and Traffic Operations and any other departments requiring assistance. * 657A lawsuits - orders lien report from Abstract Company; prepares all required paperwork, including but not limited to Petition (may be dictated by attorney), Original Notice, directions to Sheriff and Proof of Service, and arranges for publication if needed; makes preparations for hearing and prepares default notice; notifies Code Enforcement of hearing date. * Prepares Traffic Code ordinances, small claims action, condemnation proceedings, and other lawsuits and actions. * Transcribes dictation for attorney(s) as needed. * When lawsuits are served, make a copy for the City Clerk and give it to the attorney immediately. * Reviews the weekly council agenda and organizes Agenda items for the attorney attending the meeting. * Reviews Council minutes and prepares deeds or ordinances, as needed. * Reviews changes made by the Iowa legislature to the Traffic Code, updates the local Code as needed, and sends revisions to the printer. * Prepares tickets, subpoenas, witness forms, and other paperwork for trial, including misdemeanor and municipal infraction citations and coordinates with Clerk of Court's Office to make sure schedules coincide. * Prepares paperwork for payroll garnishments and answers questions from the Sheriff's Office. * Notifies Code Enforcement Officer, WPD, Building Inspectors, and ACS of hearing dates. * Provides department budget preparation assistance as needed, including preparing budget request forms for the City Attorney. * Sets trial date for misdemeanor or municipal infractions and completes applicable paperwork for attorney(s) and Clerk of Courts. * Prepares travel request forms and keeps legal references up to date. * Keeps track of hearing and trial dates and makes applicable notifications. * Greets the public and answers incoming phone calls, providing information based on knowledge of City and Attorney's Office's policies, regulations and procedures or directs inquiry to appropriate person or department. * Orders office supplies and maintains inventory. * Cleans out files yearly, catalogs and puts in storage. Must be comfortable with scanning and online document storage systems. * Prepares payment vouchers for Attorney's Office invoices. * Prepares and maintains payroll and benefits records for the Attorney's Office. * Using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, or other applicable software, prepares letters, reports and documents relative to the Attorney's Office functions. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, in particular Word and Excel (testing of skills may be done if being considered for the position) and must be able to learn specialized software. * Thorough knowledge of clerical functions, office procedures, terminology and equipment, including personal computers. * Ability to type fifty (50) words per minute net of errors (verification of typing speed may be required). * Ability to perform general office services, learn specialized computer software, develop computer-generated reports and keep accurate, thorough and updated records. * Ability to collect, analyze and present data from computerized reports in an organized and understandable form. * Ability to answer questions and provide information to the public in person and over the telephone in a clear, concise and easily understandable manner. * Ability to multitask and deal with multiple interruptions. * Ability to assist the public in a kind, courteous and respectful manner, including under stressful circumstances. * Ability to write legibly, prioritize work, produce a quality work product within strict timelines and handle multiple tasks. * Ability to work independently and with others with minimum supervision and to direct the work of other employees. * Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make decisions based on department policies, City ordinances and established regulations. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and the public. * Ability to work with people from a broad variety of social, economic, racial, ethnic and educational backgrounds. ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE & TRAINING * High school graduate/GED with minimum one year of business clerical, secretarial, bookkeeping or other closely related experience in an office setting; prefer additional education beyond high school in business clerical, accounting or closely related field. OR Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. * Skilled in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office software (verification of skills through testing may be arranged by the City of Waterloo Human Resources Office). * Detail-oriented and accurate. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES The following physical abilities are required with or without accommodation. * Sufficient speech and hearing that permits the employee to communicate effectively with supervisors, other employees, and the public in person or by telephone. * Sufficient vision and manual dexterity that permit the employee to operate a personal computer and other standard office equipment, handle files, perform customer service duties, and perform other clerical responsibilities. * Sufficient personal mobility that permits the employee to move from one work area to another. MISCELLANEOUS * The City of Waterloo will conduct a background investigation, including a review of education, past employers, and references. * Required to submit to and pass a panel interview. May be required to participate in a written examination depending on the number of qualified candidates. WORK SCHEDULE Generally 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday with one-hour unpaid lunch. The City of Waterloo reserves the right to change these hours. ORAL EXAMINATION DATE All qualified candidates who apply by the deadline date will be notified of the time, place and date of the interview. Click Here to Apply A.A./E.E.O. Minority, female & disabled individuals are encouraged to apply. Resumes will be accepted on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, until noon.