Associate Attorney

Description:

Associate Attorney

Municipal and Public Finance

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Firm: Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.

Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Associate Attorney

About the Firm

Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. is a Des Moines-based law firm with over 130 years of legal service to Iowa’s public sector. Recognized statewide for our leadership in municipal law and public finance, we serve as counsel to state and local governments across Iowa. Our attorneys are instrumental in financing and structuring major public initiatives through bond counsel work, urban renewal planning, and general governance support. We are seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to join our Public Finance & Government Law Practice Group and contribute to our legacy of legal excellence and public service.

Position Summary

This Associate will support the firm’s extensive work in public finance, urban renewal, and general municipal representation. The attorney will advise Iowa’s cities, counties, and governmental entities on matters ranging from infrastructure financing and urban renewal/tax increment financing (TIF), to general municipal governance and compliance. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical and communication skills, attention to detail, and a deep interest in serving Iowa's public sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, or issuer’s counsel on municipal bond transactions.
• Draft and review bond resolutions, official statements, and closing documents.
• Provide guidance on federal tax-exempt bond regulations and securities law compliance.
• Manage due diligence and bond closing transactions.
• Advise cities, counties, and public boards on governance, open meetings, conflicts of interest, and statutory powers.
• Prepare ordinances, policies, development agreements, and intergovernmental contracts.
• Assist clients with drafting and implementing Urban Renewal Plans, TIF ordinances, and development incentives.
• Provide legal counsel at council, board, or client meetings.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to, or ability to promptly obtain admission to, the Iowa Bar.
• 0–3 years of experience, preferably in public finance, local government law, or transactional matters.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and public communication skills.
• Commitment to serving public clients with integrity and responsiveness.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a detail-oriented, deadline-driven environment.