Associate Attorney

Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C.; Norwalk (IA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Healthcare benefits

Annual bonuses

Job summary

Hinders, Updegraff, Franklin, & Limkemann P.L.C. is a municipal, business, and employment law firm serving Iowa cities, public entities, and privately held employers. The Associate Attorney will support clients on labor and employment matters, drafting policies and documents, and advising on compliance and best practices.

The role is full-time and hybrid, based in Norwalk, IA, with collaboration across shareholders and staff, training, and client education opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Iowa and Federal Law, with focus on labor and employment/public entity law.
• Ability to provide clear, practical legal advice on employment and HR matters and compliance.
• Proficient in legal research, including case law, statutes, regs, and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze state and federal employment laws and regulations.
• Draft policies, contracts, and other legal documents for clients.
• Advise municipal and private employer clients on compliance and governance.
• Participate in negotiations, mediations, and proceedings as needed.
• Collaborate with shareholders and staff on hearings, trials, and client meetings.

Skills

Legal research

Policy drafting

Contract drafting

Client guidance

Public sector law

Team collaboration

Ethical practice

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Iowa bar admission

Job description

Salary: $85,000 -$135,000+ based on earnings, plus benefits (retirement and healthcare) and annual bonuses.

Salary: $85,000 -$135,000+ based on earnings, plus benefits (retirement and healthcare) and annual bonuses.

Company Description

Company Description

Hinders, Updegraff, Franklin, & Limkemann P.L.C. is a municipal, business, and employment law firm that serves Iowa cities, public entities, and privately held employers.

The firm focuses on practical, proactive legal solutions in employment and human resources, helping client leaders manage risk and support their teams. Attorneys at the firm work closely with clients on hiring, discipline, investigations, policy development, and compliance with state and federal employment laws.

The firm’s mission is to equip organizations to serve their communities confidently while maintaining sound employment practices.

Role Description

The Associate Attorney will provide legal support to municipal and private employer clients, with a focus on labor and employment law and related business matters.

Day-to-day responsibilities include researching and analyzing state and federal employment laws, drafting policies, contracts, and other legal documents, and preparing client communications and legal opinions.

The role involves advising clients on municipal and business legal ssues including: Statutory and constitutional interpretation and enforcement; hiring, discipline, investigations, workplace practices, and compliance; recommendations on best governmental and business compliance; participating in negotiations, mediations, and, where appropriate, administrative or court proceedings as well as many other issues through legal consultation and litigation.

The Associate Attorney will collaborate with shareholders and staff on consultation, litigation, hearings, and trials; attend client meetings for afvisory purposes; and contribute to training or educational sessions for client leadership and education.

This is a full-time, hybrid role based in Norwalk, IA, combining in-office work with some work-from-home flexibility.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Iowa and Federal Law, with demonstrated knowledge of Labor and Employment Law, municipal or business law, and other areas of the law
• Ability to provide clear, practical Legal Advice to public entities and private employers on employment and HR-related matters as well as overall legal compliance
• Proficient in legal Research, including case law, statutes, regulations, and administrative guidance relevant to employment and municipal law.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in Iowa, or eligibility for prompt admission.
• Valid license and reliable transportation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting policies, contracts, memoranda, and client guidance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a firm environment and manage multiple matters with evolving priorities.
• Commitment to ethical practice, client service, and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive employment matters.
• Experience or willingness to learn municipal law, public sector employment, human resources counseling and litigation as well as other related areas of the law