District Staff Attorney (D4 Pottawattamie 146923)

State-of-Iow; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

IPERS retirement

Paid holidays/vacation/sick leave

Employee discount program

Job summary

The Iowa Judicial Branch seeks applicants for a District Staff Attorney to support District 4 courts serving Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties. The role provides professional legal services to aid the court in processing and disposing of cases, including research, memoranda, and drafting proposed rulings for review by the presiding judge.

The successful candidate will perform extensive research, prepare memoranda, orally brief the

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in Iowa.
• Experience in legal research and writing preferred.
• Ability to interpret state and federal law, case law, and court rules.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform electronic and manual legal research of laws, opinions, policies, regulations and precedents.
• Draft or review legal documents such as briefs, memos, rulings, orders and opinions.
• Examine filings for sufficiency, jurisdiction and proper form as required by rules and laws.
• Prepare jury instructions.
• May supervise or mentor law clerks and review their work.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Court procedures

Ethical conduct

Communication skills

Education

Licensed to practice law in Iowa

Job description

The Iowa Judicial Branch seeks applicants for a District Staff Attorney position to support judicial officers of District 4 which includes the counties of: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. District Court Staff Attorneys are responsible for providing professional legal services for the District Court to help the court process and dispose of cases.

The successful candidate will perform extensive research, prepare memoranda, orally brief the court, and draft proposed rulings and orders for review by the presiding judge. The successful candidate should expect to do a variety of other tasks to assist with the day‑to‑day functions of the court. Employees in this class may also assist in the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of law clerks.

What’s in it for you:

• Collaborative, positive professional work environment
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
• Excellent benefits package
• Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan
• Employee discount program
• Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program

The pay range for this position is $71,801.60 - $114,712.00 annually. This is a contract‑covered, FLSA exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a District Staff Attorney as summarized below.

Summary

Provide career‑level support and services for judicial officers. Research laws, legal opinions, cases, statutes, policies, and regulations.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform electronic and manual research of laws, legal opinions, policies, regulations, and other legal precedents.
• Draft or review legal documents such as legal briefs, memos, rulings, orders, and opinions.
• Examine filings for legal sufficiency, jurisdiction, and proper form as required by statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal precedents.
• Prepare jury instructions.
• May supervise or mentor law clerks and review the work of law clerks, paralegals, and other support staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Iowa laws and rules; Iowa Judicial Branch organization, functions, and responsibilities of the courts.
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and practices of conducting legal research.
• Ability to research, understand, and interpret state and federal law, case law, court rules, administrative rules and directives, and legislative documents.
• Ability to abide by the set laws and perform ethically.
• Ability to secure confidential information.
• Ability to use office technology and equipment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page.

This is a non‑merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

1. Licensed to practice law in the state of Iowa.

A completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six months of education or experience for supervisory‑level positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the practice of law and legal procedure.
• Considerable experience in legal research and writing.
• Experience interpreting recent case outcomes and legislative changes.