Legal Counsel – Legislative Drafting & Public Service

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Legislative Services Agency (LSA) in Iowa's capital is seeking a Legal Counsel to support the legislative process for the 2026 session. The role emphasizes drafting legislation, legal research, and providing nonpartisan analysis to aid 150 state legislators and committees.

The position requires strong writing and analytical skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and experience in bill drafting and legal analyses.

Qualifications

• Graduate of approved law school and licensure in Iowa preferred.
• Strong drafting, research, and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and long hours during session.
• Experience drafting legislative bills and legal analyses.

Responsibilities

• Bill drafting with legislators and staff to analyze problems and craft statutory language.
• Conduct legal research and prepare analyses, explanations, and summaries of legislation and court decisions.
• Advise legislative committees on legislation, law, administrative rules, and court opinions.
• Manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Assist in editing, preparation, and publication of the Iowa Code and Iowa Acts.

Skills

Drafting bills

Legal research

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

Legislative Services Agency (LSA) in Iowa's capital is seeking a Legal Counsel to support the legislative process for the 2026 session. The role emphasizes drafting legislation, legal research, and providing nonpartisan analysis to aid 150 state legislators and committees.

The position requires strong writing and analytical skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and experience in bill drafting and legal analyses.