Public Defender II: Protecting Families & Rights

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

IPERS retirement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The State Public Defender’s Office in Iowa seeks a motivated attorney to serve as Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families in Woodbury County. This role supports indigent clients to prevent court involvement and ensure access to legal services.

You will handle child custody, guardianship, protective orders, landlord/tenant matters, and other criminal-related issues, preparing motions and briefs while maintaining client files and case communications.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in Iowa.
• Two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
• Eighteen months of full-time experience as Public Defender 1 in the state executive branch.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in child custody, guardianship, conservatorships, and protective orders.
• Handle landlord/tenant issues and basic criminal matters.
• Draft motions, briefs, and legal documents; prepare case strategy and trial prep.
• Maintain client files, submit time reports, and communicate case status to clients.
• Receive training and mentoring from experienced public defenders.

Skills

Legal trial advocacy

Criminal law

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from accredited law school

Job description

The State Public Defender’s Office in Iowa seeks a motivated attorney to serve as Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families in Woodbury County. This role supports indigent clients to prevent court involvement and ensure access to legal services.

You will handle child custody, guardianship, protective orders, landlord/tenant matters, and other criminal-related issues, preparing motions and briefs while maintaining client files and case communications.