1

Civil Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Candidates with direct civil litigation or business law experience will be given priority, but the team is also open to training the right person including new attorneys. Responsibilities * Manage a ...

Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85K - $185K/yr

What You Need * 1 year of Litigation experience required (preferably civil litigation) * Minimum of ... Attorneys may choose a traditional salary model or transition to a production-based compensation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Civil Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$55.4K

$106.1K

$150.8K

How much do civil attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil attorney in Iowa is $106,128.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,600.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Civil Attorney vs Family Lawyer?

AspectCivil AttorneyFamily Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, government agenciesLaw firms, courts, private practice
Industry UsageHandles civil disputes, contracts, property issuesHandles divorce, child custody, adoption

While both Civil Attorneys and Family Lawyers are licensed to practice law, Civil Attorneys focus on non-criminal civil disputes like contracts and property issues, whereas Family Lawyers specialize in legal matters related to family relationships such as divorce and child custody. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in similar environments, but their areas of expertise differ significantly.

What is a civil attorney?

Civil attorneys, also known as civil lawyers, specialize in non-criminal legal matters such as disputes involving contracts, property, family law, personal injury, and more. They represent clients in lawsuits where monetary damages or specific actions are sought, rather than criminal penalties. Civil attorneys can provide legal advice, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and represent clients in court. Their main goal is to protect their clients’ legal rights and interests in civil cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong foundation in civil law, legal research, and case analysis. Proficiency with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and familiarity with court filing systems is essential. Outstanding negotiation, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure effective client representation, case strategy development, and successful navigation of complex legal proceedings.

What types of cases does a civil attorney typically handle, and how does the work vary between different practice areas?

Civil Attorneys handle a broad range of non-criminal legal disputes, such as contract issues, property disagreements, personal injury claims, and employment matters. The nature of the work can vary significantly depending on the attorney's specialization; for example, a personal injury lawyer may spend much of their time negotiating settlements, while a real estate attorney might focus on drafting documents and managing closings. Civil Attorneys often balance research, court appearances, client consultations, and collaboration with paralegals or other attorneys. The diversity of cases ensures that each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities, making adaptability and strong communication skills essential.

What does a civil attorney do?

A civil attorney handles litigation cases involving issues such as equality, human rights, social injustice, and discrimination. Civil attorneys do not generally handle criminal cases. As a civil attorney, your job duties involve conducting research on cases, drafting legal documents, and negotiating settlements. To pursue a career as a civil attorney, you need to complete law school and pass a state bar exam. Additional qualifications include deductive reasoning, public speaking, and writing skills.

What are popular job titles related to Civil Attorney jobs in IA? For Civil Attorney jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Civil Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,128 per year, or $51 per hour.

Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

$76K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Summary
In all matters, it is our mission to represent the people of the United States in a manner that will instill confidence in the fairness and integrity of our office and the judicial system, and to conduct our work with the highest integrity. We strive to perform our mission in the most efficient and effective manner.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Iowa can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia
This position is located in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
This posting is for an Assistant United States Attorney to serve in the office's Civil Division.
AUSAs in the office's Civil Division represent the United States in a wide variety of matters. The lawyer selected for this position can expect to investigate and litigate affirmative enforcement matters, such as health care fraud, civil violations of the Controlled Substances Act, and procurement fraud. The selectee will also defend against suits brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act, suits brought under the Administrative Procedures Act, and petitions for writs of mandamus and habeas cases. The selectee will also represent Federal agencies in bankruptcies, state and Federal foreclosures, summons enforcement actions, and other miscellaneous civil matters. The selectee may also assist with enforcing monetary penalties and forfeitures.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
AUSAs do their own legal research and writing and must be substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence, pleadings, and discovery. This position requires oral advocacy skills and particularly strong writing and organizational skills.
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred applicants will have experience:
  • Litigating complex commercial and financial disputes;
  • Managing a diverse docket of cases with minimal supervision;
  • Managing support staff, such as investigators, legal assistants, and paralegals;
  • Practicing before Federal district and appellate courts;
  • Researching, analyzing, explaining, and advocating unfamiliar areas of law on accelerated timetables.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree.
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $76,748 to $197,000 which includes 17.06% locality pay.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
* * *
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Travel: Occasional travel may be required.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.