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Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

DEPUTY

Des Moines, IA

$77K - $102K/yr

... Attorney's office; attends court proceedings and appears at hearings to assist and provide ... When Assigned to Civil Unit: 1. Serves legal papers such as protective orders, subpoenas, summons ...

Civil Rights Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$55.4K

$106.1K

$150.8K

How much do civil rights attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil rights 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 are some typical challenges faced by Civil Rights Attorneys in their daily work?

Civil Rights Attorneys often encounter complex cases that require extensive legal research, detailed documentation, and persistent advocacy, sometimes over prolonged periods. They may face challenging circumstances such as representing clients with sensitive backgrounds or taking on cases against powerful institutions, which can be emotionally and professionally demanding. Collaboration with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other attorneys is important to build strong cases and support clients effectively. Staying current on evolving legal precedents and legislation is also essential to succeed in this dynamic field.

What does a Civil Rights Attorney do?

A Civil Rights Attorney advocates for individuals whose rights have been violated under laws protecting freedoms such as speech, equality, and due process. They handle cases involving discrimination, wrongful arrests, voting rights, and other constitutional issues. Their work includes legal research, filing lawsuits, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court to ensure justice and uphold civil liberties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Civil Rights Attorney position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Civil Rights Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong expertise in constitutional and civil rights law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is commonly required. Outstanding advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential for connecting with clients and effectively presenting cases. These abilities are crucial for advancing clients' rights, navigating complex legal challenges, and achieving meaningful outcomes through litigation or negotiation.

What are popular job titles related to Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Iowa? For Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Rights Attorney jobs in Iowa are:
Assistant Attorney General - Civil Litigation

Assistant Attorney General - Civil Litigation

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

$63K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird seeks to fill an Assistant Attorney General position in the Civil Litigation Division of her office. Lawyers in the Civil Litigation division defend the State and its agencies in state and federal court proceedings. Civil Litigation lawyers handle a variety of tort, employment, statutory, and other civil-liability cases, and they frequently work with lawyers in the Solicitor General Division to defend the constitutionality of state statutes and programs.

The position offers the opportunity to obtain substantial trial and appellate experience immediately and to work in a collegial environment with other talented lawyers and paralegals. A successful candidate will be passionate about public service and committed to providing high-quality legal representation and supporting the rule of law. This position requires strong organization skills and the ability to support a high caseload.

This position requires a license or the ability to obtain a license to practice law in Iowa. Previous litigation experience of at least two years is preferred. In addition to a collegial environment among those who share your passion for public service, perks of working for the Office of the Attorney General include hybrid schedules; excellent work-life balance and benefits; and no hourly billing.

Annual pay ranges from $62,337.60-$153,420.80, depending on years of experience. Background check is required. Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees

To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.e-verify.gov. The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Worklaws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must have graduated from an accredited school of law to qualify for positions in this job classification. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements At the time of appointment, employees in this class are required to have been admitted to the Iowa State Bar and appropriate federal courts.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939