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Civil Rights Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Scott County, IA

Assistant Attorney-Civil

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

... Attorney represents and advises Scott County on legal matters and represents the State in civil ... rights, jail lawsuits, personal injury, worker's compensation, tax assessment appeals ...

Trueline

Creditors Rights Paralegal

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Prepare attorneys for hearings and trials by organizing files, documents, and case information ... At least 5 years of experience in a legal, collections, creditors' rights, civil litigation, or ...

Trueline

Creditors Rights Paralegal

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Prepare attorneys for hearings and trials by organizing files, documents, and case information ... At least 5 years of experience in a legal, collections, creditors' rights, civil litigation, or ...

Trueline

Creditors Rights Paralegal

Cedar Rapids, IA

$60K - $80K/yr

Prepare attorneys for hearings and trials by organizing files, documents, and case information ... At least 5 years of experience in a legal, collections, creditors' rights, civil litigation, or ...

Meskwaki Nation

Assistant Attorney General

Tama, IA

$119K - $192K/yr

... rights, tribal environmental and natural resource law and policy, housing and land issues, Indian ... Represents the Tribe's interest in civil and criminal matters in tribal, state and federal court ...

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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 Aug 31, 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 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 as a civil rights attorney?

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 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 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:

Civil Rights Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Rights Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,128 per year, or $51 per hour.

Senior Assistant Attorney-Civil

Scott County, IA

Davenport, IA • On-site

$107K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary : $107,411.20 - $148,054.40 Annually
Location : Davenport, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 01969
Department: County Attorney
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/2/2026 4:30 PM Central
Job Summary
Under general supervision, the Senior Assistant Attorney is an advanced position which includes supervisory duties over Assistant Civil Attorney or the legal skills and experience necessary to pursue more complex cases. Represents and advises Scott County and its various departments, employees and elected officials on a variety of legal matters. Prepares cases, drafts and files all pleadings necessary for representation in civil matters.
Job Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS --Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the followingrepresentative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Litigates civil cases involving Scott County in State and Federal courts; prepares cases involving civil rights, jail lawsuits, personal injury, worker's compensation, tax assessment appeals, guardianships and conservatorships, mental health hearings, small claims, forfeiture proceedings, and the enforcement of health code ordinances, zoning, and county codes.
  • Advises and provides legal opinions to the board of supervisors, elected officials, department heads, and township officers.
  • Assists in negotiating and drafting 28E agreements, MOUs, and contracts impacting the County.
  • Attends Chapter 229 Involuntary Commitment Hearings on behalf of the State
  • Handles all aspects of civil asset forfeiture proceedings under Iowa Code Chapter 809A.
  • Handles open records requests for the County Attorney's Office and reviews other departments' open records requests for confidentiality and exemptions.
  • Researches legal issues. Must be familiar with the Code of Iowa, the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence. Stays abreast of changes in law and authority in civil matters.
  • Serves on multi-disciplinary teams as requested.
  • Prepares evidence and develops trial strategies; writes proposed motions to the court and jury instructions; meets with witnesses to prepare and outline questions and arguments.
  • Schedules and attends depositions.
  • Provides law enforcement training as requested.
  • Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the advanced level classification for Assistant Attorney. Works under indirect supervision, conferring with supervisor when necessary.
Standards For Initial Consideration
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Juris Doctorate degree is required and four (4) years of Civil experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of:
  • Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
  • Trial and court procedures.
  • Protocols and strategies of negotiation and litigation.
  • Case management procedures and techniques.
  • Legal research methods, sources, databases, and other tools.
  • Negotiation and conflict management methods and techniques.

Skill in:
  • Supervising and leading Assistant Attorneys, staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
  • Analyzing legal issues.
  • Setting priorities and developing and directing legal strategies and tactics.
  • Reading, understanding, interpreting, and applying State and Federal statutes, codes, and rules.
  • Developing and presenting sound legal arguments.
  • Mediating and negotiating difficult and complex situations.
  • Analyzing and organizing complex facts, evidence, and precedents.
  • Developing, refining, and presenting legal strategies.
  • Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
  • Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
  • Conducting research.
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information
License and Certification Requirements
Must possess an Iowa Law license and be in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court.
Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in Scott County Courthouse and in a standard office environment.
The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

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