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Dhs Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Dhs Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$53.1K

$144.3K

$295.9K

How much do dhs attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for dhs attorney in Iowa is $144,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $176,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job at DHS?

Securing a DHS attorney position can be competitive due to high standards for education, experience, and security clearances. Applicants typically need a law degree, relevant legal experience, and must pass background checks and assessments. The hiring process often involves multiple interviews and a thorough review of credentials.

What is a DHS Attorney job?

A DHS Attorney is a lawyer who works for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, providing legal counsel and representation on matters related to national security, immigration, regulatory enforcement, and other federal policies. They may work in various DHS agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Their responsibilities include advising on legal compliance, drafting regulations, litigating cases, and supporting law enforcement efforts.

What types of cases or legal matters does a DHS Attorney typically handle?

DHS Attorneys typically work on a broad range of legal issues that may include immigration enforcement, national security regulations, administrative hearings, civil litigation, and policy compliance. On any given day, you might represent the Department of Homeland Security in immigration court, advise agency officials on legal risks, review legislative proposals, or prepare legal briefs and motions. The work environment is often fast-paced and collaborative, involving close teamwork with investigators, policy analysts, and other legal professionals. If you enjoy tackling complex legal challenges with a significant public impact, this role can offer a rewarding and meaningful career path.

What are DHS attorneys called?

DHS attorneys are commonly referred to as Department of Homeland Security attorneys or DHS legal counsel. They handle legal matters related to immigration, national security, and other DHS responsibilities, often working within the agency or as external legal advisors. These attorneys typically have backgrounds in immigration law, administrative law, or national security law and may hold certifications or licenses relevant to federal legal practice.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

DHS attorneys, who work for the Department of Homeland Security, typically earn salaries within the federal pay scale, which generally ranges from around $50,000 to $150,000 annually depending on experience and location. Earning $500,000 a year is uncommon for most government attorneys and usually requires senior positions, specialized expertise, or private practice with high-profile clients.

What does a DHS attorney do?

A DHS attorney provides legal counsel and representation for the Department of Homeland Security, handling issues related to immigration, national security, and compliance with federal laws. They review cases, draft legal documents, and advise on policy matters, often working in a government or legal environment that requires knowledge of immigration law and security protocols.

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

To thrive as a DHS Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, active state bar licensure, and a strong background in administrative, immigration, or national security law. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and government-specific legal systems is often essential. Strong analytical abilities, effective written and verbal communication skills, and sound judgment help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital to ensure accurate legal representation, compliance with complex regulations, and effective advocacy for government objectives.

What are popular job titles related to Dhs Attorney jobs in Iowa? For Dhs Attorney jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Dhs Attorney job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,284 per year, or $69.4 per hour.
Counsel to the Division of State Operated Specialty Care

Counsel to the Division of State Operated Specialty Care

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$109K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is a non-merit position for the Health & Human Services - Compliance and Administration. 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.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking an attorney to join its internal legal team. This position serves as HHS legal counsel to the Department of Health and Human Services' Division of State Operated Specialty Care and works collaboratively across all divisions within HHS, with the Attorney General's Office, and with outside counsel. Responsibilities: Under the direction and oversight of the Compliance Division General Counsel Supervisor, this position serves as internal counsel to the HHS Division of State Operated Specialty Care, ensuring operations remain compliant with state and federal laws and aligned with HHS policy, risk management principles, and best practices in healthcare and residential care delivery.

The attorney in this position will work closely with the internal legal team, the Attorney General's Office, division and agency leadership, and other internal stakeholders to review and develop policy, proactively identify legal risks, support decision-making, and provide timely, practical legal solutions. Though particular specialties are not required, a background in health care law, employment law, criminal law, or other civil rights law is helpful. Projects might include, among other duties: Policy review, research, and development; Conducting legal research and articulating legal risks and mitigation practices which should be considered in establishing, implementing, and monitoring the effectiveness of uniform processes and procedures for HHS; Advising on questions of law, administrative regulations, opinions of the courts, Attorney General opinions, and federal guidance Drafting legal memorandums to guide program leadership in decision making.

This position also works with the HHS government relations team and HHS division policy teams on the development and review of HHS agency prefile legislation. Legal counsel will review proposed legislation that may impact HHS's Division of State Operated Specialty Care and provide recommendations to the Chief of Compliance, Division Leadership, and Legislative Liaisons. Legal counsel will also review agency administrative rules prior to adoption and raise issues that need to be addressed with the Chief of Compliance and Division Leadership.

Legal counsel may represent the agency at administrative hearings or in front of other administrative bodies (e.g. Iowa Public Information Board) when determined necessary by the Chief of Compliance or HHS Director. Requirements: Admission to the Iowa State Bar Benefits Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks

In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth: Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage. Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year). Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month)

Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind. Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.

Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. For additional information on benefits click here. Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

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 Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from an accredited law school and the equivalent of five years of full-time successful and responsible experience in the practice of law; OR the equivalent of three years of full-time experience in the practice of law in the employing agency shall be considered as qualifying experience. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description

Additional Qualification Requirements Positions in this class require admission to the Iowa State Bar.


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State of Iowa logo

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