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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$56 - $68/hr

Non-entry level salaries depend on experience. Excellent fringe benefits are available, including a generous leave, insurance, and retirement package. Iowa is a great place to live and to work for a ...

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All JobsAttorney JobsEntry Level Attorney JobsEntry Level Attorney Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$43.2K

$101.6K

$162K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Iowa is $101,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level attorney?

Entry level attorneys are recent law school graduates or individuals who have recently passed the bar exam and are beginning their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys and assist with research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare cases. Entry level attorneys can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their responsibilities often focus on learning practical legal skills and gaining experience in their chosen field of law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage caseloads effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing sound legal advice, meeting deadlines, and establishing a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level attorneys in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment of law firms, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical legal skills. Navigating client expectations, learning firm protocols, and handling multiple assignments simultaneously can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, new attorneys should proactively seek feedback, build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, and prioritize effective time management. Open communication and a willingness to continuously learn are key to successful integration and professional growth in the early stages of a legal career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting legal documents, client consultationsLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level Attorneys and Paralegals often work in similar environments and share some responsibilities, but attorneys require a JD and bar admission to practice law, while paralegals support attorneys without needing a law license. The roles differ mainly in legal authority and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Attorney jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:

Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,591 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Iowa Legal Aid

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$56 - $68/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Iowa Legal Aid is actively recruiting Staff Attorneys for our Des Moines, Iowa City, Mason City, and Sioux City offices. Applicants interested in other offices may apply.

Background: Founded in 1977, Iowa Legal Aid serves clients in all 99 Iowa counties through offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Mason City, Ottumwa, Sioux City and Waterloo. Learn more about Iowa Legal Aid atwww.iowalegalaid.org andwww.iowalegalaidfoundation.org .

Staff Attorney Position: Through free legal assistance and community legal education, Staff Attorneys bring hope, dignity, and justice to low-income and other vulnerable Iowans. Legal assistance at Iowa Legal Aid ranges from advice and brief service to full representation before administrative agencies and state and federal trial and appellate courts. In our diverse practice, we prioritize work involving housing, domestic violence, income maintenance, health care, individual rights, and consumer issues to help secure our clients’ most essential needs. Staff attorneys appear in court frequently and serve clients out in the community through expungement and pro se divorce clinics, our Eviction Diversion Project Help Desks, and targeted outreach events. Staff attorneys also play a crucial role in changing systems and achieving justice through impact advocacy.

Qualifications: Applicants must be law school graduates licensed to practice law in Iowa, eligible for admission on motion, or available for the next scheduled bar examination. Prior legal experience is preferred. Applicants must possess a demonstrated interest in poverty law and have a strong commitment to providing a full range of legal services to low-income people. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collegial environment are required. Individuals with Spanish or other language skills are encouraged to apply.

Salary/Benefits: Current entry level salary is $61,800. Non-entry level salaries depend on experience. Excellent fringe benefits are available, including a generous leave, insurance, and retirement package. Iowa is a great place to live and to work for a non-profit, consistently ranking in the top 10 states for affordability. See https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability .

Opening/Closing Date: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Application Materials: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references, a writing sample, and for lawyers in practice for under five years, a law school transcript.

Iowa Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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