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Entry Level Lawyer 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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Entry Level Lawyer information

See Iowa salary details

$44.1K

$94.5K

$129.6K

How much do entry level lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level lawyer in Iowa is $94,515.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lawyer?

Entry level lawyers are recent law school graduates or newly licensed attorneys who are starting their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced lawyers, assisting with research, drafting legal documents, and supporting cases. Entry level lawyers may work in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their primary focus is to gain practical experience and develop foundational legal skills while working toward greater responsibilities.

What does an entry level lawyer do?

An entry-level lawyer performs a range of research, writing, and legal services duties for a law firm. As an entry-level attorney, you typically work on cases as part of a larger team of lawyers, and your responsibilities may focus on specific aspects of the case, such as interviewing witnesses, working with paralegals to sort out legal research and find relevant casework, or filing documents with the court or opposing counsel. You also assist more senior lawyers with administrative tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level lawyer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, successful completion of the bar exam, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and time management are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective client representation, accurate legal work, and the ability to manage multiple cases in a dynamic legal environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level lawyers during their first year at a law firm?

Entry-level lawyers often face challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment, and quickly learning firm-specific procedures. Balancing multiple cases or assignments while meeting tight deadlines can be demanding, and new attorneys may need to develop strong organizational and time-management skills. Additionally, building professional relationships with senior lawyers and clients requires effective communication and a willingness to seek feedback for continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lawyer vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level LawyerParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), passing the bar examAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, practicing law under supervisionSupporting legal work, assisting lawyers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level legal roles, career pathLegal support roles, legal assistant positions

Entry Level Lawyers are licensed legal professionals who have completed their JD and passed the bar exam, allowing them to practice law under supervision. Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, document preparation, and case management but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Entry Level Lawyers have a broader scope of practice and legal authority compared to Paralegals.

What is the easiest type of entry level lawyer to become?

Entry level lawyers often find it easiest to start in general practice or small firm roles that require basic legal skills and a Juris Doctor degree. These positions typically involve routine tasks and may require passing the bar exam, but they usually have fewer specialized requirements compared to niche legal fields like patent or corporate law.
More about Entry Level Lawyer jobs

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

The most popular types of Lawyer jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lawyer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 60% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,515 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Iowa Legal Aid

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$56 - $68/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

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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