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Federal Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

County Attorney Opening Date: 08/07/2026 Job Summary Will be assigned to felony division. Under ... Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Trial and court procedures.

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Under general supervision, the Assistant Attorney represents and advises Scott County on legal ... Local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Trial and court procedures.

Showing results 21-40

Federal Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$43.2K

$101.6K

$162K

How much do federal attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal 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 a federal attorney?

Federal attorneys are lawyers who represent the United States government in legal matters at the federal level. They may work for various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, and handle cases involving federal laws and regulations. Their duties can include prosecuting federal crimes, defending the government in civil lawsuits, and providing legal advice to federal agencies. Federal attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the government's actions comply with legal standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid grasp of federal laws, legal research, and litigation practices. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency with case management systems are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and ethical judgment help set outstanding attorneys apart. These skills and qualifications are critical for effectively representing the government, interpreting complex statutes, and ensuring justice within the federal legal system.

What are some common challenges faced by federal attorneys when handling complex cases?

Federal attorneys often manage cases that involve intricate statutes, regulatory frameworks, and high volumes of evidence. One common challenge is coordinating with multiple agencies and stakeholders, which requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, balancing a heavy caseload while keeping up with evolving federal laws can be demanding. Working under tight deadlines and maintaining the highest ethical standards are also integral to success in this role.

What is the difference between Federal Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectFederal AttorneyPublic Defender
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, often federal legal certificationsLaw degree, bar admission, specialized in criminal defense
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, government agencies, legal officesPublic defense offices, courts, legal aid organizations
Employer & IndustryFederal government, U.S. Department of Justice, federal agenciesGovernment-funded public defender offices, non-profit legal organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Federal Attorneys and Public Defenders both work within the legal system but serve different roles. Federal Attorneys represent the government in federal cases, focusing on prosecution or legal advice for federal agencies. Public Defenders defend individuals accused of crimes who cannot afford private attorneys. While both require law degrees and bar admission, their work environments and employer types differ significantly, with Federal Attorneys working primarily for government agencies and Public Defenders serving in public defense roles.

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

The most popular types of Federal Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Federal Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,591 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Senior Assistant Attorney-Civil

Scott County (IA)

Davenport, IA • On-site

$107K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Scott County (Minnesota) rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

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.


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