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First Year Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

Judicial Operations Clerk

Asbury, IA

$21.42 - $33.86/hr

Job Title Judicial Operations Clerk The 1st Judicial District of the Iowa Judicial Branch is ... This position also supports judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and other agencies with case ...

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All JobsFirst Year Attorney JobsFirst Year Attorney Jobs in Iowa

First Year Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$38K

$92.4K

$180.3K

How much do first year attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year attorney in Iowa is $92,358.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by first year attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

First year attorneys often face challenges related to managing a steep learning curve, balancing heavy workloads, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department. It's common to feel overwhelmed by billable hour requirements and the expectation to deliver high-quality work while learning firm procedures. Building strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, seeking regular feedback, and taking proactive steps to improve time management skills can help ease the transition. Many firms also offer training programs and support networks to assist new attorneys in developing their legal and professional skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Year Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a state bar license, and a strong foundation in legal research, writing, and analytical reasoning. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and e-discovery tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate work, meeting client and firm expectations, and building a successful legal career from the outset.

What is a first year attorney?

A first year attorney is a lawyer who has recently graduated from law school and has just begun practicing law, typically in their first year at a law firm or legal organization. These attorneys are often referred to as 'associates' and usually focus on learning the foundational aspects of legal practice, performing research, drafting documents, and assisting more senior lawyers. The first year is considered a training period where new attorneys gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and begin to build their legal careers.

What is the difference between First Year Attorney vs Law Clerk?

AspectFirst Year AttorneyLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsJ.D. degree, bar admissionJ.D. degree, often bar admission not required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesCourts, law firms, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, post-law schoolJudicial and legal institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Year Attorneys and Law Clerks often share similar educational backgrounds, but First Year Attorneys are typically recent law school graduates working as entry-level lawyers, while Law Clerks usually assist judges or attorneys with research and drafting. Both roles require a J.D. degree, but First Year Attorneys are more involved in client representation and legal practice, whereas Law Clerks focus on research and case preparation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on their career goals and experience.

What are popular job titles related to First Year Attorney jobs in Iowa? For First Year Attorney jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Year Attorney jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for First Year Attorney jobs in Iowa are:
First Year Attorney jobs near you
Attorney: Property Casualty/1st Party Property | Fully Remote

Attorney: Property Casualty/1st Party Property | Fully Remote

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

$85K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Why Work For Us

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is a rapidly growing personal injury law firm based in Alabama with offices across the nation. We handle complex cases and provide each attorney and staff with the support they need enabling us to best serve our clients. Our attorneys and staff pride themselves on their skill set, experience, compassion, and commitment. We are dedicated to giving our clients the utmost attention and care while fighting for them to get what they deserve.

At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we take a real approach. We are innovative, always finding ways to be better, and have a go-getter mentality across the board. Each team member plays a critical role in our mission. We know our people are what makes us great. If you're looking for a career where you can help make a difference in the lives of others alongside a supportive team, we encourage you to apply!

What We Value
  • Client Commitment
  • Integrity
  • A Will to Win
  • Teamwork
  • Personal Accountability
  • Passion

What You'll Do

Hair Shunnarah is looking for an all-star litigator with at least 1 year of experience to assist with our vibrant and growing practice.

What You Need

  • 1 year of Litigation experience required (preferably civil litigation)
  • Minimum of one year of litigation experience
  • Proven experience managing state court litigation (federal court experience strongly preferred)
  • Excellent legal writing skills, including petitions, complaints, motions, and briefs
  • Interest in developing business acumen alongside legal practice
  • Admission to the Iowa Bar required; admission in additional jurisdictions is a significant advantage

Compensation

We offer a competitive, top-of-market compensation structure with a base salary range of $85,000–$185,000, depending on experience, skill set, and performance.

Attorneys may choose a traditional salary model or transition to a production-based compensation structure.

Our production-based attorneys earn mid-six to seven figures annually. We believe in sharing success, not concentrating profits at the top, and many salaried attorneys elect to move to production-based compensation as their practice grows.

Other Perks:

  • Employee appreciation programs
  • A caring leadership with proven trial experience
  • Ongoing opportunities to become a thought leader in the industry
  • Monthly swag program
  • Super high referral bonuses (both for bringing in work and bringing in people)
  • Ability to control your caseload
  • No Requirement to Generate Business Ever!
  • Way More Tech Forward Than Most Firms - if you can dream it up, we can hire someone to make it happen

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please email careers@asilpc.com.