1

First Year Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Accountant - Captive Insurance

Waukee, IA · On-site +1

$71K - $89K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

At ICS, we believe innovation, collaboration, and client-first thinking are the foundation of great ... Coordinate with actuaries, auditors, attorneys, fronting carriers, reinsurers, and regulators

The salary range for this role is USD $160,000 - $210,000 per year . Key responsibilities will ... At VGW, one of our core values is "our players come first". This means always striving to deliver a ...

PWM Trust Managing Director

Dubuque, IA

$124K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... attorneys, accountants and advisors. Provides expert fiduciary advice, demonstrates fiduciary ... Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year ...

PWM Trust Managing Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$124K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... attorneys, accountants and advisors. Provides expert fiduciary advice, demonstrates fiduciary ... Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year ...

Showing results 21-30

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 Aug 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:

Infographic showing various First Year Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,358 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Property & Casualty Insurance - Casualty Claims Adjuster

Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company

Urbandale, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company (MFM), headquartered in Urbandale, IA, has been a trusted insurance provider since 1891. As a super-regional mutual insurer, we deliver top-tier personal and commercial coverage across multiple states. We prioritize financial stability, customer service excellence, and innovation, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.


We're looking for an experienced Property & Casualty General Liability Claims Adjuster to join our remote-first team. If you have a strong background investigating and resolving complex liability claims—and experience with construction liability claims—we'd love to hear from you. 


This  is a full-time, work-from-home position, providing employees with the flexibility and support to thrive remotely.


Our Core Values

At MFM, our company culture is built on these guiding principles:

  • Focus on Agents & Customers – We are committed to Independent Agents as our exclusive distribution channel. Our mission is to serve our Agents first so they can best serve our policyholders, ensuring competitive pricing, proper coverage, and fair claims service.
  • Innovate – We embrace change and encourage employees to share innovative ideas that enhance productivity, product offerings, cost containment, and customer experience.
  • Think Like an Owner – Every employee should bring an “owner mindset” to their work, making decisions that support company growth, sound underwriting, and responsible claims service.
  • Treat Each Other Like Family – We value a close-knit company culture, where employees are known by name, not by number. Even in a remote setting, we strive to build meaningful connections across teams.
  • Enjoy What You Do – With over 2,000 hours dedicated to work each year, we foster an environment where employees find purpose and satisfaction in their roles, whether through assisting policyholders or contributing to strategic growth.
  • Do Things the Right Way – Ethical integrity is paramount. We emphasize best practices, responsible decision-making, and doing what is right, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

Join our team as a General Liability Claims Adjuster, where your expertise, problem-solving skills, and dedication to fair claim resolution will make a real impact. This role demands strong analytical abilities, sound judgment, and top-tier customer service to support agents and policyholders.


Key Responsibilities

  • Investigate & Evaluate – Conduct in-depth claim investigations, gather recorded statements, and determine coverage 
  • Reserve Management - Timely & Adequate reserving.
  • Document Management – Maintain organized, professional claim files, reports, and communications
  • Negotiate & Resolve – Strategically negotiate settlements to achieve fair, timely resolutions.
  • Stay Current – Keep up with evolving legal statutes, policy conditions, and industry trends.
  • Navigate Technology – Operate seamlessly within a paperless Claims Management System.
  • Engage in Legal Proceedings – Travel as needed for depositions, mediations, and trials.


Work Conditions
  • Remote Work Environment – This position is primarily remote and requires a dedicated, professional home office workspace that provides a safe, secure, and distraction-limited work environment. 
  •  Work Schedule – Standard 40-hour workweek with flexibility within established business hours. Core business hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST. Due to the nature of claims operations, occasional early morning, evening, or extended hours may be necessary during periods of high claim volume, catastrophic events, or other business demands. 
  • High-Speed Internet – Reliable, high-speed internet service is required to support video conferencing, cloud-based applications, and efficient communication throughout the workday. 
  • Technology-Driven Environment – Frequent use of a computer, multiple monitors, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and virtual meeting platforms. Ability to accurately and efficiently use technology for extended periods is essential. 
  • Manual Dexterity – Requires fine motor skills and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment with precision and accuracy. 
  • Visual Requirements – Frequent viewing of computer monitors, electronic documents, and claim files requiring close visual attention and the ability to distinguish details. 
  • Communication – Frequent verbal and written communication with policyholders, agents, attorneys, contractors, vendors, and internal business partners via phone, email, and virtual meetings. 
  • Work Schedule – Primarily sedentary work requiring prolonged periods of sitting while maintaining the ability to occasionally stand, walk, stretch, or move throughout the workday. 
  • Travel – Occasional travel may be required for claim investigations, training, meetings, or company events..
Requirements:

 Qualifications & Experience

  • 2+ years handling Commercial Liability claims, inclusive of litigation experience.
  • Experience with construction liability claims a plus.
  • Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Highly organized with keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently in a fully remote setting.
  • Experience with mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations.
  • Strong collaboration with legal counsel and claims teams.


Why Join MFM?

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package – Enjoy competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement Planning – 401(k) with company match and a Defined Benefit Pension Plan to help secure your financial future.
  • Work-Life Balance – Work from home with generous paid time off and company holidays.
  • Professional Development – Opportunities for ongoing training and career growth, including education reimbursement.
  • Wellness Support – Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
  • Technology Stipends – Support for home office setup and remote work tools.
  • Autonomy & Flexibility – Thrive in a fully remote, supportive work culture.
  • Growth & Development – Expand your skills in a dynamic claims environment.
  • Impactful Work – Make a real difference by ensuring fair and timely claim resolutions.
  • Innovative Culture – Be part of a company that values forward-thinking and continuous improvement.


Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply today and become part of a team that values expertise, collaboration, and innovation! 


PI3c4cac57fc45-37820-41255179