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Legal Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Woodbury County

Attorney Legal Secretary

Sioux City, IA

$26.85 - $32.59/hr

... assigned legal preparations associated with court, or their designated criminal court cases ... Basic knowledge of Associate District Court and County District Court procedures. Needs to be ...

Woodbury County, IA

Attorney Legal Secretary

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$26.85 - $32.59/hr

Assists in carrying out legal secretary and clerical duties for Associate District Court and/or District Court as necessitated by office workload; including preparation of all Information on assigned ...

HyVee

Legal Support Specialist

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred. * 3 to 5 ... Legal or administrative education or training helpful. * Notary Public certification preferred or ...

AMS Staffing, Inc.

Associate Attorney- 3631007

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$125K - $135K/yr

Associate Attorney Location: Ames, IA 50010 Salary/Pay Rate: $125,000 - $135,000K/year plus bonus ... Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, pleadings, contracts, and other legal documents.

Weitz

Associate General Counsel

Des Moines, IA · On-site

The Weitz Company is hiring an Associate General Counsel to join our Legal team! The Associate General Counsel is responsible for protecting the company's legal interest by providing practical legal ...

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All JobsLegal Associate JobsLegal Associate Jobs in Iowa

Legal Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$27

$56

How much do legal associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal associate in Iowa is $27.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $31.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Legal Associates?

Legal Associates are early-career lawyers who support more senior attorneys in a law firm or legal department. They conduct legal research, draft documents, assist with case preparation, and may represent clients under supervision. Legal Associates are typically recent law school graduates who have passed the bar exam, and their role is designed to provide hands-on experience while allowing them to develop their legal skills. Over time, Legal Associates may work toward becoming partners or taking on more senior legal positions within their organization.

What is a legal associate?

A legal associate is a junior attorney or lawyer who supports senior lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and preparing cases. They typically work in law firms or corporate legal departments and need a law degree and bar admission to practice. The role often involves analyzing legal issues and assisting with client consultations.

What is the lowest position in a law firm?

The lowest position in a law firm is typically a legal assistant or legal secretary, who provides administrative support to attorneys. Entry-level roles often require basic legal knowledge, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with legal software. These positions serve as a foundation for advancing to higher roles such as paralegal or associate.

What are some typical challenges Legal Associates face during their first year at a law firm?

Legal Associates often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of work under tight deadlines, adapting to the expectations of different partners, and learning to balance administrative tasks with substantive legal research and drafting. Navigating firm culture and building relationships with senior attorneys and clients can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help associates develop strong time management, communication, and legal analysis skills crucial for career growth.

What Is a Legal Associate?

A legal associate is a practicing junior attorney at a law firm who works on cases for clients, conducts legal research, and provides legal advice to clients. Other job duties include developing and implementing litigation strategies, supervising legal assistants and paralegals, and representing clients in court. The qualifications you need for a career as a legal associate include a bachelor’s degree and then a law degree from an accredited law school, a license to practice law through your state’s bar association, at least one year of experience working in a law firm, and excellent communication and collaborative skills.

What can you do with an associate degree in law?

A legal associate degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary. These positions involve supporting attorneys, conducting research, and managing case files, often requiring knowledge of legal software and procedures.

Is $900 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

For a legal associate, earning $900 an hour is considered very high and typically reflects senior-level experience, specialized expertise, or work in high-demand areas such as corporate law or litigation. Most legal associates earn significantly less, with hourly rates often ranging from $100 to $300 depending on location and firm size. Such rates are more common for partners or highly specialized attorneys rather than entry-level associates.

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

To thrive as a Legal Associate, you need a law degree (JD or equivalent), strong research and analytical skills, and attention to detail. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, document management systems, and proficiency in drafting legal documents are essential. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and the ability to work collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal analysis, high-quality client service, and successful case outcomes in a demanding legal environment.

What is the difference between Legal Associate vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AssociateParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission often preferredAssociate's degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts, corporate offices
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting documents, client interaction, assisting attorneysLegal research, document preparation, case organization, support tasks

Legal Associates typically hold a JD and are licensed to practice law, performing more advanced legal tasks. Paralegals assist attorneys with research and administrative duties but do not require a law degree or license. Both roles work in similar environments, but Legal Associates have a broader scope of responsibilities and legal authority.

More about Legal Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Legal jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Associate jobs in Iowa? For Legal Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Legal Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Legal Associate job openings:
Legal Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,663 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant

The Reserves Network Inc

West Des Moines, IA

$65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Legal Assistant|$65,000 + DOE| In Office| Direct Hire | M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |West Des Moines, IA
What Matters Most
  • Competitive pay of $65,000 + DOE
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Location: West Des Moines, IA
  • Direct-Hire opportunity with long-term stability and career growth
Job Description
The Reserves Network is partnering with a growing Des Moines office. We are seeking experienced Legal Assistants skilled with insurance defense civil litigation to support several attorney teams in defending corporate clients against legal claims. The role combines administrative precision with substantive litigation tasks to manage high-volume caseloads from intake through trial.
Responsibilities
  • Document Preparation: Draft, format, and proofread legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery requests, and correspondence.
  • Court Filing: Execute electronic filing (e-filing) in state and federal courts, adhering strictly to procedural rules and deadlines.
  • Calendar Management: Track court deadlines and manage attorney calendars for hearings, depositions, and trial dates.
  • Discovery & Records: Organize medical records, prepare medical chronologies, and coordinate with vendors for record retrieval.
  • Logistics Coordination: Schedule depositions, mediations, and examinations for defense experts.
  • Trial Support: Assemble trial binders, prepare exhibits, and coordinate witness logistics.
  • Communication: Act as a professional liaison between attorneys, clients, insurance adjusters, and court personnel.
Qualifications
  • Experience: Most roles require 1–5 years of experience in civil litigation, specifically in insurance defense or personal injury.
  • Education: A high school diploma is often the minimum requirement, though an associate degree or paralegal certificate is frequently preferred.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and legal case management software is essential.
  • Core Competencies: Strong attention to detail, ability to handle high-volume work under pressure, and mastery of legal terminology.
Benefits and Perks
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Health and disability insurance options
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Team-oriented culture that values collaboration, professional development, and community involvement
Your New Organization
This established and respected law firm fosters a supportive, team-driven culture where employees are valued contributors and encouraged to grow professionally while maintaining work-life balance.
Your Career Partner
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
The base salary range for this position is $65,000 annually, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Your final salary will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location, and internal pay equity. Please note that hiring at the top of the range is uncommon to allow room for future salary growth.
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