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Legal Writing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

FBL Financial Group

Legal Specialist II

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Legal Specialist Are you detail-oriented with good critical thinking skills? Are you a go-getter ... Excellent customer service skills, including strong verbal and written communication skills * Must ...

Berkley

Complex Claims Legal Consultant

Urbandale, IA · Hybrid

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide advanced legal and technical advice to claims staff, leaders, and cross-functional partners ... Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal and presentation skills.

Berkley

Complex Claims Legal Consultant

Urbandale, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide advanced legal and technical advice to claims staff, leaders, and cross-functional partners ... Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written, verbal and presentation skills.

Alliantenergy

Counsel II - Cyber & Privacy

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated excellent legal research skills. * Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. * Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail ...

Alliantenergy

Counsel II - Cyber & Privacy

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated excellent legal research skills. * Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. * Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail ...

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85K - $185K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLegal Writing JobsLegal Writing Jobs in Iowa

Legal Writing information

See Iowa salary details

$19.7K

$52.1K

$84.5K

How much do legal writing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal writing in Iowa is $52,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is legal writing a career?

Legal writing is a recognized career that involves preparing legal documents, contracts, and memos for law firms, corporations, or government agencies. It requires strong writing skills, knowledge of legal terminology, and often a background in law or related fields. Many legal writers work as freelancers or in-house professionals, and proficiency with legal research tools is beneficial.

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

To thrive as a Legal Writer, you need a strong grasp of legal research, analytical reasoning, and advanced writing skills, typically supported by a law degree or legal studies background. Familiarity with citation systems like Bluebook or ALWD, legal databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and document management tools is common. Attention to detail, clarity, and the ability to convey complex legal concepts in plain language are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, persuasive, and reliable legal documents that meet professional and regulatory standards.

What is legal writing?

Legal writing refers to the specialized practice of drafting documents that communicate legal analysis and information. This can include memos, briefs, contracts, motions, and other materials used in legal proceedings or transactions. Legal writing requires clarity, precision, and adherence to specific formats and citation styles. The goal is to convey complex legal concepts in a way that is clear and persuasive to judges, clients, or other legal professionals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in legal writing roles, and how can they be managed?

Legal writing professionals often face tight deadlines, the need for absolute accuracy, and the challenge of translating complex legal concepts into clear, concise language. Balancing thorough research with efficient time management is critical, as is maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legal precedents and terminology. Collaborating closely with attorneys, paralegals, or clients is essential to ensure documents meet all legal requirements and effectively serve their intended purpose. Building strong organizational skills and regularly seeking feedback can help manage these challenges and lead to continued professional growth.

How do you become a legal writer?

To become a legal writer, typically one needs a bachelor's degree followed by a law degree (JD) or legal certification. Strong writing skills, knowledge of legal terminology, and experience with legal research are essential, often gained through internships, coursework, or professional practice. Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis can also be beneficial.

What is the difference between Legal Writing vs Legal Researcher?

AspectLegal WritingLegal Researcher
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), writing certificationsJD, research certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, research institutions, legal departments
Employer & Industry UsageLegal practice, publishing, complianceLegal analysis, case preparation, policy development
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding legal document creationUnderstanding legal research methods

Legal Writing focuses on creating legal documents, contracts, and memos, requiring strong writing skills and legal knowledge. Legal Researcher involves analyzing laws, cases, and legal data to support cases or policies, emphasizing research skills. Both roles often overlap in legal settings but serve distinct functions within the legal industry.

What do legal writers do?

Legal writers create clear, accurate, and well-organized legal documents such as briefs, memos, contracts, and articles. They research legal issues, interpret laws and regulations, and communicate complex legal concepts in a way that is understandable to clients, attorneys, or the public, often using legal research tools and adhering to specific formatting standards.

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

The most popular types of Legal Writing jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Legal Writing jobs in Iowa?

For Legal Writing jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Legal Writing jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Legal Writing jobs in Iowa are:

Legal Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Writing job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,053 per year, or $25 per hour.

Legal Administrative Assistant

Gurstel Law Firm P C

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

DO YOU HAVE GREAT ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS?

LOOKING TO GET INTO THE LEGAL FIELD?

NO EVENINGS!

NO WEEKENDS!

Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. is looking for a Legal Administrative Assistant to join our legal team!


JOB SUMMARY as a Legal Administrative Assistant, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

  • Document account/file activity in accordance with the Firm and client policies into the Firm's system of record.
  • Generate pleadings and other legal documents for attorney review.
  • File documents with the courts via the traditional and electronic filings methods.
  • Perform general clerical duties including data entry, scanning, photocopying, collating, and faxing.
  • All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Responsible individual who can work both, independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to communicate in an effective and professional manner
  • Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience with basic office hardware such as scanners, fax machine, copiers, etc.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Superior problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic and dependability.

COMPETENCIES

  • Accountability 20%
  • Team Work 20%
  • Job Knowledge 20%
  • Organizational Skills 20%
  • Work Quality Assessment 20%

TRAVEL – This position requires up to 0-5% travel. Travel excludes local commute.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Pet Insurance, 401k, Profit Sharing, and Student Debt Retirement Savings Program.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)/ Paid Holidays


Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. (hereinafter “the Firm”) is multi-state litigation law firm representing creditors in all aspects of legal collection process. The Firm is headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota with offices in Arizona, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, and Wisconsin. Its practice is focused on the development of attorneys’ litigation skills, strategies and industry knowledge.

CULTURE At Gurstel, we operate on our Core Values of Doing Right, Achieving Results, and Maintaining our Integrity. We champion diversity and are a very fast-paced, enthusiastic group of people! Success is celebrated and we are looking for people who share those same values with the drive to exceed expectations and think outside the box! Our culture is what makes our Firm a fun and rewarding place to work.

EOE- Gurstel Law Firm, P.C. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/W/D/V) dedicated to diversity in the workplace and offers a great work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you are based in California, you can read information for California residents linked here