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Legal Writing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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.

News Writer/Anchor

Des Moines, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... writing skills Must have strong grammar skills Ability to work all shifts, including weekends and ... legal and financial matters, emotional well-being, family and caregiving * A range of additional ...

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Administrative Assistant

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$36K - $41K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

No previous legal background necessary * Ability to prioritize workload * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Deadline and detail-oriented Company Description Our Law Firm specializes ...

Paralegal

Council Bluffs, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively. * High ...

Paralegal

Council Bluffs, IA ยท Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively. * High ...

Paralegal

Council Bluffs, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively. * High ...

Under general supervision, the Assistant Attorney represents and advises Scott County on legal matters and represents the State in criminal court. Prepares cases, writes, reviews, and files all ...

Paralegal

Hiawatha, IA ยท On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Experience drafting legal documents and maintaining case files. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to conduct research and analyze information with a high degree of ...

New

Assistant Attorney

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Under general supervision, the Assistant Attorney represents and advises Scott County on legal matters and represents the State in criminal court. Prepares cases, writes, reviews, and files all ...

Strong written skills needed to compose legal documents * Ability to handle and respond to sensitive and confidential information * Strong analytical, verbal communication and organizational skills

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Construction & Infrastructure Transactions Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$180K - $315K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Construction & Infrastructure Transactions Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Construction & Infrastructure Transactions Associate Attorney to join a nationally recognized construction and infrastructure practice at a leading Am Law firm. This opportunity is available in Boulder, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York, or Princeton.

This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated, large-scale infrastructure and energy projects for institutional clients across the country. The ideal candidate will have strong transactional construction experience, exceptional drafting skills, and the ability to advise on complex commercial and risk allocation issues in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities
  • Draft and negotiate complex construction and infrastructure agreements for major projects across the energy, transportation, and industrial sectors
  • Prepare and negotiate EPC agreements, design-build agreements, alternative delivery contracts, supply and purchase agreements, engineering agreements, consulting agreements, and related project documentation
  • Advise clients on risk allocation provisions, indemnification, insurance, bonding, and other critical commercial terms
  • Support clients through all stages of infrastructure and construction transactions
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project teams, clients, and attorneys across offices and practice groups
  • Assist with strategic negotiations and contract structuring for sophisticated infrastructure matters
  • Manage multiple high-value transactions in a fast-paced practice environment
Qualifications
  • 3–6 years of construction-related transactional experience
  • Experience independently drafting and negotiating sophisticated construction and infrastructure agreements
  • Strong understanding of risk allocation, indemnification, insurance, bonding, and related commercial issues
  • Excellent legal writing, analytical, and communication skills
  • Strong academic credentials
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
  • Ability to work collaboratively with clients and multidisciplinary teams
  • Licensed and in good standing in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice
Why Join

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded national construction and infrastructure practice handling complex, high-profile matters for sophisticated institutional clients. Attorneys in this group receive substantial responsibility, direct client interaction, and meaningful mentorship from experienced partners while working on projects of national significance.

The firm fosters a collaborative culture that emphasizes professional development, teamwork, and long-term career growth while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $180,000 – $315,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and office location.

The firm also offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, which may include:

  • Productivity and discretionary bonuses
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life, accident, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development and mentorship opportunities
  • Flexible and hybrid work arrangements

Direct Counsel is an equal opportunity recruiter and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.