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Staff Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa Legal Aid

Staff Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Iowa Legal Aid is actively recruiting Staff Attorneys for our Des Moines, Iowa City, Mason City, and Sioux City offices. Applicants interested in other offices may apply. Background: Founded in 1977 ...

NACBA

Chief Regulatory Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Provides guidance and training to staff attorneys and support staff. Responsibilities * Lead ... regulatory attorney with expertise in state and federal regulatory law and policy, and multiple ...

New

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85K - $185K/yr

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 ...

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys

Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85K - $185K/yr

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 ...

Bonham Solutions

Associate Attorney

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to provide exceptional client service. * Participate in business development and community engagement efforts as desired. Qualifications * Juris Doctor (J.

Bonham Solutions

Associate Attorney

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Collaborate with attorneys and support staff to provide exceptional client service. * Participate in business development and community engagement efforts as desired. Qualifications * Juris Doctor (J.

Meskwaki Nation

Case Worker

Tama, IA

Assists the Staff Attorney by preparing files for court and requests current payment history reports, when applicable, from the MNCSS Financial Specialist * Works closely with the Tribal Court Staff ...

Sac and Fox Tribe of Iowa

Case Worker

Tama, IA · On-site

Assists the Staff Attorney by preparing files for court and requests current payment history reports, when applicable, from the MNCSS Financial Specialist * Works closely with the Tribal Court Staff ...

Sac and Fox Tribe of Iowa

Case Worker

Tama, IA · On-site

... Staff Attorney by preparing files for court and requests current payment history reports, when applicable, from the MNCSS Financial SpecialistWorks closely with the Tribal Court Staff to schedule ...

JBA International

Associate Attorney

Waterloo, IA · On-site +1

$80K/yr

The firm provides significant support staff assistance and a robust advertising budget to help grow ... Seeking an ambitious associate attorney with 2-5+ years' experience in civil litigation or workers ...

Robert Half

Attorney

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys managing complex financial and commercial matters, working directly with clients, and taking an active role in developing case strategy.

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Staff Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$47.4K

$85.9K

$142.3K

How much do staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff attorney in Iowa is $85,892.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $99,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney works for a law firm or another organization. Staff attorneys are associates with law degrees who have passed the Bar Exam in their states. They research, analyze, and write about complex legal issues. Duties and responsibilities of all staff attorney jobs include legal research and support to the partners in a law firm. Staff attorneys may also draft portions of legal opinions based on their research as well as verify cited sources, and review documents at the request of a partner. Staff attorney is a good position for attorneys who wish to continue in the legal profession.

What is a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a licensed lawyer employed by an organization, law firm, nonprofit, or government agency to provide legal advice, conduct research, draft documents, and represent clients or the organization in legal matters. Unlike partners or associates who may have client development or managerial responsibilities, staff attorneys typically focus on substantive legal work and supporting ongoing cases. Their duties often include reviewing and preparing legal documents, assisting with litigation, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Staff attorneys play a vital role in supporting legal teams and ensuring that legal services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff attorney?

To thrive as a Staff Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research, and writing abilities. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and case management systems, is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in supporting clients and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality legal counsel, ensuring compliance, and effectively managing caseloads in a legal environment.

What are some common challenges staff attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Staff Attorneys often juggle a high volume of cases, each with distinct deadlines and documentation requirements. Balancing priorities while maintaining attention to detail can be challenging, especially when urgent matters arise unexpectedly. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential for meeting court deadlines and collaborating with colleagues, such as paralegals and senior attorneys. Regular communication with team members and leveraging case management software can help alleviate these challenges and ensure smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Staff Attorney vs Associate Attorney?

AspectStaff AttorneyAssociate Attorney
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, nonprofitsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal organizations, nonprofits, governmentPrivate law firms, corporate legal departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, responsibilitiesEntry-level to mid-level legal roles, career progression

Both Staff Attorneys and Associate Attorneys typically hold a JD and are bar-certified. Staff Attorneys often work in legal departments or nonprofits, focusing on specific legal tasks without client management, while Associate Attorneys usually work in law firms or corporate settings, handling client cases and gaining experience. The roles are similar but differ mainly in work environment and responsibilities, with Staff Attorneys often having more specialized or in-house roles.

Do you need to pass the bar to be a staff attorney?

Yes, a staff attorney typically must pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where they practice, as it is a requirement to provide legal services and represent clients. Licensing ensures they are qualified to interpret and apply the law professionally. Some positions may also require ongoing legal education or certification renewal.

How much do staff attorneys make in the US?

Staff attorneys in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and sector. Salaries can vary based on whether they work in government, private firms, or nonprofit organizations, and often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What does it mean to be a staff attorney?

A staff attorney is a legal professional who provides legal advice, drafts documents, and represents clients or organizations in legal matters. They often work within law firms, government agencies, or non-profits, and may specialize in areas such as litigation, compliance, or policy. Strong legal research, writing skills, and a law degree are typically required for this role.
More about Staff Attorney jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Attorney jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Staff Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

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For Staff Attorney jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Staff Attorney jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Staff Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Staff Attorney jobs in IA?

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Staff Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,892 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Iowa Legal Aid
See more jobs at Iowa Legal Aidexternal

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Iowa Legal Aid is actively recruiting Staff Attorneys for our Des Moines, Iowa City, Mason City, and Sioux City offices. Applicants interested in other offices may apply.

Background: Founded in 1977, Iowa Legal Aid serves clients in all 99 Iowa counties through offices in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Mason City, Ottumwa, Sioux City and Waterloo. Learn more about Iowa Legal Aid atwww.iowalegalaid.org andwww.iowalegalaidfoundation.org .

Staff Attorney Position: Through free legal assistance and community legal education, Staff Attorneys bring hope, dignity, and justice to low-income and other vulnerable Iowans. Legal assistance at Iowa Legal Aid ranges from advice and brief service to full representation before administrative agencies and state and federal trial and appellate courts. In our diverse practice, we prioritize work involving housing, domestic violence, income maintenance, health care, individual rights, and consumer issues to help secure our clients’ most essential needs. Staff attorneys appear in court frequently and serve clients out in the community through expungement and pro se divorce clinics, our Eviction Diversion Project Help Desks, and targeted outreach events. Staff attorneys also play a crucial role in changing systems and achieving justice through impact advocacy.

Qualifications: Applicants must be law school graduates licensed to practice law in Iowa, eligible for admission on motion, or available for the next scheduled bar examination. Prior legal experience is preferred. Applicants must possess a demonstrated interest in poverty law and have a strong commitment to providing a full range of legal services to low-income people. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collegial environment are required. Individuals with Spanish or other language skills are encouraged to apply.

Salary/Benefits: Current entry level salary is $61,800. Non-entry level salaries depend on experience. Excellent fringe benefits are available, including a generous leave, insurance, and retirement package. Iowa is a great place to live and to work for a non-profit, consistently ranking in the top 10 states for affordability. See https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability .

Opening/Closing Date: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Application Materials: Please include a cover letter, resume, three professional references, a writing sample, and for lawyers in practice for under five years, a law school transcript.

Iowa Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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