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Staff Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Associate Attorney

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

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.

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 ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Des Moines, IA Build a Meaningful Career in Family Law Are you looking for a legal career where you can make a real difference in clients' lives while gaining valuable courtroom ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Cedar Rapids, IA Build a Meaningful Career in Family Law Are you looking for a legal career where you can make a real difference in clients' lives while gaining valuable ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Des Moines, IA or Cedar Rapids, IA Build a Meaningful Career in Family Law Are you looking for a legal career where you can make a real difference in clients' lives while ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Iowa City, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Des Moines, IA or Cedar Rapids, IA Build a Meaningful Career in Family Law Are you looking for a legal career where you can make a real difference in clients' lives while ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Sioux City, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Des Moines, IA or Cedar Rapids, IA Build a Meaningful Career in Family Law Are you looking for a legal career where you can make a real difference in clients' lives while ...

Attorney/Lawyer

Davenport, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Family Law Attorney - Des Moines, IA or Cedar Rapids, IA Build a Meaningful Career in Family Law Are you looking for a legal career where you can make a real difference in clients' lives while ...

C. is seeking an Attorney - Personal Injury to join our team in Davenport or West Des Moines, Iowa ... The firm and its staff have received over 250 awards praising its service and dedication to the ...

C. is seeking an Attorney - Personal Injury to join our team in Davenport or West Des Moines, Iowa ... The firm and its staff have received over 250 awards praising its service and dedication to the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Staff Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$47.4K

$85.9K

$142.3K

How much do staff attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Staff Attorney job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,892 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

District Staff Attorney (D4 Pottawattamie 146923)

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$71K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Judicial Branch seeks applicants for a District Staff Attorney position to support judicial officers of District 4 which includes the counties of: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. District Court Staff Attorneys are responsible for providing professional legal services for the District Court to help the court process and dispose of cases. The successful candidate will perform extensive research, prepare memoranda, orally brief the court, and draft proposed rulings and orders for review by the presiding judge.

The successful candidate should expect to do a variety of other tasks to assist with the day-to-day functions of the court. Employees in this class may also assist in the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of law clerks. What's in it for you: Collaborative, positive professional work environment Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities Excellent benefits package Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) plan Employee discount program Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program The pay range for this position is $71,801.60 - $114,712.00 annually

This is a contract-covered, FLSA exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the 'best fit' of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a District Staff Attorney as summarized below. Summary Provide career-level support and services for judicial officers.

Research laws, legal opinions, cases, statutes, policies, and regulations. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities Perform electronic and manual research of laws, legal opinions, policies, regulations, and other legal precedents. Draft or review legal documents such as legal briefs, memos, rulings, orders, and opinions.

Examine filings for legal sufficiency, jurisdiction, and proper form as required by statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal precedents. Prepare jury instructions. May supervise or mentor law clerks and review the work of law clerks, paralegals, and other support staff.

Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of Iowa laws and rules; Iowa Judicial Branch organization, functions, and responsibilities of the courts. Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and practices of conducting legal research.

Ability to research, understand, and interpret state and federal law, case law, court rules, administrative rules and directives, and legislative documents. Ability to abide by the set laws and perform ethically. Ability to secure confidential information.

Ability to use office technology and equipment. Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently. Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Attention to detail. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations.

Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page. This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise. Minimum Qualification Requirements The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position. Licensed to practice law in the state of Iowa.

A completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six months of education or experience for supervisory-level positions. Additional Qualification Requirements Preferred Qualifications Experience in the practice of law and legal procedure. Considerable experience in legal research and writing.

Experience interpreting recent case outcomes and legislative changes. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment.


What State Of Iowa employees say

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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939