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State Attorney Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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State Attorney information

See Iowa salary details

$50.3K

$111.7K

$181.3K

How much do state attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for state attorney in Iowa is $111,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $130,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a State Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a strong foundation in criminal and civil law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management systems, is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help distinguish outstanding State Attorneys. These competencies are crucial for effectively prosecuting cases, upholding justice, and ensuring the fair application of the law.

What are State Attorneys?

State Attorneys are public officials who represent the government in prosecuting criminal cases within a specific jurisdiction, usually at the county or district level within a state. They are responsible for deciding which cases to pursue, presenting evidence in court, and ensuring justice is served according to the law. State Attorneys work closely with law enforcement agencies, victims, and the courts throughout the legal process. Their role is critical in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law within their communities.

What is the difference between State Attorney vs District Attorney?

AspectState AttorneyDistrict Attorney
CredentialsJurisdictions vary; typically require a law degree and state bar admissionSimilar requirements; law degree and state bar admission
Work EnvironmentHandles criminal prosecutions at the state level within a specific state or regionProsecutes criminal cases within a district or county
Employer & IndustryState government, legal systemCounty government, legal system
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with District Attorney regarding jurisdiction and scope

The main difference between a State Attorney and a District Attorney lies in their jurisdiction. A State Attorney typically oversees criminal prosecutions across an entire state or large region, while a District Attorney focuses on prosecuting cases within a specific district or county. Both roles require similar legal credentials and work within the public sector, but their scope and jurisdiction differ.

What are some common challenges faced by State Attorneys when managing a high caseload?

State Attorneys often manage a large number of cases simultaneously, which requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Balancing court appearances, case preparation, and collaboration with law enforcement can be demanding, especially when cases are complex or high-profile. Time management and adaptability are crucial, as new information or urgent matters may require shifting attention quickly. Developing efficient workflows and relying on support staff or colleagues for casework collaboration can help alleviate some of these pressures.
What are popular job titles related to State Attorney jobs in Iowa? For State Attorney jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching State Attorney jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for State Attorney jobs in Iowa are:

$77K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa employs approximately 30 Assistant United States Attorneys. The District's headquarters office is located in Des Moines. The District has staffed branch offices in Davenport and Council Bluffs, which serve the District's eastern and western divisions.
More information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia
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Duties
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The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in our Criminal Division. This position is located in Davenport, Iowa, one of the largest cities in the state and part of the vibrant Quad Cities region along the Mississippi River. We seek a highly motivated individual who is committed to public service and enjoys handling a broad range of complex criminal prosecutions on behalf of the United States.
Assistant United States Attorneys in the Southern District of Iowa handle a wide variety of complex cases, including offenses involving drug trafficking, firearms and other violent crime, child exploitation, immigration, and fraud. Assistant United States Attorneys handle these criminal cases at all phases of prosecution, including grand jury investigations, pre-trial proceedings, trials and sentencing hearings, and appeals.
Davenport offers an outstanding quality of life with an affordable cost of living, a strong legal community, and access to the cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities of the Quad Cities region. The area features a vibrant downtown, diverse dining and entertainment options, excellent schools, scenic riverfront attractions, and numerous parks and trails. Residents enjoy a family-friendly environment, short commute times, and convenient access to major transportation routes, making Davenport an exceptional place to live, work, and build a career.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least two-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. At least three years of post-J.D. litigation experience is preferred, with extensive research and writing experience.
Preferred qualifications: Possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment, and a demonstrated record of integrity. Interested AUSAs or government attorneys must have at least a successful evaluation for the past year. All applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) and not have received any disciplinary action within the past three years from the date of the application. In addition, applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies, and the ability to lead, motivate, mentor, and evaluate other highly qualified attorneys.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $77,974 to $197,100 includes locality pay.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Travel: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.