Closing Date: 17th May, 2026
Description:
Job Description:The 1st Judicial District has an opening for a Law Clerk 1 position in Black Hawk County. The Law Clerk position is a great opportunity for law school graduates seeking to gain practical, hands-on experience, applying your knowledge to assist with cases being investigated and litigated by the State of Iowa courts. This opportunity will also enhance your knowledge and understanding of the litigation life cycle as you assist with the public, judges, attorneys, and government officials in a variety of situations and circumstances,
Employees in this class perform research and administrative functions for judges of the district court.
This is intended to be a one-year clerkship opportunity. Depending on funding, availability, and performance, this clerkship may be extended up to an additional year.
The starting salary for this position is $62,088.00. This is an FLSA exempt position.
To Apply: Candidates will need to submit a NEOGOV application, cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.
Summary:
Provide legal support and services for judicial officers.
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.
- 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.
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:
Graduation from an accredited law school.
Additional Qualification Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of substantive and procedural law
- Demonstrates ability to utilize law library resources and working knowledge of research tools
- The ability to formulate and express complex technical and legal subjects clearly
- Critical thinking skills and ability to maintain confidentiality