Staff Attorney, Judicial Branch

Closing Date: 24th September, 2026

Description:

Job Description:
The Iowa Judicial Branch, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking applicants for a Staff Attorney position that provides legislative legal support to the Judicial Branch. The Staff Attorney will conduct professional legal analysis of proposed legislation and prepare briefing materials and legislative summaries to support the Judicial Branch's legislative matters.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive support for legislative matters by:

• Conducting extensive legal research and developing proposed amendments.
• Preparing additional information needed to support legislative matters.
• Establishing and maintaining an effective process for monitoring, logging, and tracking legislation throughout the session.
• Keeping internal stakeholders informed of relevant developments and bill status.
• Analyzing legislation and amendments to identify potential legal, operational, and administrative impacts on the Judicial Branch.
• Work with the State Court Administration staff in developing implementation plans for new laws.
• Provide legal counsel on various matters, including legislation and legal questions involving court administration management and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will prepare legal analyses of pending legislation and coordinate reviews and feedback with internal stakeholders. The position may attend and participate in legislative meetings and committee proceedings as needed. The successful candidate must understand the legislative process and its support requirements and be able to use data to advance legislative initiatives.

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 $105,144.00 - $152,692.80 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 Staff Attorney – Judicial Branch as summarized below.

Summary:
In the practice of law on behalf of the Iowa Judicial Branch, provide legal advice, support, and services for appellate court cases or administrative judicial branch matters.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Research laws, legal opinions, cases, statutes, policies, and regulations. Analyze and interpret probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
• Prepare or review legal documents and research for case preparation in which the judicial branch is named.
• Provide legal counsel on various matters, including contract negotiations, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Examine filings for legal sufficiency, jurisdiction, and proper form as required by statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal precedents.
• Review work of law clerks, paralegals, and other legal support staff.
• May supervise law clerks or staff.
• Stay informed about current legislation.
• 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 exercise judgment, make decisions, and accept responsibility, conforming with applicable statutes, regulations, directives, policies, and procedures of the Iowa Judicial Branch.
• 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.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to secure confidential information.
• Ability to use office technology and equipment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently.
• Effective presentation and communication skills.
• Keen 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.
• Two (2) years of related full-time equivalent experience.

A completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six (6) months of education or experience for supervisory-level positions.

Additional Qualification Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of legislative experience.
• Experience in legal research and writing.
• Experience interpreting or communicating legislative changes.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment.

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