Ag Law Research Specialist

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation (CALT) at Iowa State University is seeking an Ag Law Research Specialist to join our team in supporting the agricultural community through education and outreach in the areas of agricultural law, taxation, business entities, and estate and transition planning. This role involves creating and delivering practical, research-based legal resources and programming for agricultural producers and their advisors. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in legal research and writing, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. This individual will also possess excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance for agricultural producers and the professionals who support them. A passion for continuous learning and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector are essential. If you are curious, self-motivated, and eager to learn, this position offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge of agricultural law and taxation—and even become a recognized expert in the field. You'll get paid to research, write, and teach about important legal issues that directly affect agricultural producers and the professionals who serve them. This is not a billable-hours job, there’s no time tracking or punching a clock. Instead, you'll work with a supportive team and connect with an interesting, engaged audience, including farmers, attorneys, tax professionals, and ag industry experts. The work is meaningful and will provide practical education that helps people, drives positive change, and makes a real difference in the agricultural community. Although this is a term position, we expect it to provide a long-term opportunity, with a renewable term option. The candidate will be hired as an Industry Extension Specialist III. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Juris Doctor

Nice To Haves

Experience advising agricultural clients in agricultural law, taxation, business entity, or estate / transition planning matters.
Demonstrated experience with legal research and writing.
CPA, LLM, or M.S. or B.S. in accounting, taxation, agricultural economics, or related field.
Teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, and write educational materials focused on agricultural law, taxation, business structures, and estate/transition planning. These materials will be used in print publications, online resources, webinars, and seminar presentations.
Present legal education and training through workshops, webinars, and conferences to a broad range of stakeholders, including producers, attorneys, tax professionals, and other agricultural advisors.
Analyze and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and legal developments affecting agriculture.
Collaborate with CALT staff to evaluate the impact of legal and policy changes and ensure timely, accurate information is shared with the agricultural community.
Conduct legal research and review relevant legal documents to support educational and outreach efforts.
Engage with partners, including policymakers, industry leaders, and university collaborators, to support CALT’s mission of providing trusted, objective legal education across the agricultural sector.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.