District Staff Attorney (D4 Pottawattamie 146923)

State of Iowa•Council Bluffs - 51501 - Pottawattamie County, IA

17d

About The Position

The Iowa Judicial Branch seeks a District Staff Attorney to provide career-level professional legal support and services to judicial officers in District 4, which includes Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties. The role helps the District Court process and dispose of cases through extensive legal research, preparation of memoranda, oral briefings to the court, and drafting proposed rulings and orders for review by the presiding judge. The attorney may also assist with the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of law clerks, and perform other tasks supporting the day-to-day functions of the court. This is a contract-covered, FLSA-exempt, non-merit position. The annual pay range is $71,801.60–$114,712.00; new state employees are expected to start at the base of the range, with possible adjustments for relevant experience. The Iowa Judicial Branch describes its work environment as collaborative and positive and notes that the role offers opportunities to make a widespread difference in Iowa communities. Employment may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in the state of Iowa.
Knowledge of Iowa laws and rules and of the Iowa Judicial Branch’s organization, functions, and court responsibilities.
Knowledge of legal research principles, procedures, and practices.
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 applicable 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the practice of law and legal procedure.
Considerable experience in legal research and writing.
Experience interpreting recent case outcomes and legislative changes.
For supervisory-level positions, a completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six months of education or experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct electronic and manual research into laws, legal opinions, policies, regulations, and other legal precedents.
Draft or review legal documents, including briefs, memoranda, rulings, orders, and opinions.
Examine filings for legal sufficiency, jurisdiction, and proper form under applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and legal precedents.
Prepare jury instructions.
Orally brief the court and prepare memoranda and proposed rulings and orders for review by the presiding judge.
Assist with the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of law clerks, as needed.
May supervise or mentor law clerks and review the work of law clerks, paralegals, and other support staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.