Staff Attorney

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney provides direct legal services to University of Iowa students in a general practice setting, with a strong emphasis on tenants’ rights and criminal defense. This role also provides educational programming to students on relevant legal issues and facilitates internship experience for law students. The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, work together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) awarded by an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa and in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court OR will be admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa by start date.
Minimum two years of experience practicing civil and criminal law, including litigation.
Ability to read, use strong research skills, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from law and facts.
Ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships within a shared office environment, including university or college students.
Understanding effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals.
Computer experience using standard office systems; MS Office and Outlook

Nice To Haves

Work experience representing clients on landlord-tenant issues and in criminal defense.
Work experience providing legal instruction to law students.
Knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques; ability to present educational programs on legal issues to groups with the appropriate degree of formality

Responsibilities

Counsel, advise, and represent University of Iowa students in civil and criminal matters, including negotiation, mediation, and courtroom advocacy.
Investigate statutes, case law, and regulations to provide accurate legal guidance.
Prepare legal documents, correspondence, pleadings, and agreements.
Maintain consistent, professional communication with clients, opposing counsel, and courts.
Maintain accurate, organized electronic client files.
Negotiate claims and pursue optimal outcomes for student clients.
Identify and connect students with appropriate university and community resources.
Assist in evaluating and improving office processes, forms, training, and systems.
Develop and present workshops on tenants’ rights, criminal law, and other student-relevant topics.
Train, mentor, and evaluate certified legal interns to ensure ethical, competent representation.
Provide functional supervision to non-attorney staff.
Apply risk‑assessment methods to client matters and operational decisions.
Monitor client satisfaction and address concerns promptly.
Adapt communication for a variety of audiences and provide feedback on written and oral work.