District Staff Attorney (D4 Pottawattamie 146923)

District Staff Attorney (D4 Pottawattamie 146923)

Salary

$71,801.60 - $114,712.00 Annually

Location

Council Bluffs - 51501 - Pottawattamie County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00355

Agency

444 Judicial

Opening Date

08/04/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

laura.kyndesen@iowacourts.gov

To Apply

Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

• Description
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch seeks applicants for a District Staff Attorney position to support judicial officers of District 4 which includes the counties of: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. District Court Staff Attorneys are responsible for providing professional legal services for the District Court to help the court process and dispose of cases.

The successful candidate will perform extensive research, prepare memoranda, orally brief the court, and draft proposed rulings and orders for review by the presiding judge. The successful candidate should expect to do a variety of other tasks to assist with the day-to-day functions of the court. Employees in this class may also assist in the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of law clerks.

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 $71,801.60 - $114,712.00 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 District Staff Attorney as summarized below.

Summary

Provide career-level support and services for judicial officers. Research laws, legal opinions, cases, statutes, policies, and regulations.

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.
• May supervise or mentor law clerks and review the work of law clerks, paralegals, and other support staff.
• 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.

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.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the practice of law and legal procedure.
• Considerable experience in legal research and writing.
• Experience interpreting recent case outcomes and legislative changes.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment.

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch.

• Yes
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. S611 et seq?

• Yes
• No

03

Please explain any gaps in your employment history?

04

Have you ever received a disciplinary suspension, been asked to resign, or discharged from a job? If yes please explain below.

05

What is your minimum salary requirement?

06

Your application for employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch will generally be treated as confidential under Iowa Code section 22.7(18). However, if you consent to allow Judicial to treat it as a public record per Iowa Code section 22.7(18)(a), please check "Yes, I consent" below.

• Yes, I consent
• No

07

List any professional licenses you hold:

08

Current Iowa Judicial Branch Employees ONLY: Have you completed the Iowa Judicial Branch LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certification?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

09

Applicants with international degrees: Have you attached an international education equivalency verification document? We highly recommend for further consideration.

• I have attached an international education equivalency verification document
• I have not attached an international education equivalency verification document
• Not Applicable

10

Are you related to or do you have a close personal relationship with any current employee? If so, please identify the individual and department.

11

This role requires regular, in-person work. Are you willing to commute or relocate, if necessary, to fulfill this requirement?"

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 444 Judicial Address Iowa Judicial Branch Building

1111 E Court Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website http://www.iowacourts.gov/