District Court Staff Attorney (D7 Scott 151366)

The Iowa Judicial Branch seeks applicants for a District Staff Attorney position to support judicial officers of District 7.  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 $69,992.00 to $111,800.00 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.

• 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 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 Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.