Job Description

Posting number: 27-00529

Department: 444 Judicial

Job classification: GENERIC CLASS SPEC

Posting type: Open

Categories: Legal

The 7th Judicial District has an opening for a Law Clerk. This position will support the judicial officers of District 7 and may require travel to Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, and Muscatine counties, although it is primarily based in Scott County.

The Law Clerk position is a great opportunity for law school graduates seeking practical, hands-on experience applying their knowledge to assist with cases being litigated by the State of Iowa courts. This position will also deepen your understanding of the litigation cycle across a variety of legal matters as you assist the public, judges, attorneys, and government officials.

This is intended to be a one-year clerkship opportunity from August 2027 to July 2028, with possible extension up to an additional year based on funding, availability, and performance.

To Apply: Candidates will need to submit a NEOGOV application, cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

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 starting salary for this position is $63,700.00. This is an FLSA exempt position.

To Apply: Candidates will need to submit a NEOGOV application, cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

Provide legal support and services for judicial officers.

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.
• 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.

Qualifications

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

Supplemental information

Preferred Qualifications

• High standard of academic excellence.
• Considerable experience in legal research and writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment.
• Familiarity with Iowa court procedures and legal systems.