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.

Job Duties & Tasks

• Student Legal Representation — Counsel, advise, and represent University of Iowa students in civil and criminal matters, including negotiation, mediation, and courtroom advocacy.

• Case Law Research — Investigate statutes, case law, and regulations to provide accurate legal guidance.

• Document Drafting — Prepare legal documents, correspondence, pleadings, and agreements.

• Client Communication — Maintain consistent, professional communication with clients, opposing counsel, and courts.

• File Management — Maintain accurate, organized electronic client files.

• Negotiation & Mediation — Negotiate claims and pursue optimal outcomes for student clients.

• Campus & Community Referrals — Identify and connect students with appropriate university and community resources.

• Program Evaluation — Assist in evaluating and improving office processes, forms, training, and systems.

• Educational Programming — Develop and present workshops on tenants’ rights, criminal law, and other student-relevant topics.

• Intern Supervision — Train, mentor, and evaluate certified legal interns to ensure ethical, competent representation.

• Support Staff Oversight — Provide functional supervision to non-attorney staff.

• Risk Assessment — Apply risk‑assessment methods to client matters and operational decisions.

• Client Relationship Management — Monitor client satisfaction and address concerns promptly.

• Communication & Presentation — Adapt communication for a variety of audiences and provide feedback on written and oral work.

For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu

About the Division of Student Life

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.

• AdmittedtopracticelawintheStateofIowaandingoodstandingwiththeIowaSupreme CourtORwill beadmittedtopracticelawintheStateof Iowa by start date.

• Minimum two years of experience practicing civil and criminal law, including litigation.

• Abilitytoread,usestrongresearchskills,interpretanddrawaccurateconclusionsfrom law and facts.

• Abilitytoestablishandbuildhealthyworkingrelationsandpartnershipswithinasharedoffice environment, including university or college students.

• Understanding effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectivelytransmit,receive,andaccuratelyinterpretideas,information,andneedsthrough the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

• Abilitytoworkwithavarietyofindividualsandgroups inaconstructiveandcivilmanner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals.

• Computerexperienceusingstandardofficesystems;MSOfficeandOutlook

Desired Skills

• Workexperiencerepresentingclientsonlandlord-tenantissues and in criminal defense.

• Workexperienceprovidinglegalinstructiontolawstudents.

• Knowledgeofeffectivepresentationtoolsandtechniques;abilitytopresenteducational programs on legal issues to groups with the appropriate degree of formality

Application Details

In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu

* Please note An interview presentation will be required.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.