Law Clerk (D5 TBD 111886)
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Law Clerk (D5 TBD 111886)
Salary
$62,088.00 Annually
Location
State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
26-02512
Agency
444 Judicial
Opening Date
03/17/2026
Closing Date
3/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag
LI-DNP
Point of Contact
Sierra.Walker@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 Law Clerk positions to provide research and administrative support for judges of the district court in the Fifth Judicial District. Location of this position is to be determined. However, the position will be based in either Dallas County or Polk County. If based in Dallas County, travel to Polk County may be required for meetings or training.
This position offers law school graduates an excellent opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience applying legal knowledge to assist with cases at the trial court level. You will enhance your understanding of the litigation life cycle while working closely with judges, attorneys, and government officials.
This is intended to be a one-year clerkship opportunity from August 2026 to July 2027, with possible extension up to an additional year based on funding, availability, and performance.
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 $62,088.00. This is an FLSA exempt position.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
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.
Summary
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 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 towww.iowacourts.govand 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
Graduation from an accredited law school.
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.
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. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. 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 Ace 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
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
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/
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