Job Description

Law Clerk - D5 Polk County

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Law Clerk - D5 Polk County

Salary

$62,088.00 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50309 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01396

Agency

444 Judicial

Opening Date

11/21/2025

Closing Date

12/21/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

sierra.walker@iowacourts.gov

To Apply

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.

• Description

• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch, in Polk County, seeks applicants for Law Clerk positions to provide research and administrative support for judges of the district court in the Fifth Judicial Branch.

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. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Summary

Support judicial officers by performing legal research, drafting documents, and assisting with case management and administrative functions to ensure efficient court operations.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, rulings, and orders for judicial officers.

Examine filings for legal sufficiency, jurisdiction, and proper form as required by statutes, rules, regulations, and other legal precedents.

Review case files and assist with preparation for trials and hearings.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently.

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 clearly express complex legal concepts.

Strong critical thinking and attention to detail.

Knowledge of Iowa Judicial Branch organization, functions, and responsibilities of the courts.

Ability to abide by the set laws and perform ethically.

Ability to secure confidential information.

Ability to use office technology and equipment.

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 before the start of the term in August 2026.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in legal research and writing.

Experience working collaboratively in a professional environment.

Experience with Iowa court procedures and legal systems.

To Apply

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.

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.

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

List any professional licenses you hold:

07

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

  08

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

• 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

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Job Tags

Full time, Work at office,

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