Key Features of the Iowa Legal Job Market
The state of the legal job market in Iowa (as of 2014): A quick overview from the Bureau of Statistics (BLS) shows that the legal profession provides more than 3,000 jobs in Iowa, with the majority of these located in Cedar Rapids (1,060 jobs), Des Moines (2,590 jobs), and Davenport (2,030 jobs).
Adding in lawyers and judges for the sake of a larger number, there are more than 5,100 legal positions in Iowa, according to the BLS. Salaries for lawyers in Iowa average $71,350 for attorneys working in Davenport, $73,180 in Cedar Rapids, and $76,160 in Des Moines.
The hourly wage is $34.29 per hour. Attorneys earn the highest hourly rate among the legal professionals tracked in Iowa, followed by paralegals/legal assistants ($21.19 per hour) and post-secondary paralegal instructors ($21.13 per hour).
Iowa is just one of many states seeking to grow the legal sector following the 2009 recession . Indeed, when you look at the number of professionals working in law firms, large and small, you see that the state currently boasts the 94th highest concentration of lawyers in the country.
As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 8,810 law firms in Iowa in 2015, with 6,350 of these consisting of 1-4 attorneys. This means that 72.9 percent of law firms in the state consist of fewer than five lawyers.
Statistics on local law firms reveal that Terracon, Reid & Reige, P.C., BerganPaulsen, P.L.C., The Axilon Law Group and Drake University are currently hiring. Average salaries for attorneys working in law firms vary by experience. Those with 1 to 4 years of experience average $61,000 per year, while those with 5 to 9 years of experience earn $75,000 per year. Associates and senior associates with 10 or more years of experience average $75,000 and $85,000 respectively.
Iowa’s Common Legal Job Titles and Roles
Attorneys and judges are the most well-known legal job titles and roles, but they are by no means the only options available to you. Legal employment opportunities include many other options, such as legal administrative support, intellectual property and privacy positions, and legal technology positions. The following list summarizes the most common job titles and roles in the legal field, as well as the associated responsibilities and qualifications.
Attorney
Attorneys are licensed to provide legal representation to clients. This typically requires four years of undergraduate study, followed by three years of law school. In addition, lawyers must pass the bar exam to have the right to practice law in their state of residence. In Iowa, attorneys are licensed by the Iowa Supreme Court after they have passed the written exam, submitted to an interview, and submitted a good character report. Attorneys play an important role in civil and criminal matters, advising on legal matters, helping to settle disputes, and representing their clients in court. Senior attorneys may supervise associates or manage their own firms.
Paralegal
Paralegals and legal assistants provide support to lawyers. While they can perform many of the tasks lawyers do, they may not give legal advice or represent clients in court. Paralegals may carry out research, organize files, draft documents, and gather evidence or interview witnesses. Depending on their employer, members of this multi-function group may be called paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary, legal administrative assistant, or legal secretary. This position requires a paralegal certification.
Legal Administrative Support Professionals
Administrative support professionals complete various duties that aid in the day-to-day management of a law office. In general, paralegals manage many of the same responsibilities. They will be designated legal assistants, paralegals, litigation assistants, or legal technicians. However, some may be tasked with specific functions such as litigation support, scheduling, or research.
Judges
One of the more prestigious positions in the legal profession, judges are appointed or elected to preside over legal proceedings and interpret the law. Usually, judges are expected to have extensive legal experience. They serve at every level, including city councils, circuit courts, district court, and the Supreme Court.
Required Education and Legal Training in Iowa
In order to practice law in Iowa, a candidate must meet several educational requirements. The State of Iowa only accepts candidates who have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school. This simply means that any applicant must obtain a Juris Doctorate from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Nationally, there are over 200 law schools that meet this requirement, and Iowa is home to three: Drake University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Notre Dame (located across the state in South Bend, Indiana).
In addition to obtaining a J.D., Iowans must also pass the Uniform Bar Examination. Adopted in 2011, Iowa now utilizes the Uniform Bar Exam in addition to the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Iowa is one of almost 40 states that use the UBE to test candidates seeking to take the bar exam in their state. In order to maintain their license to practice law, Iowa attorneys must also complete at least 36 hours of accredited CLE every three years.
Networking and Professional Organizations
Engaging with fellow professionals is crucial for legal practitioners in Iowa. From job leads to industry insights, the power of networking cannot be underestimated.
The Iowa State Bar Association is a valuable resource for Iowa attorneys, comprising 13,000+ members, 11 regional chapters, and 29 practice sections. Membership is required for attorneys to practice law in Iowa. They provide various services and benefits, including an online directory and job postings.
The Iowa Defense Counsel Association, founded in 1963, consists of nearly 500 plaintiff and defense attorneys, judges, and risk managers. They focus on continuing legal education, law practice management, advocacy, professionalism, and attorney wellness.
The Iowa Association for Justice, established in 1954, has over 1,100 member attorneys and 350 joint members. Their priorities are maintaining and improving the civil justice system, opposing changes to the Iowa Constitution restricting access to justice, and advocating for consumer safety.
The International Association of Defense Counsel is a peer-selected organization of over 2,500 lawyers worldwide, dedicated to defending corporations and individuals in civil litigation as well as representing the legal profession. Members are screened for experience, ability, and good character.
Established in 1974, Women Lawyers of Iowa is now affiliated with the National Association of Women Lawyers, with 600+ members . The organization promotes women lawyers’ equality and elevates women in the legal community, providing networking, other events, a newsletter, and a blog.
The Iowa Women Attorneys Association was founded in 1978, with 10 charter members, and now has over 400 members. They are a statewide, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the interests of women attorneys and women’s rights.
The Iowa Asian Alliance was established in 2001 and is an organization of individuals and organizations committed to ensuring Iowa’s Asian Americans have equal opportunity to achieve their potential.
The Iowa Trial Lawyers Association is a non-profit organization of more than 600 plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys who practice law in state and federal courts in Iowa. Founded in 1964 to provide a common platform for trial lawyers, the organization is now known for training lawyers and producing publications.
The Iowa Juvenile Justice Association was established in 1960 and membership is open to anyone interested in juvenile justice. The association connects people dedicated to improving juvenile justice through advocacy, legislation, and collaboration.
The Iowa State Bar Association includes over the 10,000 lawyers licensed in Iowa to practice. Founded in 1868, the association serves three main functions: providing member benefits, representing the public in legal and professional issues, and providing services to all Iowans.
Current and Emerging Trends in the Iowa Legal Market
Modern legal practitioners are no longer just attorneys; they are savvy entrepreneurs, agile technology experts, and emotionally intelligent communicators who seek to address complex legal challenges in innovative ways. In Iowa, these trends manifest in a unique environment that is both dynamic and stable—ideal for navigating and capitalizing on opportunities in the legal sector.
A notable shift in the Iowa legal job market recently has been the movement from traditional practice areas toward servicing emerging industries. As the state’s business landscape evolves, so too do the legal needs of its clients. Areas such as corporate law have become gateways into sectors like cybersecurity, cannabis law, and intellectual property that are gaining traction. This evolution in demand is forcing practitioners to always be on their toes in terms of professional development and networking.
Just as attorneys must stay nimble, so too must the technology that underpins their work. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics are now commonplace in the legal profession and their usage is expected to increase in the coming years. These innovations change how attorneys conduct research, write legal briefs, and engage with clients.
State-level developments are also creating new opportunities. The establishment of business accelerators and incubators aims to propel the growth of the entrepreneurial sector, while increased investment in healthcare puts pressure on lawyers and law firms to broaden their health law and litigation practices. These developments will result in a fertile ground for seasoned professionals to mentor and foster the lawyers of tomorrow, benefiting the entire legal community.
These emerging trends are just a look at the current and anticipated landscape in Iowa. The Iowa legal landscape looks bright for legal job seekers looking for opportunities in a forward-thinking and diverse legal environment.
Applying for Legal Positions in Iowa
When searching for legal job openings in Iowa, your job-seeking tactics should vary with the type of position you are seeking. For instance, if you wish to work as an attorney in a law firm, you may want to apply as early as six months in advance and use online job boards, such as the Iowa State Bar Association job bank. When looking for an opening as a law clerk with a judge, however, you may only have a month or two to find the job. You’ll also want to apply directly to the judges when seeking a law clerk position, rather than submitting your resume through a job bank. Moreover, if you want a legal position in a nonlegal firm or company, you should seek out openings as early as possible. You may still have some time to look for a nonlegal position. Generally, you should search for legal positions directly in Iowa firms or companies, as opposed to applying through a national firm or company.
As mentioned, there are several important tips when seeking legal employment in Iowa . Some of these are specific to the type of job you wish to obtain, while others apply in general. However, whichever position in question you seek, you will need to build an effective resume. It’s best to keep your resume simple, as you do not want to "fudge" your qualifications. In addition to your resume, you should have interview strategies prepared. This includes preparing answers for questions about your salary requirements as well as basic interviews. You should also have a plan or strategy for getting interviews in the first place. If you are looking for a job within a firm or company, you can use online job portals to post a resume for employers to see. It’s also important to stay connected with other attorneys, paralegals, law students and judges in Iowa. This will help you find a legal position, as many legal professionals in Iowa will be aware of openings and other legal news before it becomes available to the general public.