Law Clerk

Salary: $63,700.00 Annually
Location : Sioux City - 51101 - Woodbury County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00497
Agency: 444 Judicial
Opening Date: 09/16/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io
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.


Job Description
The Third Judicial District has two openings for a Law Clerk 1. These positions will support the Judicial Officers in District 3 and are located in Woodbury County, Sioux City Iowa.

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


This is intended to be a one-year clerkship opportunity , with possible extensions of additional years based on funding, availability, and performance.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00A - 4:30P


Employees in this class perform research and administrative functions for judges of the district court. To be successful in this position you will need to have the following:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of substantive and procedural law

• Demonstrates ability to utilize law library resources and working knowledge of research tools

• The ability to formulate and express complex technical and legal subjects clearly
• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Critical thinking skills
• The ability to maintain confidentiality
• Detailed oriented

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.


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

• Graduation from an accredited law school.

Additional Qualification Requirements
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. 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 CAREFULLYHave you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act 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
• Not Applicable

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
• Not Applicable

10


Are you related to or do you have a close personal relationship with any current employee? If so, please identify the individual and department.
11


This role requires regular, in-person work. Are you willing to commute or relocate, if necessary, to fulfill this requirement?"

• Yes
• No

Required Question