Attorney 1

Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.     

The Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) is currently accepting applications to fill a Civil Rights Attorney/Attorney 1 position (mediation law focus), which is a permanent, full-time, contract and merit-covered position in Des Moines, IA.If you have strong alternative dispute resolution skills and are ready to enforce civil rights in the State of Iowa for both housing and employment investigations, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview:
 As a Civil Rights Attorney, you will be an important part of the enforcement of the Iowa Civil Rights Act within the state of Iowa. Your legal training will be used to evaluate discrimination complaints and to analyze facts and applicable legal standards to make recommendations for further action by IOCR. This position requires extensive legal writing and collaborating with the other legal professionals within the Agency.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Learns how to prepare drafts, letters, memorandum, pleadings, motions, and interrogatories for use by attorneys of a higher level. 

• Learns to facilitate alternative dispute resolution between parties.

• Researches laws, policies, and regulations from other state and federal jurisdictions. 

• Assists Senior Attorneys and Attorney General in litigation. 

• Reviews and investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodation, housing, credit, and education and provides written reports of investigation including analysis of evidence and applicable law. 

• Interviews complainants, respondents and witnesses; identifies specific basis for complaints; reviews records; analyzes and reviews evidence received from respondents; obtains and analyzes comparative evidence; and applies applicable statutes and legal standards to determine if there is probable cause to believe discrimination occurred. 

• Must be an efficient and effective writer and provide written synopsis of complainant’s allegations, respondent’s evidence and application of legal standards to same. 

• Must be able to provide thorough, well-reasoned and clear written evaluations of law and evidence. 

• Enters data and completes reports in web-based database. 

• Provides training to the general public.

All work is performed under appropriate supervision by higher level attorneys. Travel may be required, including overnight stays.

As a State of Iowa Employee, you will also receive a robust benefits package including:

• Excellent pay and benefits package including health, dental, vision, flexible spending, and life insurance.

• Opportunities for salary increases following your first six months and annually thereafter

• Biweekly vacation accrual and separate sick leave

• Paid holidays (9 days per year)

• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package

• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions

• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)

• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan)

• Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care

Additionally, we are located in a wonderful new building conveniently located minutes from downtown, historic Valley Junction, and the western suburbs. Our new building offers ample parking, onsite fitness facilities, and other modern amenities. It is located close to entertainment and state parks, which create ample recreational opportunities.

Learn more about the benefits available as a State of Iowa Employee here.

Following a six-month probationary period, you will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule (two days in office, three days working from home). 

 Why Join IOCR:

At IOCR, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your legal expertise can make a real impact on civil rights enforcement in Iowa. We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits.

The Iowa Office of Civil Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

354 Law Degree
Possession of a law degree from an accredited institution

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited school of law to qualify for positions in this job classification.

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to be admitted to Iowa State Bar if required at the time of appointment.