Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars Iowa City, IA Full-time The University of Iowa 1,303 reviews Full-time Description The Staff Attorney provides direct legal services to University of Iowa students in a general practice setting, with a strong emphasis on tenants' rights and criminal defense. This role also provides educational programming to students on relevant legal issues and facilitates internship experience for law students. Job Duties & Tasks Student Legal Representation — Counsel, advise, and represent University of Iowa students in civil and criminal matters, including negotiation, mediation, and courtroom advocacy. Case Law Research — Investigate statutes, case law, and regulations to provide accurate legal guidance. Document Drafting — Prepare legal documents, correspondence, pleadings, and agreements. Client Communication — Maintain consistent, professional communication with clients, opposing counsel, and courts. File Management — Maintain accurate, organized electronic client files. Negotiation & Mediation — Negotiate claims and pursue optimal outcomes for student clients. Campus & Community Referrals — Identify and connect students with appropriate university and community resources. Program Evaluation — Assist in evaluating and improving office processes, forms, training, and systems. Educational Programming — Develop and present workshops on tenants' rights, criminal law, and other student-relevant topics. Intern Supervision — Train, mentor, and evaluate certified legal interns to ensure ethical, competent representation. Support Staff Oversight — Provide functional supervision to non-attorney staff. Risk Assessment — Apply risk‑assessment methods to client matters and operational decisions. Client Relationship Management — Monitor client satisfaction and address concerns promptly. Communication & Presentation — Adapt communication for a variety of audiences and provide feedback on written and oral work. For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu About the Division of Student Life The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, work together to keep our students safe, and provide them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom. Requirements Juris Doctor (JD) awarded by an accredited law school. Admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa and in good standing with the Iowa Supreme Court OR will be admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa by start date. Minimum two years of experience practicing civil and criminal law, including litigation. Ability to read, use strong research skills, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from law and facts. Ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships within a shared office environment, including university or college students. Understanding effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals. Computer experience using standard office systems; MS Office and Outlook Desired Skills Work experience representing clients on landlord-tenant issues and in criminal defense. Work experience providing legal instruction to law students. Knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques; ability to present educational programs on legal issues to groups with the appropriate degree of formality Application Details In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu. Please note : An interview presentation will be required. Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.