Legal Counsel

LEGAL COUNSELThe Legal Services Division supports the legislative work of the Iowa General Assembly without participating in partisan politics. We draft legislation for all 150 state legislators, staff legislative committees, consult with legislators and governmental officials and staff, and assist in the publicationoftheIowaCode.Ifyouareinterestedinservingthepublicbyapplyingyourresearch, writing, interpersonal, and analytical skills to help create clear and unambiguous laws, in finding creativesolutionstocomplexandtimelypublicpolicyissues,andinlearningsomethingnewevery day, consider applying to be a Legal Counsel with the LSA.Applicants must have excellent analytical and communication skills and the ability to develop superior drafting skills and expertise in assigned areas of the law. The ability to handle heavy workload under extremely short deadlines and to prioritize workload is essential. Overtime work during the legislative session (typically January through May), including nights and weekends, is required. Partial compensatory time during the legislative interim is available. A law degree is required. Bar admission and previous professional experience are desired. A writing exercise is required of interviewees. Beginning annual salary is $63,897.60. Partisan political activity and legislative issue advocacy are prohibited.The Legislative Services Agency (LSA)is a nonpartisan, central staff agency that supports the GeneralAssemblybyprovidingserviceswithprofessionalism,objectivity,andintegrity.Ourstaff of around 100 employees work across three divisions and multiple offices, each contributing unique expertise in support of Iowa?s legislative process.The LSA offers meaningful work with great benefits. Our employees participate in the Iowa Public Employees? Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan, the LSA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF), and low-cost, high-quality health and dental insurance is offered.Salary Rate - Grade 30Duties: Bill drafting, which includes consulting with legislators and others in analyzing problems, identifying objectives, secondary effects, and underlying values and assumptions.Assessing information and research needs.Considering alternatives, and constructing statutory language, within the context of current statutes, court decisions, and administrative rules and procedures to accomplish the legislative objective.Conducting legal research.Preparing analyses, explanations, and summaries of legislation and court decisions.Staffing and advising legislative committees on legislation, law, administrative rules, and opinions of the courts and Attorney General.Performing administrative duties and preparing minutes, reports, and other work products for legislative committees.Contacting technical personnel for information.Providing information and assistance on the status of legislation and on specific areas of the law to other governmental agencies and to the public.Assisting in the editing, preparation, and publication of the Iowa Code and Iowa Acts.Progress toward and responsibility for more complex projects and independent work projects is dependent upon the Legal Counsel?s ability and performance.Overtime is required both to accomplish the required workload and to be available as needed by the legislators and legislative committees, with partial compensatory time provided.Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to the Director, Legislative Services Agency, State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa 50319, online at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/careers. The Legislative Services Agency is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.This is a courtesy posting for the Legislative Services Agency. Applicants must follow instructions in "To Apply" to be considered.