Attorney 2

Job Description

Join Our Team – Make a Difference in Civil Rights Enforcement

The Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR) is currently accepting applications to fill an Attorney 2 position, which is a permanent, full-time, merit-covered position in Des Moines, IA. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, enjoys in-depth legal analysis, and is ready to make a real impact on civil rights enforcement in Iowa.

Why IOCR?

At IOCR, we are more than just an office—we are a team of hardworking professionals committed to fairness, equality, and justice. Our work directly impacts the lives of Iowans by enforcing civil rights protections. We foster an open and collaborative culture where your contributions are valued, and your skills are put to meaningful use.

Our office handles a high volume of discrimination complaints, carefully analyzing facts and legal standards to uphold the Iowa Civil Rights Act. This means collecting documents, conducting interviews, and drafting detailed legal reports. If you have strong analytical and writing skills, this is your opportunity to play a critical role in civil rights enforcement.

What You’ll Do

• Review and investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and education

• Prepare clear, well-reasoned written reports outlining investigative findings and legal analysis

• Research laws, policies, and regulations related to civil rights. Provide legal advice and opinions to managers and the Director.

• Work closely with a team of legal professionals dedicated to civil rights in Iowa.

What We Offer

When you join IOCR, you become part of a mission-driven team while also enjoying an outstanding benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary with opportunities for increases.

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and nine paid holidays per year.

• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) pension plan and optional 401A retirement plan with employer contributions.

• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.

• Employee discounts on wellness programs, recreation, travel, and more.

• Hybrid work opportunity available.

Our office is located in a modern, state-of-the-art building just minutes from downtown Des Moines, historic Valley Junction, and the western suburbs. With ample parking, onsite fitness facilities, and easy access to parks and entertainment, our location offers convenience and a great work-life balance.

Be a Part of Something Bigger

At IOCR, your work matters. You’ll play a key role in upholding civil rights in Iowa, helping ensure fairness and equality for all. If you're ready to use your legal skills to make a difference, apply today!

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

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

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in the practice of law; not including experience as a law clerk.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work with the employing agency in the practice of law; not including experience as a law clerk.

Additional Qualification Requirements

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