Salary : $85,176.00 - $130,603.20 Annually
Location : Sioux City - 51101 - Woodbury County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-01229
Agency: 428 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing - Public Defender
Opening Date: 10/29/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: Job DescriptionThis is not the usual job at the State Public Defender's Office. Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through public service? The Iowa State Public Defender's Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and enthusiastic attorney to serve as a Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families in Woodbury County, Iowa. The Project to Preserve Families utilizes a team of professionals to provide Iowans access to legal and family centered services to prevent Court involvement and subsequent removals by providing indigent clients access to legal services.
What You'll DoAs a Public Defender 2 for the Project to Preserve Families, you will assist families to address issues such as the following:
- Child Custody
- Guardianship and Conservatorships
- Chapter 236 Protective Orders
- Landlord/tenant issues
- Basic Criminal Matters including clearing up warrants
- Driver's Licensing
- Other issues as approved by the State Public Defender
- Work closely with clients providing and discussing information, plan case strategy and trial preparation.
- Maintain appropriate communication with clients about case status and answering client questions.
- Identify potential legal issues to advance the client's case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and briefs.
- Prepare various legal documents, motions, briefs, and letters.
- Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court, and close files consistent with office policies.
- Receive training and mentoring from dedication, experienced public defenders in an atmosphere which encourages growth and development of an attorney's skills and career.
What We OfferWhen you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:
- Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
- Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
- Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
- Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
- Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
- Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only).
For additional information on benefits click here.
Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us!
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 law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
- Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Public Defender 1.
