Associate Attorney – Municipal & Public Finance

On-site Des Moines, Iowa based Associate Attorney role focusing on municipal law, public finance, and urban renewal or TIF, with a compensation range of $95,000 to $125,000 per year and a J.D. required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with municipal bond financings in roles including bond counsel, disclosure counsel, or issuer's counsel
• Prepare and review bond resolutions, official statements, closing documents, and related transaction materials
• Coordinate due diligence and oversee bond closing logistics and timelines
• Counsel clients on federal tax-exempt bond rules and securities law compliance
• Provide day-to-day guidance to cities, counties, and public boards on governance and statutory authority
• Research and support compliance with open meetings, public records, conflicts of interest, and ethics requirements
• Draft ordinances, policies, development agreements, and intergovernmental contracts
• Assist with urban renewal planning, TIF ordinances, development incentives, and implementation strategies
• Attend and support client meetings, including council or board sessions, and communicate effectively with public stakeholders

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• 0 or more years of experience; open to new graduates through early-career attorneys; public finance, municipal, or transactional exposure is a plus
• Strong legal writing, research, and meticulous attention to detail
• Professional communication style and comfort working with public sector clients
• Ability to manage deadlines and juggle multiple matters without sacrificing accuracy
• Genuine interest in public service work and building long-term client relationships
• Iowa Bar license is required

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Location

Des Moines, Iowa; full-time onsite role in a collaborative, in-office team environment.

Note: Must have a J.D. and be admitted to the Iowa Bar, or able to promptly obtain Iowa admission.

About the firm

We are a long-established Des Moines based law firm serving Iowa’s public sector. Our team advises cities, counties, and public boards on governance and financing matters that keep communities running, from compliance to major public projects funded through bonds and other public finance tools.

Why this is a great opportunity

• Build a true niche early in your career across municipal law, public finance, and urban renewal or TIF
• Gain hands-on experience with bond transactions, closings, and direct client exposure
• Work on matters that shape Iowa communities through infrastructure, redevelopment, and public projects
• Learn from a seasoned team known for responsiveness, precision, and long-term public-sector relationships
• Grow quickly with mentoring, variety in your docket, and a clear path to increased responsibility

Why you will love working here

• Join a team that values quality, mentorship, and balance while handling meaningful public sector work
• We invest in your development, assign real responsibility early, and provide stability and purpose serving public entities across the state
• Competitive compensation and benefits are offered

Application questions

• Please briefly explain how your experience aligns with this role (optional)
• What salary range would motivate you to consider this role?
• In what city and state do you currently reside?

Licensing / Certification

• Iowa Bar license (Required)