Benchbook Unpaid Extern (SCA Education & Development)

About the Department

The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking applicants for an unpaid extern position under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Judicial Education and Development and in consultation with the Benchbook Executive Committee. This position is responsible for developing and assimilating materials to support Iowa District Court Judges and Associate District Court Judges. This position offers law school graduates an excellent opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience while working closely with State Court Administration staff, judges, attorneys, and district court staff.

This position will be located at the Iowa Judicial Branch Building in Des Moines, Iowa and is available as a remote position.

This is an unpaid, part-time, flexible position of 15-20 hours per week for the summer session.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the planning, development, and accumulation of documents, videos and other media resources designed to assist training newly appointed Judges, support ongoing judicial decision-making functions, and document continuing legal education materials.
• Research and prepare documentary materials to support the Benchbook Executive Committee in its long-term goal to provide updated, robust and dynamic educational resources that can be available to judges on a daily demand basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with media resources for potential uses as educational tools for Judges.
• Experience with working independently on time-sensitive projects.
• Ability to use personal computers and wide-ranging software programs for creating training content.
• Proven excellence in legal research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

To Apply: Candidates will need to submit a NEOGOV application, cover letter, and resume. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must be a current student in an accredited law school before the first day of employment.