Law Research Assistantships are broadly available to law students at Iowa Law. In addition to financial benefits, these positions provide law students the opportunity to learn from legal scholars, clinical faculty, library staff, and leadership at the College of Law.
A law research assistant (LRA) position is an opportunity for a law student to work 10 hours per week with a member of the law school faculty. Under current University of Iowa practice, LRAs are entitled to the following benefits: resident tuition, a salary, and subsidized health/dental insurance. These LRA positions are a wonderful way to enhance both our law students’ legal education and add experience to their résumés. Click here to view our LRA Fact Sheet which has all helpful information regarding LRAs in one place.
Hear from law students about their experience as research assistants and what they took away from the experience below.
Current Openings
12twenty is used to advertise LRA positions. To view current openings, please go to the Student Login for 12twenty. If you are a faculty member seeking to advertise an opening, please go to the Employer Login to 12twenty. Please review the Instructions for LRA Postings in 12twenty for how to post positions.
Hours Per Week Limitations
Student hourly work limitations are established by State of Iowa law. Student employment exists to support students in the pursuit of an academic degree. In order to ensure success, both in the classroom and on the job, balance is the key. Too many work hours may place a student's academic success at risk. For more information about hour limitations, visit here. The limitations apply regardless of the number of student jobs a student has or the number of semester hours for which they are enrolled (i.e., enrolled in one class or full-time).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Law Research Assistant?
Law Research Assistant (LRA) positions are primarily intended as learning experiences, which contribute to the student’s progress toward a program of study. LRA positions are available during the second and third year with most of the faculty.
What are the advantages to having a salaried LRA position?
-Tuition Adjustment for Non-Residents to the Resident Rate: For those students classified as a non-resident for tuition purposes, a quarter-time salaried research assistant position will change your tuition status during that semester to resident, thus reducing your tuition charges and financial aid package accordingly.
-Subsidized Health Insurance: Employed Graduate Students/Fellows, enroll online via MyUI. "Student Insurance" is listed under "Student Life Management" on the "Student Information" page.
-Salary: over $2000 for the year
As you begin any form of employment with the University, federal law requires that you complete an I-9 form to confirm your eligibility to work. You must be prepared to present appropriate documentation to a University representative on or before your first day of employment, who will then work with you to complete this form. Please refer to the list of acceptable documents.
Faculty Expectations
An LRA position offers professional training as a legal employee. Faculty members will expect you to:
-Treat the position with respect. Be professional and prepared
-Meet submission deadlines. If you suspect you will not meet a deadline inform your supervisor as soon as possible
-If you don’t understand an assignment, ask questions until you do
-Above all: communicate with your supervisor
Bar Character & Fitness
State licensing agencies routinely require you to report all employers on your application. LRA supervisors receive the following inquiries from state judicial licensing agencies:
-Would you hire this person again?
-Was this person trustworthy?
-Would you recommend this person for admission to the bar?
For answers to your questions about your paycheck go to the Employee Self Service Website. After you sign in select "Personal" then select paycheck review. All employees are paid by Direct Deposit to a checking or savings account.
Please contact the appropriate staff member based on the subject of your question or concern.
Payroll and Timesheets:
Jessica Diers
Phone: 319-335-9142 Email: law-financialaid@uiowa.edu
12twenty:
Nathan Davis
Phone: 319-467-3115 Email: law-careerservices@uiowa.edu
Employee & Supervisor Concerns:
Josh Patterson, Director of Financial Aid:
Phone: 319-467-4666 Email: joshua-patterson@uiowa.edu
Carin Crain, Associate Dean for Student Affairs:
Phone: 319-335-9544 Email: carin-crain@uiowa.edu