District 5
Chief Judge, Arthur E. Gamble: District 5C
Chief Judge Gamble, Clive, was appointed to
the bench in 1983. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he attended the University of Iowa
where he earned his bachelor's and law degree. He graduated with distinction in
1978 and worked in private practice until his appointment. Chief Judge Gamble
is a member of the Polk County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations. He
is also the president of the Iowa Judges Association and of the C. Edwin Moore
American Inn of Court. He is married with four children.
District Court Judge, Richard G. Blane, II: District 5C
Judge Blane, West
Des Moines, was appointed to the bench in 1995. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he
attended Drake University where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1970 and
his law degree in 1973. After graduation, he worked as an assistant Polk County
attorney, first assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of
Iowa, and for a private firm in Des Moines. Judge Blane
is a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, as well as the
Iowa Judges Association, and Iowa Supreme Court Rules Committee. Judge Blane is married and has two sons.
District Court Judge, Robert J. Blink:
District 5C
Judge Blink of West Des Moines was appointed
to the bench in 1995. He received his undergraduate degree in English and
Speech Communications from North Central College in Illinois in 1972 and his
law degree from Drake University Law School in 1975. He has served as an
assistant Polk County Attorney, Assistant Iowa Attorney General and Special
Deputy United States Attorney. He was also a partner in a Des Moines law firm
before becoming a judge. He has been a professor at Drake University Law School
since 1981. He is a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations
and the Iowa Judges Association. Judge Blink is an Honorary Member of the Order
of the Coif and the Order of Barristers. Judge Blink and his wife have five
children.
District Court Judge, David L Christensen:
District 5B
Judge Christensen, Lenox, was appointed to
the bench in 1993. Born in Atlantic, Iowa, he received both his bachelor's and
law degrees from the University of Iowa. After graduating in 1973, he went into
private practice for approximately 20 years. Judge Christensen is a member of
the District 5B, Taylor County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations. He
also belongs to the Iowa Judges' Association. He is married and has three
children.
District Court Judge, Darrell Goodhue:
District 5A
Judge Goodhue, Carlisle, was appointed to the
bench in 1986. He was born in Carlisle, Iowa, and went to Simpson College. He
earned his degree in 1962 and went to Drake University, where he received his
law degree in 1964. He graduated summa cum laude from Simpson and Order of the
Coif from Drake. Judge Goodhue also served in the United States Army Reserves
and the United States Navy Reserves. He went into general practice and worked
as Warren County attorney and Indianola city attorney. Judge Goodhue is a
member of the Iowa and American Bar Associations and he served on the Iowa
Judges Association Nominating Committee. He is married with four children.
District Court Judge, Robert B. Hanson: 5C
Judge Hanson, West Des Moines, was appointed
to the bench in 2003. He received his undergraduate education from Stanford
University in 1978. He went to the University of Iowa and earned his law degree
in 1981. He clerked for the Iowa Supreme Court and practiced law privately
prior to his appointment. He is a member of the Polk County, Iowa State and
American Bar Associations. He is married with two children.
District Court Judge, Gregory A. Hulse: District 5A
Judge Hulse, Adel,
was appointed to the bench in 1997. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and
received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1969. In 1973 he
graduated from Drake University School of Law and went into private practice.
Judge Hulse also served in the Iowa National Guard
from 1969 to 1975. He belongs to the Dallas County and Iowa State Bar Associations
as well as the Iowa Judges Association. Judge Hulse
is married and has two children.
District Court Judge, Michael D. Huppert:
District 5C
Judge Huppert was appointed to the bench in
December 1999. He earned his B.A. in 1979 at Drake University, summa cum laude,
and his law degree from the same institution in 1982, Order of the Coif. Prior
to his appointment to the bench, Judge Huppert was a partner in the law firm of
Patterson, Lorentzen, Duffield, Timmons, Irish,
Becker and Ordway in Des Moines. He is a member of the Iowa State and Polk
County Bar Associations, as well as the American Judicature Society. Judge
Huppert is also a member and director of the Iowa Judges Association. He
is a Master of the Bench and former president of the C. Edwin Moore American
Inns of Court.
District Court Judge, Paul R. Huscher: District 5A
Judge Huscher,
Waukee, was appointed to the bench in 1997. Born in Norman, Oklahoma, he went
to undergraduate college at Oklahoma State University. After graduating in 1977,
he went to Drake University for law school and graduated in 1980. He was in
private practice for sixteen years before his appointment. Judge Huscher is a member of the Dallas County, Guthrie County,
and Iowa State Bar Associations, as well as the Iowa Judges Association.
District Court Judge, Robert A. Hutchison:
District 5C
Judge Hutchison, Runnells, was appointed to
the bench in 1990. Born in Prairie City, Iowa, he earned his bachelor's degree
from Harvard University in 1971. He graduated from the University of Iowa in
1974 with his law degree and worked at a private law firm until his appointment
to the bench. Judge Hutchison is a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar
Associations. He serves on the Bench-Bar Committee of the Polk County Bar Association.
He is married with two children.
District Court Judge, William H. Joy:
District 5A
Judge Joy, Perry, was appointed to the bench
in 1989. He was born in Perry, Iowa, and went to the University of Iowa for his
undergraduate and law education. He received his law degree in 1968 and went
into private practice in Perry. Judge Joy belongs to the 5A, Dallas County,
Iowa State, and American Bar Associations. He is on the education committee of
the Iowa Judges Association and is a member of the American Judicature Society.
Judge Joy is married and has three children.
District Court Judge, Peter A. Keller:
District 5A
Judge Keller, Ackworth,
was appointed to the bench in 1986. Born in Dallas Center, Iowa, he went to
Iowa State University and the University of Utah. He attended law school at
Drake University and graduated in 1963. Judge Keller then served with the
United States Air Force Reserve, as judge advocate, and practiced law in
Orlando, Florida, and Dallas Center, Iowa, before his appointment. Judge Keller
is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa Judges Association.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit by the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1994. He
has three children.
District Court Judge, Gary Kimes: District 5B
Judge Kimes was
appointed to the bench in 1996.
District Court Judge, John D. Lloyd: District
5B
Judge Lloyd, Osceola, was appointed to serve
Clarke County starting in July 2002. He received his undergraduate degree from
Drake University in 1971, and his law degree also from Drake University in
1974. Lloyd has formerly served as Clarke County Attorney, was in private
practice with Reynoldson, Van Werden,
Lloyd & Reynoldson, L.L.P., and also in private
practice with Lawyer, Lawyer, Dunn and Jackson. He is a member of the American
Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, the Iowa County Attorneys
Association, the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, Iowa Defense Counsel
Association, Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, Judicial District 5B Bar
Association, and President of the Iowa State Bar Foundation Fellows. Lloyd is
married and has one son.
District Court Judge, Martha L. Mertz:
District 5A
Judge Mertz, Knoxville, was appointed to the
bench in February 2002. She received her undergraduate degree from Northeast
Missouri State University in 1974 and she graduated with honors from Drake
University Law School in 1982. Judge Mertz is a member of the Iowa State Bar
Association, American Bar Association, and the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association.
She has received the ICADV Gold Seal Award in 1994, the Athena Award in 1989,
the Rodney L. Hudson Appellate Advocacy Award in 1982, and the Order of
Barristers in 1981. Judge Mertz is married.
District Court Judge, Don C. Nickerson:
District 5C
Judge Don C. Nickerson was appointed to the
bench in 2003. He attended Drake University Law School where he earned his law
degree in 1977. He served as United States attorney in the Southern District of
Iowa and was in private practice before serving as Associate General Counsel
for Wellmark Blue Cross. He is a member of the Iowa
State Bar Association and the National Bar Association. He was awarded the
Drake University Medal of Honor and the ISBA Community Service Award. Judge
Nickerson is married and has three children.
District Court Judge, Joel D. Novak: District
5C
Judge Novak, Des Moines, was appointed to the
bench in 1979. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, he graduated from the University
of Iowa in 1962. In 1965, he earned his law degree from the same institution.
From 1965 to 1979, Judge Novak was a trial lawyer with a private firm. He
belongs to the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations. He is married with
four children.
District Court Judge Eliza Ovrom: District 5C
Judge Ovrom, Des
Moines, was appointed to the bench in 1999. She received her undergraduate
degree from Coe College in 1975, magna cum laude, and her law degree from the
University of Iowa in 1979. Judge Ovrom
previously worked as the First Assistant Polk County Attorney. She is a member
of the American Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, Polk County Bar
Association, and Polk County Women Attorneys Association, C. Edwin Moore Inn of
Court, Child Support Advisory Committee, district director for the National
Association of Women Judges, and is chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution
Committee of the Iowa Judges Association.
District Court Judge, Donna L. Paulsen:
District 5C Judge
Paulsen, West Des Moines, was appointed to the bench in 1992. Born in Des
Moines, Iowa, she earned her bachelor's degree with distinction in 1970 and her
law degree with distinction in 1975 both from the University of Iowa. Judge
Paulsen maintained a private practice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later in Des
Moines, Iowa, for seventeen years before her appointment. She served as
President of the Iowa Judges Association and on the Board of Governors of the:
Iowa State Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of Iowa, and National
Association of Women Judges. She was a member of the Iowa Attorney General's
Task Force on ADR and the Iowa Supreme Court Commission on Planning for the 21st
Century. She is a fellow in the American Bar Foundation and an emeritus
member of the C. Edwin Moore Inn of Court. She is married and has two children.
District Court Judge, Sherman W. Phipps:
District 5B
Judge Phipps, Lamoni,
was appointed to the bench in December of 2002. He received his undergraduate
degree from the University of Iowa in 1968 and his law degree from Drake
University Law School in 1973. Judge Phipps has spent 32 years in private
practice. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the Decatur County
Bar Association, the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, and the Iowa Real Estate
Association. He is married with four children.
District Court Judge, Glenn E. Pille: District 5C
Judge Pille, Des
Moines, was appointed to the bench in 1985. He was born in Marshalltown, Iowa,
and received his bachelor's degree from Loras College
in 1969. In 1972 he graduated from Drake University School of Law. He then went
into private practice until 1979, when he became a juvenile court referee.
District Court Judge, Artis
Reis: District 5C
Judge Reis, West Des Moines, became a
district associate judge in 1995 and a district judge in 1998. She was
born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, raised in Monroe, and graduated from the University of
Iowa, where she received her B.S. in 1969, and M.S.W. in 1976, and J.D., with
distinction, degree in 1976. Judge Reis worked in state government, taught
at Drake Law School, and practiced law prior to becoming a judge. Judge
Reis was named an Honorary Barrister by the Order of Barristers, and received
the Iowa State Bar Association Community Service Award in 2001. In 2000,
Judge Reis received the Friend of Children Award from the Iowa School Social
Workers Association in 2000. Judge Reis was formerly the presiding Judge
for Peer Review Court and the Truancy Court Judge for Polk County.
District Court Judge, Karen A. Romano:
District 5C
Judge Romano, Johnston, was appointed as a
District Court Judge in December 2001. She received her bachelor's degree from
Creighton University in 1983. In 1986, she graduated with honors from
University of Iowa College of Law. Judge Romano served as a District Associate
Judge from April 1996 until her appointment as a District Court Judge. She
worked for a private law firm before serving as an Assistant Polk County
Attorney from 1987 to 1996. Judge Romano is a member of the Polk County, Iowa
State and American Bar Associations. She is also a member of Polk County Women
Attorneys, Iowa Judges Association and National Association of Women Judges.
She is married and has two children.
District Court Judge, Scott D. Rosenberg:
District 5C
Judge Rosenberg, Des Moines, was appointed to
the bench in January of 1997. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he earned his
bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1976 and his law degree from
Drake University in 1979. He has experience in private law practice and private
business, as well as his experience at the state appellate defenders office and
as an assistant Polk County attorney. Judge Rosenberg was appointed to the
district associate bench in 1992. He is a member of the Polk County Bar
Association and chairman of the Bench-Bar Public Committee for the Fifth
District. Judge Rosenberg is married and has two children.
District Court Judge, Carla Schemmel: District 5C
Judge Schemmel,
Grimes, was appointed to the bench in 2003. She attended McKendree
College and received her law degree from Drake Law School in 1985. She worked
in private practice until her appointment. Judge Schemmel
is a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations and a member of
the Iowa Judges Association. She is married with two children.
District Court Judge, Douglas Staskal: District 5C
Judge Staskal, a
resident of West Des Moines, was appointed as a District Court Judge in
February 2001. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in
1976 and his Juris Doctorate from the same
institution in 1979, Order of the Coif. Judge Staskal
served as a District Associate Judge from January 1996 until his appointment as
District Judge. Previously, he also served as Assistant Attorney General and
Assistant State Appellate Defender, in addition to spending ten years in
private practice. Judge Staskal is a member of the
Polk County, Iowa, and American Bar Associations, and the Blackstone Inn of
Court. He is a member of the Iowa Judges Association and serves on the
association's Courts and Community Committee. He also serves on the Iowa
Judicial Branch's Judicial Technology Committee. Judge Staskal
is married with two children.
District Court Judge, D. Stovall: District 5C
Judge Stovall was appointed to the bench in
1995. He earned his bachelor's degree from Chicago State University and his law
degree from Drake University.
District Associate Judge, James D. Birkenholz: District 5C
Judge Birkenholz,
West Des Moines, was appointed to the bench in 1998. He attended Drake
University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1971 and his law degree
in 1974. He was admitted to the patent bar in 1974, as well, and worked in
private practice for 23 years. Judge Birkenholz is a
member of the Iowa State Bar Association. He is married with two children.
District Associate Judge, Gregory D. Brandt:
District 5C
Judge Brandt, Des Moines, was appointed to
the bench in March of 1997. Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, he graduated from Drake
University with a bachelor's degree in 1984 and earned his law degree from the
same institution in 1987. After graduation, Judge Brandt worked as a law clerk
for the Eighth Judicial District until 1988. He went on to be Polk County
assistant attorney from 1988 to 1995, at which time we worked as an associate
at a law firm until his appointment. Judge Brandt is a member of the Polk
County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations, the Iowa Judges Association,
and the American Judges Association.
District Associate Judge, Richard B. Clogg: District 5A
Judge Clogg,
Indianola, was appointed to the bench in 1999. He was in private practice for
25 years prior to his appointment. Judge Clogg
received his bachelor's degree from Simpson College in 1971 and his law degree
from Drake University in 1974. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar
Association. Judge Clogg is married and has three
children.
District Associate Judge, Virginia Cobb:
District 5A
Judge Virginia Cobb, Dallas Center, was
appointed to serve as Dallas County Magistrate in 1995 and was appointed to
serve as District Associate Judge in 2005. She attended Drake University, where
she earned her undergraduate degree in 1978 and her law degree in 1982. She has
served as assistant county attorney, instructed at Grand View College and was
in the private practice of law. Cobb is a member of the bar and achieved Order
of the Barristers.
District Associate Judge, Carol L. Coppola:
District 5C
Judge Coppola, Des Moines, was appointed to
the bench in July 2001. She received her bachelor's degree from Creighton
University in 1973. She graduated with honors, Order of Coif, from Drake
University in 1980. Judge Coppola had been in private practice for 21 years.
While in private practice she served on many committees including the Client
Security Commission, Polk County Family Law Committee, and the Polk County
Grievance Committee. She is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the
Polk County Bar Association, and the Iowa Judges Association.
District Associate Judge, Carol S. Egly: District 5C
Judge Egly, Polk
City, was appointed to the bench in 1986. She received her bachelor's
degree from St. Olaf College in 1971 and her law degree from Drake University
in 1974. She then served as assistant attorney general for the State of Iowa
until 1977. While in private practice, she was a part-time magistrate and
part-time hearing officer for the State of Iowa prior to her appointment.
District Associate Judge, Monty W. Franklin:
District 5B
Judge Franklin was appointed to the bench in
2007. He earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and his
law degree, with distinction, from the University of Iowa. Judge Franklin
served as a Wayne County Attorney from 1982 to 1986 and has also been in
private practice since 1979. Judge Franklin is a member of the Wayne
County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa Judges Association. He
also received the Angels in Adoption Award from U.S. Congressional Coalition On
Adoption Institute in March 2005.
District Associate Judge, Louise Jacobs:
District 5C
Judge Jacobs, Des Moines, was appointed in
1997 to serve as Polk County magistrate and in 2001 was appointed to serve as a
district associate judge. She earned a bachelor of science degree with
distinction from the University of Minnesota and her law degree with honors
from Drake University where she was awarded honorary membership in the Order of
the Coif. Judge Jacobs has served as assistant city attorney for Des
Moines and was also in private practice. She is a member of the Iowa Bar
Association, the Polk County Women Attorney Association, the Polk County Bar
Association, and the National Association of Women Judges.
District Associate Judge, Cynthia M. Moisan: District 5C
Judge Moisan, Des
Moines, was appointed to the bench in 1995. She was born in Chicago, Illinois,
and earned her bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. In 1982 she
received her law degree from Drake University. Judge Moisan
practiced law with a firm from 1984 until her appointment to the bench. She is
a member of the American Judges Association, the National Association of Women
Judges, the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, and the C. Edwin Moore
- Inns of Court.
District Associate Judge, Thomas W. Mott:
District 5A
Judge Mott, Newton, was appointed to the
bench in December of 1980. He received his bachelor's degree in 1972 and his
and law degree in 1975 both from the University of Iowa. Judge Mott has served
in the United States Navy. After graduation from law school he entered the
private practice of law in Newton. Judge Mott is a member of the Iowa
State Bar Association, the Iowa Judges Association, and the American Judicature
Society.
District Associate Judge, Odell McGhee, II:
District 5C
Judge McGhee, Des Moines, was appointed as a
District Associate Judge in February 2002. He received his bachelor's degree
from Cornell College in 1974 and his Juris Doctorate
from Drake University Law School in 1977. Judge McGhee has worked as the
Program Planner for the Iowa Commission of the Aging, Administrative Hearing
officer with the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality, and most recently in
the Polk County Attorney's Office. Judge McGhee is a member of the Iowa State
Bar Association, Polk County Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the
National Association of District Attorneys and the National Association of
Prosecutors. He is a Commissioner on the Iowa Supreme Court's Continuing Legal
Education Commission and an officer of the National Association of Prosecutors
(NAP). He is married with two children.
District Associate Judge, Kevin A. Parker:
District 5A
Judge Parker, Indianola, was appointed to the
bench in 2005. He received his bachelor's degree from Gannon University in
1977 and his Juris Doctorate from Drake University in
1979. Judge Parker served as law clerk to the Honorable James P. Denato in 1980. While in private practice, he served
as assistant Warren County attorney from 1981 to 1989, then served as Warren
County attorney from 1989 to 2002. He practiced law with a firm from 2003
until his appointment to the bench. Judge Parker is a member of the Iowa
State Bar Association and the Warren County Bar Association. He is married
and has four children.
District Associate Judge, William A. Price:
District 5C
Judge Price, Ankeny, was appointed to the
bench in July 2001. He received his bachelor's degree from Drake University in
1970 and his law degree also from Drake University in 1972. Judge Price has
worked as a trust officer, an assistant Polk County attorney and most currently
in general private practice. He served in the Iowa National Guard from 1970 to
1976. Judge Price is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, and the Polk
County Bar Association. He is married and has two children.
District Associate Judge, Joe E. Smith:
District 5C
Judge Smith, Des Moines, was appointed to the
bench in 1999. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of
Colorado in 1967. He received a Master of Arts degree from the University of
Texas El Paso and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Judge Smith
graduated from Drake University Law School in 1989. He worked as a Des Moines
Adult Public Defender, and for the Iowa Employment Appeal Board before his
appointment. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, and the Polk
County Bar Association. In 1998 Judge Smith received the Iowa State Bar
Association's Pro Bono Award.
District Associate Judge, Terry Wilson:
District 5A
Judge Wilson, Knoxville, was appointed to the
bench in 1995. He was born in Monroe, Iowa, and served in the United States
Marine Corps. Judge Wilson earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State
University and his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He went into
private practice for 26 years. He is married and has two children.
District Associate Judge, Colin J. Witt: District 5C
Judge Witt, Des Moines, was appointed to serve
Polk County as a magistrate in 2005. He was appointed to serve as a
District Associate Judge in 2006. He is a graduate of the University of Iowa,
earning his undergraduate degree with honors in English and his law degree with
distinction. He was a law clerk for three years to Judge Ronald E. Longstaff of the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Iowa. Judge Witt also was in private practice prior
to his appointment to the district associate bench.
District Associate Probate Judge, Ruth Klotz:
District 5C
Judge Klotz, Des Moines,. was appointed to
her position in 1978. She is the only judge to hold this title in the state.
She attended Drake University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in
1954 and her law degree in 1955.
Associate Juvenile Judge, Constance Cohen:
District 5C
Judge Cohen, Clive, was appointed to the
bench in 1994. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Drake
University. She earned her undergraduate degree in 1972 and her law degree in
1986. Judge Cohen then worked as assistant Dallas County attorney, Executive
Director of Iowa County Attorneys Association, Prosecuting Attorney's Training
Coordinator, as a sole practitioner, and in the Iowa attorney general's office.
Judge Cohen was also on the Drake University Law School faculty. She chairs the
Supreme Court Juvenile Court Officer's Training Committee and belongs to the
Supreme Court Committee on State Court Improvement in Child Welfare Matters,
Polk County, Dallas County, and Iowa State Bar Associations. She is a member of
the Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys, Polk County Women Attorneys, National
Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges - Board of Trustees, and Blackstone
Inn of Courts.
Associate Juvenile Judge, Karla J. Fultz:
District 5C
Judge Fultz, Indianola, was appointed to the
bench in 1993. She was born in Des Moines and received her bachelor's and law
degree from Drake University. After graduating in 1969, she worked as a Polk
County legal aid, then as assistant Polk County attorney. She has also been a
juvenile referee and spent fourteen years in private practice. Judge Fultz is a
member of the Juvenile Court Committee of the Iowa Judges Association, the
Coalition on Health and Safety of Children in Polk County, the attorney
general's Task Force on Juvenile Crime, and the Disproportionate Minority Youth
Confinement Task Force. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Drake in 1967, and
has been the recipient of the William H. Spurgeon III award for service to Boy
Scouts of America, and the Minority Youth Service Award. Judge Fultz is
married, and has eight children and eight grandchildren.
Senior Judge, Leo Oxberger:
District 5
Judge Oxberger was
appointed to the bench in 1969. Born in Des Moines, he served in the United
States Air Force then went to college. He earned his bachelor's degree from
Drake University in 1954 and his law degree from the same institution in 1957.
In 1987, he received his L.L.M. from the University of Virginia. Judge Oxberger was the Polk County Republican Chairman. He has
four children.
Senior Judge, Thomas A. Renda:
District 5C
Judge Renda was
appointed to the bench in 1971. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he earned his
bachelor's degree from Loras College and his law
degree from Drake University. He has worked as a lawyer and legislator. Judge Renda is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association. He is
married and has four children.
Magistrate Blair A. Bennett
Magistrate Bennett, Des Moines, was appointed
to serve Polk County in November of 2006. He received his undergraduate
degree from Northwestern University in 1987 and his law degree from the
University of Iowa in 1993. Bennett has worked in private practice, a
member of the Federal DJA Panel, and defense counsel for Polk County Drug
Court. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Association of
Criminal Defense Lawyers, Board of Directors at Hawthorn Hill, and past member
of the Blackstone Inn of Court. Bennett is married with two children.
Magistrate Leslie M. Clemenson
Magistrate Leslie M. Clemenson,
Waukee, was appointed to serve Dallas County starting in August 2005. She
received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University in 1988, and her law
degree from Drake Law School in 2003. She is in private practice in Adel. She
is a member of the Edwin C. Moore Inns of Court, the American Trial Lawyers
Association, the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, Iowa Bar Association, Polk
County Bar Association and Dallas County Bar Association. Clemenson
is married and has four children.
Magistrate Heather Dickinson
Magistrate Heather Dickinson, Des Moines, was
appointed to serve Polk County on August 1, 2005. She attended Mount Holyoke
College and received her undergraduate degree in 1981. She received her law
degree from Drake University in 1984 and then attended the London School of
Economics. She has served as bank counsel, assistant county attorney and is in
private practice in Des Moines. She is a member of the Polk County Bar
Association, is married and has two children.
Magistrate
David M. Erickson
Magistrate David M. Erickson, West Des
Moines, was appointed to serve Polk County August, 1, 2009. He graduated from Drake University with his
bachelor's degree in 1974 and received his law degree from the same institution
in 1978. David has been in private
practice since 1978. He is a member of
the American College of Real Estate Attorneys and the Real Estate Section of
the Iowa Bar Association. Erickson is
single and the proud father of two boys adopted from Russia.
Magistrate Duane L. Golden
Magistrate Duane L. Golden, Corning, was
appointed to serve Adams County on August 1, 2005. He served in the United
States Army from 1983 to 1986, and was in the Army Reserve until 1989. He
received his undergraduate degree from Cornell College in 1991, and his law
degree from the University of Iowa in 1996. Golden served as a deputy
public defender in Idaho Falls, Idaho and as a deputy county attorney in
Pocatello and Lewiston, Idaho. He has been in private practice since
2003. Golden is married and has three children.
Magistrate Mary Pat Gunderson
Magistrate Mary Pat Gunderson, Des Moines,
was appointed to serve Polk County on August 1, 2005. She graduated from
University of San Diego with her bachelor's degree in 1984. She attended the
University of Iowa where she received her law degree in 1988. She served as
assistant Polk county attorney from 1989-1997 and as secretary of the Iowa
Senate from 1997-1998. She is a member of the Polk County Bar association and
is married with three children.
Magistrate Adam D. Hanson
Magistrate Adam D. Hanson, Winterset, was
appointed to serve Madison County August 1, 2009. He graduated from the
University of Northern Iowa with his bachelor's degree in 2004, magna cum laude
and earned his law degree from Drake University Law School in 2007. Adam has worked in general practice. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar
Association, Polk County Bar Association, Madison County Bar Association and Iowa
Magistrate Association. Hanson is
married.
Magistrate Marion E. James
Magistrate Marion E. James, Creston, was
appointed to serve Union County in 1995. He graduated from Simpson College with
his bachelor's degree in 1965 and earned his law degree from Drake University
in 1968. James served in the United States Navy JAG Corps until 1973. He earned
his L.L.M. from George Washington University. He has worked in the general
practice of law and is a member of various committees on the Iowa State Bar
Association. He is married and has three children.
Magistrate Kathleen J. Kooiker
Magistrate Kathleen J. Kooiker,
Osceola, was appointed to serve Clarke County in 1983. She earned her
bachelor's degree from Simpson College in 1986 and has served as a legal
assistant for four and one-half years. Kooiker is on
the Board of Directors of the Iowa Association of Magistrate Judges and is a
lay member of the Iowa County Attorneys Association. She is married and has two
children.
Magistrate Kristian
M. Lehmkuhl
Magistrate Kristian
M. Lehmkuhl, Osceola, was appointed to serve Clarke
County in August 2006. He received his undergraduate degree from Lawrence
University in 1966 and earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee
College of Law in 2002. Lehmkuhl has worked in
private practice in Osceola since 2004 and is also currently teaching Business
Law at Southwestern Community College. He is a member of the Iowa State
Bar Association, American Bar Association (Pro Bono committee, Affordable
Housing committee), Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development
Law. Lehmkuhl is married.
Magistrate Jeffrey M. Lipman
Magistrate Jeffrey Lipman
was appointed to the bench in May of 2001. Magistrate Lipman
currently serves as President of the Iowa Magistrate Judges
Association. Magistrate Lipman graduated from
University of Arizona in 1986 and from the William Mitchell College of Law in
1989. Magistrate Lipman serves on the Iowa
Supreme Court Unauthorized Practice of Law Commission and is a member of the
Moore Inns of Court. Magistrate Lipman has
authored several law review articles as well as the Iowa Magistrate Judges
Manual. Magistrate Lipman is married and has 4
children.
Magistrate James Mefferd
Magistrate James Mefferd,
Chariton, was appointed to serve Lucas County in 1977. He received his
undergraduate education from Iowa State University and then served in the
United States Army. Mefferd earned his law degree
from Washburn School of Law and graduated in 1972. He has worked in private
practice. He was in the Army Reserve until 1989, and currently belongs to the
Iowa State Bar Association and Library Board of Trustees. He is president of
Chariton Group Home. Mefferd has two children.
Magistrate Verle
Norris
Magistrate Verle
Norris was appointed to serve Wayne County in 1997.
Magistrate James L. Pedersen
Magistrate James L. Pedersen, Mount Ayr, was appointed to serve Ringgold County in 1989. He
graduated from Colorado State University in 1975 and from Drake University
School of Law in 1985. He is a practicing attorney and a member of the Ringgold
County, District 5B, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations.
Magistrate Mary Ellen Perkins
Magistrate Mary Ellen Perkins, Panora, has been appointed to serve Guthrie County in
August 2001. She received her undergraduate degree from Drake University in
1985, and her law degree from Drake University Law School in 1987. She has been
in private practice since graduating law school. She is a member of the Iowa
State Bar Association, the Guthrie County Bar Association and the Dallas County
Bar Association. She is married and has two children and two grandchildren.
Magistrate James Patrick Piazza
Magistrate James Patrick Piazza, Des Moines,
was appointed to serve Polk County on August 1, 2005. He graduated from
Pennsylvania State University in 1963 with his bachelor's degree and from Drake
University in 1967 with his law degree. He served in the military before
entering into private practice in 1967. He is a member of the Iowa Bar
Association and is married with three children.
Magistrate Terry Rickers
Magistrate Terry Rickers,
Newton, was appointed to the bench in 2005. He received his undergraduate
degree from Iowa State University in 1983. He attended the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln and earned his law degree in 1986. Since graduation, he has
been in private practice in Newton. He is a member of the Jasper County and
Iowa State Bar Associations. He also belongs to the American Health Lawyers
Association, Iowa Association of School Board Attorneys, Iowa Trial Lawyer's
Association, Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission and Iowa Association of
Magistrate Judges. He is married with two children
Magistrate Robert A. Rolfe
Magistrate Robert A Rolfe, Lamoni, was appointed to serve Decatur County in 1994. He
graduated from Graceland College in 1968 and from Drake University School of
Law in 1973. Rolfe was the Union County attorney, Creston city attorney, and
has practiced law privately. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association,
president of the Decatur County Bar, and Trustee of Lamoni
Community Schools.
Magistrate Joseph W. Seidlin
Magistrate Joseph W. Seidlin,
Clive, was appointed to serve Polk County in August 2005. He attended Drake
University where he received his undergraduate degree in 1982 and his law
degree in 1985. Seidlin has been in private practice
since 1985. He served as a corporate counsel from 1986-1989. He is a member of
the Polk County, Iowa and American Bar Associations. Seidlin
is married and has two children.
Magistrate Misheal
Waller
Magistrate Misheal
Waller, Boughton, was appointed to serve Dallas
County in August 2004. She received her undergraduate degree from Iowa
State University in 1995 and earned her law degree from Drake University Law
School in 1998. Waller worked as an associate for a firm in Guthrie Center
from 1998-2001, and has been in private practice since 2001. She is a
member of the Iowa State Bar Association and served on the Immigration Advocacy
Board for Community Opportunities, Waller has 1 child.
Magistrate David J. Welu
Magistrate David J. Welu,
Des Moines, was appointed to serve Polk County on August 1, 2005. He graduated
from Loras College in 1970 and received his law
degree from Drake University in 1973. He has served as assistant city attorney,
assistant county attorney and been in private practice. He has worked as Civil
Claims Counselor for Polk County since 2000.
Magistrate James E. Winemiller,
Sr.
Magistrate James E. Winemiller,
Sr. was appointed to serve Taylor County in 2003.
