Senior Judge James L. Beeghly

Judge Beeghly, West Union, was appointed to the bench in 1984. He was born in Conrad, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1967, he went to the University of Iowa and received his law degree in 1974. He also served in the United State Navy. Prior to his appointment, Judge Beeghly spent nine and a half years pursuing the general practice of law and served as Fayette County attorney and juvenile court referee. Judge Beeghly is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and a past president of the Iowa Judges Association. Judge Beeghly retired from District 1.

Senior Judge Terry L. Huitink

Judge Huitink, Ireton, was appointed to the bench in 1988. He attended the University of Iowa, earning his undergraduate degree in 1974. He attended Drake University Law School and earned his law degree in 1976. Judge Huitink served as a part-time juvenile court referee from 1981 to 1987. He was in private practice in Ireton and Sioux Center until his appointment to district court judge in 1988. He was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1994 and retired in 2008.

Senior Judge Robert Mahan

Judge Mahan, Ames, was appointed to the bench in 1978. He attended Iowa State University and graduated in 1969. After earning his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1973, he practiced law with two firms in Waterloo. Later he joined the Black Hawk County attorney's office where he worked as a prosecutor until he was appointed a district associate judge. In 1986 Mahan was named a district judge and appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1997. He retired in 2009. He is married and has four daughters. 

Senior Judge John Miller

Judge Miller, Burlington, was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1999.  He was born near Wellman, Iowa and raised in North English, Iowa.  Judge Miller attended undergraduate and law school  at the University of Iowa, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1969 and his law degree, with distinction, in 1975.  He was in private practice from 1975 to 1980 and then was a trust officer before being appointed to the district court bench.  Judge Miller served as a district judge in the Eighth Judicial District for eighteen years and held the position of chief judge from July 1998 until his appointment to the appellate court. He retired from the Court of Appeals in 2009. He is a member of the Des Moines County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations.  Judge Miller is married and has three children.


Senior Judge Frank Nelson

Judge Nelson retired from District 3 in 2003. 

Senior Judge Vern Robinson

Judge Robinson, Iowa City, was appointed to the bench in 1980. He attended Grinnell College. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he went to the University of Iowa, where he received his law degree. Judge Robinson was in private practice and worked for legal services before his appointment to district court. Judge Robinson retired from District 6.

Senior Judge Ronald H. Schechtman

Judge Schechtman, Carroll, was appointed to the bench in 1987. Born in Greeley, Iowa, he attended the University of Iowa. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1954 and his law degree in 1958 from that institution. After graduation, he practiced law in Carroll, Iowa, until his appointment. He served as Chief Judge of the Second Judicial District. Judge Schechtman is a member of the Carroll County and Iowa State Bar Associations, as well as the Second Judicial District Bar Association, Iowa Judges Association, and American Judges Association. He has four children. Judge Schechtman retired from District 2.

Senior Judge Van Zimmer

Judge Zimmer, Vinton, was appointed to the bench in 1985. Born in Vinton, Iowa, he attended the University of Iowa. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1969 and his law degree in 1972 from that institution. After graduation, Judge Zimmer served as an officer in the United States Army. In 1973, he served as an assistant county attorney for Linn County and an adjunct college instructor. Judge Zimmer later served as an area prosecutor for the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and as assistant United States attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. He was also a member of a private law firm in Vinton before serving as a district court judge for 13 years. Judge Zimmer was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1999 and retired in 2008. Judge Zimmer is married and has two children.