Chief Judge, Jon C. Fister: District 1B

Chief Judge Fister, Waterloo, was appointed to the bench in 1993. He served as assistant chief judge prior to his appointment as chief judge in August 2008. Chief Judge Fister was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and attended the University of Iowa where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1967 and his law degree in 1971. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he taught criminal procedure in the Police Science Department at Iowa Western Community College, practiced law with a firm in Page County, and then practiced with a firm in Black Hawk County for over 20 years. Judge Fister is a member of the Iowa Judges Association, the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, and the Courts and Community Committee of the Judges Association.  He also chairs the Black Hawk County Magistrate Appointing Commission.  

 

District Court Judge, Monica Ackley: District 1A

District Court Judge Monica Ackley, Dubuque, was appointed to serve Dubuque County in 1997 as a magistrate and to the district court bench in 2003. She attended the University of San Diego, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1986 and her law degree in 1990. She worked as a law clerk and research assistant before going into private practice. Ackley is a member of the Dubuque County, Iowa State, and California Bar Associations.  

  

District Court Judge, John J. Bauercamper: District 1A

Judge Bauercamper, Waukon, was appointed to the bench in 1986. Born in Cresco, Iowa, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1970 and his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973. He practiced law privately, as well as serving as Allamakee County attorney and juvenile court referee. Judge Bauercamper belongs to the Iowa Judges Association, the Allamakee County Bar Association, the Iowa State and Minnesota State Bar Association, and serves as assistant chief judge for the First Judicial District.  He is married and has four children. 

  

District Court Judge, Thomas N. Bower: District 1B

Judge Bower, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the district associate court bench in 1993 and the district court bench in 1995. He was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University in 1984. In 1987 he received his law degree from Drake University and went on to work as assistant Black Hawk County attorney. Judge Bower also served as assistant city attorney before his appointment. He is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association, the Iowa Bar Association,  the Iowa Judges Association, board member of the Black Hawk/Grundy Coalition Against Domestic Violence, co-chair of the Iowa Supreme Court Task Force on Domestic Abuse, member of the Iowa Supreme Court Committee to Review Child Support Guidelines, presiding judge of Black Hawk County Adult Drug Court Program, member of National Association of Drug Court Professionals  and serves as Black Hawk County administrative judge. 

  

District Court Judge, Stephen C. Clarke: District 1B

Judge Clarke, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the bench in 1984 serving first as an associate juvenile court judge and then being appointed district court judge in 1997. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and earned his bachelor's degree from Conception (MO)Seminary College in 1967. In 1973 he graduated with his law degree from the University of Mississippi. In addition to four years of private practice, he served as Black Hawk County public defender, and worked at the Central Mississippi Services before being appointed to the associate juvenile bench. Judge Clarke is a member of the Iowa Judges Association, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations. He co-chairs the Iowa Supreme Court Select Committee to Review State Court Practices in Child Welfare Matters. Judge Clarke is married with two sons. 

  

District Court Judge, Lawrence H. Fautsch: District 1A

Judge Fautsch, Dubuque, was appointed to the bench in 1991. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, he went to the University of Notre Dame and received his degree in 1971. He then earned his law degree from Drake University in 1974. He worked in private practice and as assistant Dubuque County attorney before being appointed to the associate district court bench in 1986. He is married and has two children. 

  

District Court Judge, Todd A. Geer: District 1B

Judge Geer, Grundy Center, was appointed to the bench in 1996. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, he went to Drake University for his undergraduate education and University of Iowa for his law degree. He practiced law with a firm in Grundy Center and served as assistant Grundy County attorney before being appointed to the district associate bench in 1995. Judge Geer is a member of the Iowa Judges Association and the Iowa State Bar Association. He serves on the Courts and Community Committee. 

  

District Court Judge, Bradley J. Harris:  District 1B

Judge Harris, Grundy Center, was appointed to the bench in 2007.  He received his undergraduate degree from Loras College in 1976, and his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1980.  Judge Harris is a member of the Iowa Bar Association, the Grundy County Bar Association, as well as the Iowa County Attorney Association. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he was a partner at the law firm of Kliebenstein, Heronimus, Schmidt, and Harris, and also served as the Assistant Grundy County Attorney from 1995 to 2003, and the Grundy County Attorney from 2003 to 2007. Judge Harris is married and has two children. 

 

District Court Judge, Kellyann M. Lekar: District 1B

Judge Lekar, Waterloo, was appointed to the bench in 2005. She received her bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1990 and her law degree from the University of Iowa in 1993. She was in private practice prior to her appointment to the bench.  Judge Lekar is a member of the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, Board of Directors of the Iowa Judges Association, American Bar Association, Courts and Community Committee of Iowa Judges Association, and the Iowa State Bar Association Jury Instructions Commmittee.

 

District Court Judge, Margaret L. Lingreen: District 1A

Judge Lingreen, Postville, was appointed to the bench in 1991. She was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa and received her bachelor's degree from Drake University in 1974. In 1977, she earned her law degree from the same institution. She practiced law with a private firm and served as assistant Allamakee County attorney from 1979 to 1991. Judge Lingreen is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa Judges Association.  She is married with two children. 

  

District Court Judge, Michael J. Shubatt: District 1A

Judge Shubatt, Dubuque, was appointed to the bench in 2008. He attended the University of Iowa where he received his undergraduate degree in 1987, and his law degree in 1990. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he was a shareholder in the Dubuque law firm of Fuerste, Carew, Coyle, Juergens & Sudmeier, P.C., and served clients for 18 years as a general practitioner with an emphasis in civil litigation and trial work.  Judge Shubatt also practiced in the state and federal courts of Iowa and Illinois, as well as the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.  He is a member of the Dubuque County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations.   

 

District Court Judge, George Stigler: District 1B

Judge Stigler, Waterloo, was appointed to the bench in 1978. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his law degree from the University of Iowa. 

  

District Court Judge, Richard D. Stochl: District 1B 

Judge Stochl, New Hampton, was appointed to the bench in 2007.  He graduated summa cum laude from Western Illinois University in 1986.  He obtained his Law Degree from the University of Iowa in 1989. Prior to his appointment to the bench he was a partner in a northeast Iowa firm for over 18 years.  Judge Stochl is a member of the Iowa and Minnesota State Bar Associations, the Iowa Judges Association and the Chickasaw County Bar association.  He and his wife Kathy have three sons.  

 

District Court Judge, Bruce B. Zager: District 1B  

Judge Zager, Waterloo, was appointed to the bench in August of 1999. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1975 and his law degree from Drake University Law School in 1980. Judge Zager spent 18 years in private practice and served part time as a Black Hawk Assistant County Attorney for 12 years. Judge Zager is a member of the Iowa Judges Association, the Iowa State Bar Association and the Black Hawk County Bar Association. He is married with three children. 

  

District Associate Judge, Nathan A. Callahan: District 1A

Judge Callahan, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the bench in 2000. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1979 and his law degree from Lewis and Clark in 1984. Judge Callahan served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1972 to 1976. After graduating from law school, he worked as a legal assistant/clerk for the City of Kenai, Alaska in municipal law from 1983-1984; as a district attorney for the Alaska Attorney General's office from 1985 to 1991 and in private practice from 1992-1996. He worked in the public defender's office from 1996 until his appointment to the bench. Judge Callahan is a member of the Iowa Judges Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, and the Black Hawk County and Alaska Bar Associations. He has two children. 

  

District Associate Judge, James D. Coil: District 1B

Judge Coil, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the bench in 1986. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he received his bachelor's degree from Simpson College in 1973 and his law degree from Creighton University in 1977. Judge Coil served in the Iowa Air National Guard from 1970 to 1978. After graduating, he worked as special prosecutor in Judicial District 1B and in 1979 worked as assistant Black Hawk County attorney. Judge Coil went into private practice from 1983 until his appointment to the bench. He is a member of the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, along with the Iowa Judges Association. 

  

District Associate Judge, Richard R. Gleason: District 1A

Judge Gleason, Dubuque, was appointed to the bench in 1991. He was born in Cascade, Iowa, and went to the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1974 and in 1981 he received his law degree from the University of North Dakota. He then worked in private practice, as well as with Legal Services Corporation of Iowa, and the Youth Law Center of Des Moines. 

  

District Associate Judge, Jeffrey L. Harris: District 1B

Judge Harris, Grundy Center, was appointed to the bench in 1997. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in 1974 and his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1977. He began his law career with the United States Army and served until 1989. Prior to his appointment, Judge Harris worked as a U.S. Army Judge Advocate, as well as in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Legal Corporation of Iowa, and the Black Hawk County attorney's office. He is a member of the Iowa Judges Association and the Iowa National Bar Association.    

  

District Associate Judge, Joseph Moothart: District 1B

Judge Moothart, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the bench in 1985. Born in Cresco, he received his undergraduate degree from Creighton University in 1972 and his law degree from the University of Nebraska in 1977. He was in private practice in Cedar Falls from 1977 until 1985.  He is a member of the Iowa Judges Association and the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations. 

  

District Associate Judge, Randal J. Nigg: District 1A

Judge Nigg, Dubuque, was appointed to the bench in 1989. Born in Ames, Iowa, he received his bachelor's degree from Loras College in 1971. Judge Nigg then earned his law degree in 1974 from the University of San Diego.  Prior to his appointment he practiced law in Dubuque for 15 years. He serves on the Criminal Law and Rules Review Committee, the Courts & Community Committee, and the District Associate Judge Committee of the Iowa Judges Association and is a member of the Iowa State Bar and American Judicature Society. 

  

Associate Juvenile Judge, Alan D. Allbee: District 1B

Judge Allbee, West Union, was appointed to the bench in 1990. He was born in West Union, Iowa, and attended the University of Iowa for both undergraduate and law school. He graduated from law school in 1977. Judge Allbee spent 12 years in private practice, but also worked as an assistant county attorney, city attorney, and part-time juvenile referee. Judge Allbee is a member of the Iowa Judges Association Juvenile Court Committee, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the juvenile and family law section of the Iowa Bar Association. 

  

Associate Juvenile Judge, Daniel L. Block: District 1B

Judge Block, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the bench in 1997. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1985. In 1989 he graduated from Creighton University and began his law career serving as assistant Black Hawk county attorney from 1990-1996. He was in private practice from 1996 until his appointment to the bench. Judge Block is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, Second Chance Youth Offenders Advisory Board and the Iowa Judges Association. He is married and has three children. 

  

Associate Juvenile Judge, Thomas J. Straka: District 1A

Judge Thomas Straka, Peosta, was appointed to serve Dubuque County as a magistrate in 2005, and appointed to the bench as an Associate Juvenile Judge in 2006.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1991, and his law degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1995.  He served as law clerk for the Sarpy County Juvenile Court and was former secretary of the Dubuque County Bar Association and President of the Young Lawyers Division.  Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Straka practiced primarily in the area of family and criminal law.   

 

Senior Court Judge, James C. Bauch: District 1B

Judge Bauch, Cedar Falls, was appointed to the bench in 1985. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, he earned both his bachelor's degree and law degree from the University of Iowa. After law school, he served in the Unites States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1972. From 1973 to 1978, Judge Bauch was in West Germany, serving on the defense counsel. He has also worked as Black Hawk assistant County attorney and Black Hawk County attorney. Judge Bauch is a member of the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Association. He is married with four children. 

 

Senior Judge James L. Beeghly: District 1

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 States 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. 

 

Senior Judge, Alan L. Pearson: District 1

Judge Alan Pearson, Dubuque, was appointed to the bench as a district judge in 1985. He was born in Ames, Iowa, and earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1968. In 1971 he received his law degree from the University of Iowa. Prior to his appointment, Judge Pearson worked at Legal Services, the county attorney's office, and in private practice.  He served as chief judge for the First Judicial District until his retirement in July 2008. Judge Pearson is married and has two children. 

 

Senior Judge, Walter W. Rothschild: District 1

Judge Rothschild, Waterloo, was appointed to the bench in 1987. Born in Constance, Germany, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1954. He earned his law degree from the same institution in 1957. Aside from his career in general practice, Judge Rothschild has worked as the general counsel to the Iowa State Tax Commission and as a judicial hospital referee. Judge Rothchild is a member of the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations, as well as the Iowa Judges Association. He is honored in the Mock Trial Judge Hall of Fame. 

 

Magistrate Shawn M. Harden

Magistrate Harden, Independence, was appointed to serve Buchanan County in 2005. He graduated from Mount Mercy College in 2000 and received his law degree from Drake University in 2003. Harden is a member of the Buchanan County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations. Harden has been in private practice in Independence since 2003, where he and his wife reside. 

  

Magistrate Delores M. Kolka

Magistrate Delores M. Kolka was appointed to serve Delaware County in 1997. 

  

Magistrate Francis J. Lange

Magistrate Francis J. Lange was appointed to serve Dubuque County in 1989. 

  

Magistrate Katherine J. Langlas

Magistrate Katherine J. Langlas was appointed to serve Black Hawk County in 1989. 

  

Magistrate Linzy E. Martin

Magistrate Linzy E. Martin, Strawberry Point, was appointed to serve Clayton County in 1989. He earned his bachelor's degree from Upper Iowa University in 1970 and his law degree from Drake University in 1975. Martin served in the United States Navy. He was a bankruptcy trustee for the Southern District of Iowa and was assistant Clayton County attorney. He is married with one child. 

  

Magistrate Patricia A. McGivern

Magistrate Patricia A. McGivern, Waterloo, was appointed to serve Black Hawk County in 2007.  She earned her bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1974, and her law degree from the University of Iowa in 1977.  Magistrate McGivern worked for the Iowa Supreme Court as a screening attorney from 1977-1978 when she became an Assistant Black Hawk County Attorney. She was in private practice from 1979-1995 with Clark, Butler, Walsh and McGivern, and an Assistant Attorney General from 1995-2007.  Professional organizations include the Black Hawk County Bar Association and the Iowa Bar Association.

 

Magistrate Daniel McClean

Magistrate Daniel McClean was appointed to serve Dubuque County in 2005. 

  

Magistrate Patricia R. Meany

Magistrate Patricia R. Meany was appointed to serve Black Hawk County in 1987. 

 

Magistrate Barry S. Mueller

Magistrate Barry S. Mueller, Postville, was appointed to serve Allamakee County in 1981. He received his undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1976 and his law degree from Drake University in 1980. He practices law in Iowa and is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and Judicial Magistrates of Limited Jurisdiction Association. Mueller is married and has two sons. 

  

Magistrate Mark M. Murphy

Magistrate Mark M. Murphy, Cresco, was appointed to serve Howard County in 1985. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1973 with his bachelor's degree and from Creighton University in 1976 with his law degree. He has served as a juvenile referee, hospitalization referee and was in the general practice of law. He is married. 

  

Magistrate John Nemmers 

Magistrate John Nemmers was appointed to serve Dubuque County in 2006. 

 

Magistrate Dawn Newcomb

Magistrate Dawn Newcomb, La Porte City, was appointed to serve Black Hawk County in 2004. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1990 with her bachelor's degree and from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1994 with her law degree. She has served as a law clerk in the 1st Judicial District and is in the general practice of law. She is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Wisconsin Bar Association. She is married. 

  

Magistrate Sherry J. Nichols

Magistrate Sherry J. Nichols, Decorah, was appointed to serve Winneshiek and Fayette Counties in 1996. As a graduate of the University of Minnesota, she earned her bachelor's degree in 1970 and her law degree in 1973. Nichols served as a juvenile referee and is currently in private practice with a firm in Decorah. She is a member of the Winneshiek County and Iowa State Bar Associations, and is licensed to practice law in Minnesota. She is married with three children. 

 

Magistrate Stephanie C. Rattenborg

Magistrate Stephanie C. Rattenborg, Manchester, was appointed to serve Delaware County in 1996. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1990 with her bachelor's degree, and earned her law degree from Drake University in 1994. She graduated with distinction and has worked at two Iowa law firms. Magistrate Rattenborg is a member of the Delaware County and Iowa State Bar Associations. She is married with three children. 

 

Magistrate Steven K. Ristvedt

Magistrate Steven K. Ristvedt, Independence, was appointed to serve Buchanan County in March of 2000. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1972 and his law degree from Drake University in 1975. He served as assistant county attorney, assistant Iowa attorney general and has been in private practice since 1978. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and the Buchanan County Bar Association. Ristvedt is married and has four children. 

  

Magistrate Steven C. Schrader

Magistrate Steven C. Schrader was appointed to serve Winneshiek County in 1979. 

 

Magistrate Christin B. Skilton

Magistrate Christin B. Skilton was appointed to serve Chickasaw County in 1993. 

  

Magistrate Joseph R. Sevcik 

Magistrate Joseph R. Sevcik was appointed to serve Black Hawk County in 2006.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1982 followed by his law degree in 1986.  Magistrate Sevcik served as a staff attorney with Legal Services from 1986 until 1991 when he became an assistant public defender in Waterloo.  He has been in private practice since 1996. 

  

Magistrate John Sullivan 

Magistrate John Sullivan was appointed to serve Fayette County in 2006. 

 

Magistrate Larry F. Woods

Magistrate Larry F. Woods, Oelwein, was appointed to serve Fayette County in 1992. He earned his bachelor's degree from Upper Iowa University and in 1977, and received his law degree from Drake University.