The Commission on Continuing Legal Education administers a program established by the court which requires attorneys to attend continuing legal education (CLE) classes each year. This requirement helps ensure that lawyers and judges keep abreast of the latest legal developments.
Commission Meetings and Members
The Commission meets twice a year to oversee the Continuing Legal Education Program in Iowa. At these meetings, the Commission reviews policies and procedures for administration of the CLE program as well as considers individual programs for accreditation. The Commission is composed of ten lawyer members and two non-lawyer members. All members are appointed by the Iowa Supreme Court for a term of three years except when appointed to fill an unexpired term. No member may serve more than two consecutive complete terms.
Attorney Members
Heather L. Palmer, Des Moines, Chair
Kristymarie Shipley, Cedar Rapids
Brandon R. Underwood, Des Moines,
Julie K. Foster, Council Bluffs
Leah D. Patton, Ames
Henry Hamilton III, West Des Moines
Chaney E. Yeast, Des Moines
Siobhan M. Schneider, West Des Moines
Paul G. Thelen, Iowa City
Robert R. Rigg, Des Moines
Non-Attorney Members
Heather Young, North Liberty
D. Suzanne Buffalo, Tama
Annual Reports
Each year the CLE Commission issues an annual report concerning the Commission's budget, accreditations and compliance.
The 2023 Annual CLE Report can be found here.
Contact Us
Commission on Continuing Legal Education
Judicial Branch Building
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 348-4670
[email protected]