Attorneys have many reasons for keeping informed of Iowa courts and judges news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of appointments as judges die or retire in order to correctly file papers with the court. Courts also change their procedures and administrative rules, which can affect the way that attorneys do their jobs. Attorneys also may want to know a judge’s legal education and background, as it may affect how a judge comes to a decision.

Anyone who wishes to stay current on news related to Iowa courts and judges should identify key legal websites in Iowa and check them periodically for updates. The best sources of information on news and trends on Iowa courts and judges include the following:

1. Independent news sources on Iowa judges and courts, such as blogs, newspapers and magazines. These sources are the most likely to provide unbiased opinions or news about a court or judge.
2. Court websites. Iowa courts online are the most current source of official news and trends, such as current appointments and Iowa court records.
3. Organizations for legal professionals. Meetings of these organizations provide opportunities to get inside news information on courts and judges.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Study sources of unbiased news and trends for IA courts and judges

Journalists frequently report on news and events that affect the Iowa judiciary in online newspapers and magazines. Attorneys and law professors also may provide opinions on recent court decisions in blogs and journals.

I recommend: The Young Lawyers Division of the Johnson County, Iowa Bar Association provides regular news updates and announcements on events in Iowa courts. The Corridor Law Blog discusses recent news in the Iowa legal community.

Review websites to get official news and other information about Iowa judges and courts

Iowa courts and judges websites are the best places to get IA court records, as well as information about upcoming appointments and retirements. An Iowa courts online search may also locate important court decisions and opinions on the official website, which can help attorneys stay informed of the latest ruling trends.

I recommend: The Iowa Judicial Branch provides news releases on courts and judges in Iowa, such as the temporary closure of all courts in Iowa due to a budget reduction. The Southern District of Iowa provides current news on courts and judges in Iowa.

Join professional legal organizations to get inside news on Iowa judges and courts

Iowa bar and attorney organizations hold meetings to evaluate and discuss legal news and trends. These meetings also provide an opportunity to hear from attorneys who actually have tried cases before a particular Iowa court or judge.

I recommend: The Iowa State Bar Association offers a regular calendar of events where members discuss Iowa courts and judges opinions. The Iowa County Attorneys Association provides regular updates on Iowa courts, such as the sentencing guidelines for specific judges.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There also are online forums dedicated to news and trends on Iowa judges and courts. These forums may have a separate directory for each court and typically invite readers to discuss and evaluate news on courts and judges based on personal experience. The evaluation methods may consist of surveys, polls and votes that include reader comments.

A basic knowledge of Iowa courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it doesn’t hurt to understand the court process and know a little about the individual overseeing your case.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in each state that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering courts and judges in Iowa, keep the following in mind:

1. You can access Iowa court records for the district courts with online databases.

2. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals only hear appellate cases and each court has their own appointed judges in Iowa.

3. Bankruptcy case filings are also accessible through IA court records.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate district Iowa courts and judges online

Typically, district courts hear civil, small claims, criminal, family and estate cases. Iowa contains eight districts, each made up of several Iowa counties. There are courthouses in each county, but the Iowa courts administer cases by district. In addition to the state and federal court rules, districts have local rules and filing costs you must abide by when filing a case in that district.

I recommend: IA courts and judges are both accessible to the public. The Iowa Judicial Branch provides information on Iowa judges by district. Choose one of the eight districts in the left column of the screen and click on “Judges and Magistrates” for a list of judges in Iowa district courts. Also, visit the Iowa Judicial Branch Public Outreach page for detailed explanations of the Iowa courts system and the roles of Iowa judges. Access the Iowa Courts Online Search to look for Iowa court records in both appellate and trial courts.

Learn how to file an appeal with Iowa judges in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

The Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are both appellate courts. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Iowa Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. There are seven judges in the Iowa Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has nine judges. The decision of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals is a final decision.

I recommend: Obtain a list of judges, opinions and the oral argument schedule for both the Iowa Court of Appeals and Supreme Court on the Iowa Judicial Branch website. Navigate through the options using the column on the left side of the web page. Examine the latest Supreme Court Decisions through the Iowa State Bar Association.

Access bankruptcy records in Iowa

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Iowa Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Two districts make up the Iowa Bankruptcy court: the northern and southern district. Both provide information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and online search of Iowa bankruptcy records.

I recommend: Obtain basic information on the bankruptcy process on the Southern District of Iowa – US Bankruptcy Court website. Visit the Northern District of Iowa – US Bankruptcy Court website to search bankruptcy filings (the Southern District also provides this service).

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of courts and judges in Iowa, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.

The Internet has simplified the process by which individuals can obtain information regarding Iowa courts and judges. For beginners, one can reference the judicial website to determine the jurisdiction of a city or town, the physical location of the courthouse and the corresponding judge or magistrate. Another great benefit of Iowa court records online is that instead of having to travel to the county courthouse or district court to obtain court record information pertaining to bankruptcy cases, liens or criminal records, one can conveniently access that information from their place of business or other location.

Take advantage of what Iowa court records online listings have to offer by learning how to perform the following tasks:

1. Perform court case searches utilizing Iowa courts online search engines

2. Search online databases for court filings related to bankruptcy, tort, and real property

3. Identify Court of Appeals and district court boundaries and their respective judges and magistrates

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use Iowa courts online search to locate court case information or make payments to a court case

Iowa court records online allows user to search Iowa court records by docket number, case title or name for appellate court cases, and by name, case ID or citation number for trial court cases. Individuals can also remit payment towards a court case by submitting information regarding the case type, county where the incident occurred and case number or name.

I recommend: Search IA court records online to obtain information regarding appellate court cases or trial court cases or to submit payment towards a court case.

Search for filings such as bankruptcy, tort, and real property with online Iowa courts records

Online search engines allow users to search bankruptcy records, Iowa real property and tort filings. Online database search engines charge a minimal membership fee, which allows users to access information such as arrest and criminal records, liens and phone numbers of an individual.

I recommend: Justia allows users to search Iowa courts records for bankruptcy cases filed with Iowa’s District Courts. State Government Records, allows users to access databases to obtain background information, Iowa courts criminal background records, birth records and other public records information regarding an individual.

Locate contact and other judicial information for Iowa judges and magistrates online

The Internet allows individuals to research information regarding Iowa courts and judges. For beginners, they can obtain an up to date list of Iowa's Court of Appeals judges, learn how one obtains that rank and conditions of the position.

I recommend: The Iowa Court of Appeals and District Court websites list a current directory of Iowa’s judges and magistrates, as well as their contact information.

The Iowa Court system consists of federal courts, such as the United States Bankruptcy Court and state courts such as the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and District Courts. In order to stay abreast of what is going on in the legal world, the Iowa Bar Association sponsors a Continuing Legal Education Program. Iowa Courts are also incorporating technology into the court systems, whether it is in the courtroom, clerkship vacancy announcements or online search engines that allow users to access case files.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

United States Bankruptcy Court

The United States Bankruptcy Court located in Des Moines handles bankruptcy petitions for the citizens and businesses of Iowa. Individuals may file for either Chapter 7 (Liquidation) or Chapter 13 (Individual Debt Adjustment) while businesses may file for Reorganization under Chapter 11. Family Farmers may seek assistance under Chapter 12.

I recommend: For more information on the various types of bankruptcy, mean tests and discharges, refer to the United States Bankruptcy Court webpage.

Law Over Lunch

The Iowa State Bar Association sponsors a Law Over Lunch program as part of their Continuing Legal Education where discussion of legal topics such as the Freedom of Information Act, Small Claims Procedures and court rulings occur.

I recommend: To review the Law Over Lunch calendar as well as other Continuing Legal Education opportunities, refer to the Iowa State Bar Association website.

Courtroom technology

Like other courts across the nation, Iowa's Federal Courts are installing the latest technology in their courtrooms. Examples of equipment available for use during court proceedings include digital document cameras, DVD players, devices for the hearing impaired, laptop connections and real-time transcription.

I recommend: Refer to the Northern District Court of Iowa webpage to peruse technology available for courtroom proceedings.

Online System for Clerkship Application and Review

The Online System for Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR) is an employment resource tool that notifies law clerks of available positions. For judges accepting electronic applications, applicants can upload their cover letters, resumes and other documentation to this system. Judges may avoid inquiring phone calls from individuals seeking employment by posting on OSCAR that to have no vacancies available.

I recommend: Refer to the OSCAR website to learn more about this employment resource.

Online Docket Records Search

The Online Docket Record Search allows users to access Iowa's state court records with the exception of special cases involving children or mental health. Case information such as case titles, criminal charges and fine payments is available to users at no cost. For a nominal monthly fee, one can access detailed information such as case schedules, lien indices and bonds.

I recommend: Refer to the Online Docket Records Search webpage for more information on using this service.

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)

Public Access to Court Electronic Records also known as PACER allows individuals to access Federal Appellate, District and Bankruptcy court case and docket information online for a nominal fee. Information one can obtain includes party, judge and attorney information, nature of the suit, case status and court opinions.

I recommend: To learn more and register for this application, visit the PACER website.