The Iowa Court of Appeals and The Iowa State Bar Association have maintained a close working relationship for decades, according to a May 1 article by Paul B. Ahlers reflecting on the court’s 50th anniversary.
This partnership is significant as it supports legal education, professional development, and public service initiatives in Iowa. The connection between the court and the association has helped strengthen both organizations’ ability to serve lawyers, judges, and the broader community.
Ahlers said his involvement with the Young Lawyers Division early in his career introduced him to seminars such as Bridge the Gap and Summer Seminar, where “judges from the court of appeals frequently answered the call to fill those roles.” He said their participation kept seminar quality high. As he continued his career—moving from private practice to district associate judge and then to his current role on the court—Ahlers noted ongoing collaboration through committee work for annual meetings and mock trial judging. “Time and again, court of appeals judges step up to present on a wide variety of topics,” Ahlers said about annual meeting presentations.
He also highlighted that both courts have opened their courtrooms for middle school and high school mock trial tournaments: “For many years, the court of appeals and supreme court have opened our courtrooms to provide the venue for the best of the best… And both court of appeals judges and supreme court justices are given the honor of being invited to judge those rounds.” This year coincides with both anniversaries—the return of National High School Mock Trial Championship to Iowa thanks to ISBA’s efforts.
The association promotes diversity, equity, inclusion in law; provides resources for its more than 6,500 members; hosts events at its Des Moines headquarters; recognizes excellence through awards; is governed by a board elected from judicial districts; advances justice through legislative support; and is considered the oldest voluntary state bar association in America serving lawyers statewide.
Ahlers concluded by emphasizing mutual respect: “We view the ISBA… not just as great resources… but also as partners in our efforts to serve people of Iowa. By same token… our judges are eager to return favor.”