Iowa welcomed 25 new attorneys during the 147th Bar Admission Ceremony held April 9 at the State Historical Building Auditorium in Des Moines. The event gathered members of the judiciary, bar leaders, family, and friends to recognize those entering the legal profession and highlight their responsibilities.
The ceremony is important as it marks not only a milestone for each attorney but also reinforces values such as integrity, service, and community that are central to Iowa’s legal field. The Iowa Bar Association supports its members in serving clients, the community and the judicial system while promoting professional growth, according to the official website.
Thomas A. Mayes, chair of the Iowa Board of Law Examiners, served as master of ceremonies. Remarks were delivered by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas D. Waterman; Kathy Law, president of the Iowa State Bar Association; Manuel A. Cornell, president of ISBA Young Lawyers Division; and Sandi Tibbets Murphy from Iowa Legal Aid.
Justice Waterman reflected on his own admission decades ago and said: “Today is your first day as Iowa lawyers. But you are not done being tested.” He offered seven pieces of advice including maintaining ethical standards and giving back to communities. ISBA President Kathy Law welcomed admittees by saying: “After years of study and sacrifice, you are taking your place in a profession that is both demanding and deeply personal.” She added: “Success is measured not in cases won, but in lives changed.”
Cornell told new attorneys: “This represents years of resilience, sacrifice, and hard work,” adding that entry into law is also “the beginning of something bigger.” Murphy noted that last year “Iowa Legal Aid attorneys helped 30,000 low-income Iowans,” but many more still need assistance.
The ceremony included practical reminders about annual continuing legal education requirements for maintaining good standing within the profession. Among those admitted were Taylor Jo Brocka—returning from Delaware—John Danos with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice; Sydney Voglegesang practicing family law at Flanagan Law; among others with diverse backgrounds.
The Iowa Bar Association promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession according to its official website. It serves over 6,500 lawyers and judges licensed in Iowa through resources aimed at enhancing practice quality statewide according to its official website. The association honors excellence through awards for contributions to public service according to its official website.
Looking ahead for these newly admitted lawyers—and all members—the association continues advancing justice by supporting legislative efforts across Iowa while utilizing its headquarters in Des Moines for administrative operations according to its official website.
