The Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys (I.O.W.A.) is now accepting nominations for its two prestigious annual awards—the Arabella Mansfield Award and the Gertrude Rush Award. Members of the legal community are encouraged to nominate deserving attorneys or judges who exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment to justice. Nominations are due by June 1, 2025, and the award recipients will be honored at a special celebration on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.
This year’s event carries special significance as I.O.W.A. marks its 40th anniversary, a milestone that will be celebrated alongside the recognition of the 2025 honorees.
“These awards are an important way to highlight the trailblazers and role models in our legal community,” said Emily Chafa, I.O.W.A. member and awards coordinator. “We’re looking for outstanding lawyers and judges whose accomplishments and service reflect the spirit and legacy of Arabella Mansfield and Gertrude Rush.”
Arabella Mansfield Award
First established by I.O.W.A. in 2002, this award honors Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States—in Iowa, in 1869. The award recognizes lawyers who have promoted and advanced the status of women in the legal profession.
Gertrude Rush Award
Jointly established by I.O.W.A. and the Iowa Chapter of the National Bar Association (INBA) in 2003, this award honors Gertrude Rush, the first African American woman lawyer in Iowa, who was admitted to practice in 1918. Rush was also a founding member of the National Bar Association. The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate courage, vision, and dedication to the law and community in the spirit of Gertrude Rush’s legacy.
Nomination forms and eligibility criteria for each award are available now and must be submitted by June 1. Multiple nominations are welcome, and those who have been nominated in prior years may be resubmitted with updates.
“Each year, we rely on our colleagues in the Iowa legal community to identify those who exemplify these women trailblazers,” Chafa added. “There’s no shortage of deserving individuals in Iowa’s legal profession, and we want to make sure they are recognized.”
Celebrate with I.O.W.A.
The awards ceremony and 40th anniversary celebration on July 19 will be a night to honor not only this year’s award recipients, but also the founders and members who have helped build I.O.W.A. over the past four decades. Additional event details will be announced soon.
For questions or to submit a nomination, contact Emily Chafa at emilychafa@msn.com. Please also help spread the word by sharing this opportunity with colleagues, affinity bar associations, and others in the legal community.
Visit the Iowa Bar Blog for more news.
