By Haley Bohlmann, Communications Director
On July 27, Justice David May was appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court by Governor Kim Reynolds, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Brent Appel. Prior to the appointment, Justice May was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals in April 2019 and served as a district court judge for Iowa District 5C for three years, from 2016 to 2019. He graduated with his J.D. from Drake University Law School, a master’s in public health from the University of Oklahoma and a B.A. from the University of Missouri.
What was the interview process like?
Overall, it was a fun and educational process. The commissioners come from different backgrounds and areas of the state. They were all so nice to me, and I learned something from each interview. They asked interesting questions, and I found myself thinking more deeply about our court system and its future because of their questions.
Why did you initially consider a role serving on the bench?
As soon as I started litigating, I was drawn towards the judge’s role, the person in the middle who doesn’t have a stake in the fight or a client to please. I think of judging as an opportunity to be authentically neutral in resolving disputes. This provides an extraordinary valuable service to the public.
Who has had the biggest impact on your legal career?
I started out in a small law firm. The lawyers I worked with then – including Glenn Norris, Steve Wandro, George Davison and Carla Schemmel – taught me a lot about (1) what it means to be a zealous advocate for clients; but just as importantly (2) how to know where the boundaries are – how to not be a “scorcher of the earth” so to speak. I learned how to represent clients while building and maintaining good working relationships with opposing counsel. Those two skills are part of the great tradition of litigators in Iowa – the ability to be a zealous advocate while also being collegial with fellow members of the bar.
What changes in your day-to-day and overall work load do you anticipate due to your transition from serving on the Court of Appeals to the Iowa Supreme Court?
The biggest change that I have noticed so far is the administrative responsibilities. In addition to deciding cases, the Iowa Supreme Court is leading a 1,700-employee branch of government. Even in the few weeks that I have been here, I have realized a new appreciation for how much work that requires. As far as total workload, the Iowa Court of Appeals is justifiably known for its strong work ethic. But I think I will also be very busy on the supreme court. The tasks are just a little different.
What are you looking forward to in your new role on the Iowa Supreme Court bench?
I have always enjoyed challenging legal issues – and the supreme court wrangles with extraordinarily challenging legal issues. Plus, all the justices are extraordinary lawyers and people. I am really excited about learning from them.
Can you tell us about your hometown?
My hometown is Kirksville, Missouri, located near Iowa’s southern border. It’s a medium-sized town, about the size of Newton. It’s a little bit unusual, though, because of the small university and medical college located there.
How do you spend your non-working hours?
I have two kids in college: Gretchen is a senior at Iowa State University and Matthew is a freshman at Des Moines Area Community College. I love seeing them and hanging out with my wife Paula. We have been married for 25 years. Other than spending time with family, I also try to get outdoors to enjoy a walk or go hunting or fishing. Almost every Saturday morning, I shoot skeet (clay target shooting with a shotgun).
