Outgoing Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division President Mary Rose Shelley reflects with gratitude on the accomplishments and activities of the Young Lawyers Division over the past year.

The legal profession is not just something we inherit—it is something we build. The future of the legal profession in Iowa depends not only on academic institutions and licensing bodies, but on the sustained engagement of practicing attorneys.

The 2025 National High School Mock Trial Championship wrapped up on Saturday, May 10, with Montgomery Bell Academy from Tennessee taking home first place honors. The conclusion of the 2025 tournament means Iowa is now officially “on the clock” as the host state for the 2026 tournament.

Roscoe Jones, Jr., Dean of the Drake Law School, interviews Jeff Goodman (Drake LW ‘85), curator of The Book of Judges: Perspectives from the Bench, the first of a two-volume set written to inform and inspire judicial aspirants in pursuing nomination and appointment to the bench.

In his final letter, President Melvin O. Shaw reflects on the challenges faced and progress made during his presidential year.

On May 1, more than 300 Iowa attorneys gathered throughout the state for a solemn and symbolic act: publicly reaffirming the Attorney’s Oath they first took upon joining the legal profession.

In a heartfelt ceremony held on April 10 at the State Historical Building Auditorium in Des Moines, 17 newly licensed attorneys were formally admitted to the Iowa bar during the state’s 145th Bar Admission Ceremony.

When Kathy Law reflects on her path to becoming the 139th president of The Iowa State Bar Association, she doesn’t see a straight line—she sees a journey shaped by resilience, family, and an unshakable desire to serve others. 

The National High School Mock Trial Championship is coming to Des Moines in May 2026, and we need your help to make this event a success. 

The ISBA is just a tap away. From your morning coffee break to your evening stroll, our social media channels are here to keep you connected to Iowa’s legal community—wherever you are.