Polk County Bar Association The Advocate

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1 The content in this preview is based on the last saved version of your - any changes made to your that have not been saved will not be shown in this preview. Polk County Bar Association The Advocate December/January 2013 In This Issue They turned the ballot over and voted "Yes!" Have you renewed your membership? Support the Volunteer Lawyers Project and get a tax deduction Fall CLE materials are now online Don't miss our Jan. 8 luncheon Save the date! Hot off the presses and ready for you We're now on Facebook Upcoming Events Jan. 8 - PCBA luncheon. Noon Details Feb Bench/Bar luncheon. Details TBA Feb Drake versus Bradley basketball social. Details TBA Meet Your Representatives Officers Board of Directors Board of Governors Committees From the President.... It is 10 p.m. and I am still working to prepare for trial the next day. It is times like this that I wonder why I do what I do. Most sane people are either in bed or gearing down for the night. I am reviewing income tax returns, therapy records and exchanges between parents who obviously do not like one another. PCBA President Anjela Shutts It is often said that the practice of law is the "jealous mistress." We all have experienced those moments when we are forced to choose between our personal and professional lives. I really struggled with that with the birth of my first child nine years ago. But eventually it settled down as I learned that I could not control every little detail of life. I learned there were moments that the bathroom was not going to be (as my husband would say) "Anjie clean," or that there would be typos in the pleadings - and we would all survive. And then there are moments that you receive s like this: "I became your client, I think, I can imagine the sacrifices you have made with your husband and birth of your children, maternity leave, figuring out childcare, etc, in deciding to continue your practice. I know they need you. But let me say how grateful I am for your sacrifices because clients like me have needed you too. You made a strong difference in my life by representing me in trial and throughout the course of this mess. Trial and the judge have given me a backbone and a place from which to deal with my ex-husband. That, in turn, makes me a better mother, which is what this was all about in taking care of my children." At that moment you remember why you were still working at 1 of 5 1/4/13 12:59 PM

2 Why we do what we do Success on Nov. 6 CLE materials no... Visit our Website 10 p.m. and why reviewing those documents was so important. And the struggle does not seem as bad. I can go to bed and sleep well knowing that tomorrow is another day and the sun will rise again. While my husband's view of a clean bathroom is inventive at best, I know there are more important things to focus on and that the work we do as attorneys, for our clients, is what really matters. On the Move Maria Brownell has joined Brick Gentry P.C. as an Associate. She was admitted to the Iowa Bar in September of Maria is focusing her practice primarily in family law, municipal law, and business litigation. Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. Katherine C. Carlucci recently joined the Davis Brown Law Firm as an associate attorney in the Business Division. She practices in the areas of lobbying and governmental relations. Kate graduated from Drake University Law School in 2011 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington in Prior to joining the firm, Kate was the Governmental Affairs Coordinator for the Iowa League of Cities, a position in which she encouraged adoption of policies, regulations, and legislation through regular interaction with state legislators, policy leaders in state agencies, the Governor's Office and other organizations. Matthew W. Coryell recently joined the Davis Brown Law Firm as an associate 2 of 5 They turned the ballot over and voted 'YES!' Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the PCBA Judicial Retention Committee and the many, many PCBA members who volunteered their time, Iowans voted on Nov. 6 to take politics out of the retention process. The PCBA committee, which was led by Bill Miller of Dorsey & Whitney, met monthly after its formation in late 2011 to make plans and map strategy for the vote. "Our early activities were aimed at assessing the lay of the land and instigating action by various stakeholders," Miller explained. "Everyone on the committee recognized the systemic threat posed by the anti-retention efforts led by Bob Vander Plaats in At the time the committee formed, it was assumed those efforts would be rekindled in 2012, and a forceful defense of the system and, by extension, our judges, would be necessary by lawyers and others." But The PCBA committee's work was only one part of a much larger effort, Miller says. "As time went on, the Iowa State Bar Association's Fair Courts committee, of which I'm also a member, took the laboring oar on behalf of the organized bar. Although the PCBA committee continued meeting and played a key role in local organizing and fundraising efforts, this was truly a team effort." Have you renewed your membership? One of the best things you can do for your career is to belong to the Polk County Bar Association. Your PCBA membership entitles you to FREE CLE seminars to sharpen your skills, monthly luncheons to explore current issues, access to our court-sponsored mediation program, news and information you can't get anywhere else, discounts on 1/4/13 12:59 PM

3 attorney in the Business Division. He practices in the area of intellectual property. In 2011, Matt received his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. He also holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Iowa. As a graduate student, he worked as a research assistant studying various aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. Matt earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Cornell College. Prior to joining Davis Brown, Matt was an Intellectual Property and Venture Associate at the University of Iowa Research Foundation Technology Transfer Office. In this role, he routinely managed patent prosecutions and he counseled start-ups on IP strategy. Nathan A. Mundy has joined Carney & Appleby's as an associate. He brings to the firm more than five years of experience with Bartolomei & Lange. Nathan will be practicing in the areas of criminal defense, medical malpractice, personal injury, and civil litigation. Scott Hall has returned to Carney & Appleby, PLC, after one year with the Whitfield & Eddy firm's Ankeny location. Scott continues his practice primarily focused on property rights including business formation and transactions, real estate, probate, estate planning, and civil litigation. Gov. Terry Branstad has appointed Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger as judge to the 5C Judicial District. Ebinger received her law degree from Yale Law School and is currently serving as Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Iowa. She was programs and services, and much, much more. And, as a bonus, first-time PCBA members and those who renew their membership for 2013 are entitled to attend one of our informative and timely PCBA Luncheons on us - FREE of CHARGE - No strings attached! Click here to learn more and to download the renewal form. If you have questions about your membership, contact PCBA Executive Director Carol Burdette. Support the Volunteer Lawyers Project and get a tax deduction, too! While you're renewing your PCBA membership, don't forget to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. The PCBA VLP is a charitable organization established with the mission of providing legal services to low income residents of Polk County. With your help, PCBA VLP is one of the most successful volunteer lawyer programs in the country, with Polk County lawyers donating approximately 5,000 hours of their time annually. Unfortunately, the tough economic conditions have severely impacted the PCBA VLP. Demand for services has never been higher while our funding continues to decline. The PCBA VLP now offers you the ability to make donations on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis - all you need to do is check the appropriate option on your PCBA membership renewal form. And remember that the PCBA VLP is a tax-exempt, charitable organization which means any donation you make is tax deductible. You can also designate the PCBA VLP as the recipient on our United Way donation. Click here for more details from PCBA VLP President Nicholas Cooper. Fall CLE materials are now online Nearly 300 PCBA members gathered at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott on November 16 to network and stay on top of their profession at the Fall CLE seminar. As always, the CLE provided a full day of diverse and interesting presentations covering a wide array of topics pertinent to the practice of law in Iowa. The program, which was offered FREE to members, provided 8.25 hours of CLE, including 3 ethics and 5 hours of federal CLE. The PCBA thanks the planning committee and all of the speakers for making this 3 of 5 1/4/13 12:59 PM

4 appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Artis Reis. event such a huge success. Click here to download the presentations from our website (member login required). Super Lawyers has named 16 Belin McCormick attorneys as leading in their field of law practice. No more than five percent of the lawyers in a state are selected by Super Lawyers. The attorneys recognized are: Garth D. Adams; William D. Bartine; Charles F. Becker; Quentin R. Boyken; Stephen R. Eckley; Thomas L. Flynn; Mark McCormick; Robert A. Mullen; Michael R. Reck; James V. Sarcone, Jr.; Jeremy C. Sharpe; Patricia A. Shoff; James R. Swanger; Sheila K. Tipton; and Steven E. Zumbach. The Belin McCormick firm held another successful two-week fundraising drive for the United Way of Central Iowa raising $105,800. This is the third consecutive year Belin McCormick raised more than $100,000 for the social development organization. Over three years of giving, the law firm has raised $323,051. Nyemaster Goode, P.C., has been recognized in the third edition (2013) of the "Best Law Firm" rankings recently released by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers. Nyemaster Goode achieved 33 practice rankings, including 22 "Tier 1" rankings, in this comprehensive survey of America's top law firms. Click here for details. Belin McCormick attorney Dennis Ogden was featured in the cover story in a recent edition of the Des Moines Business Record where he discussed the importance of businesses having a strategy for archiving and organizing electronic Don't miss our Jan. 8 luncheon Join us on Tuesday, January 8, for our monthly luncheon featuring Emily Peebler Anderson. Emily, who is co-chair of the ISBA Young Lawyers Division's Mock Trial Committee, is currently with Riccolo & Semelroth, P.C. in Cedar Rapids where she focuses primarily on representing injured Iowans and their families. A former middle school Mock Trial State Champion herself, she will share Emily Peebler Anderson information about Iowa's middle and high school Mock Trial programs. The luncheon will be held at noon at the Iowa State Bar Association Office, 625 E. Court Ave., in Des Moines. Tickets are $17 with reservations and $19 at the door. Any cancellations made after noon on Friday, Jan. 4, will be billed to the individual canceling. Substitutions are welcome. Seating is limited and we may not be able to accommodate walk ins, so please make your reservation early. Give us a call at or click here to download the reservation form. Save the date! Mark your calendar now and plan to join us for an evening of good food and basketball on Wednesday, Feb. 20, as the Drake University Bulldog men take on the Bradley Braves at the Drake Knapp Center. The game starts at 7:30 but be sure to come early for our pre-game dinner! Watch for more details as they become available. Hot off the presses and ready for you The Polk County judicial assignments and courtrooms for 2013 have been released by Court Administration and the PCBA is providing this handy chart as a service for members. Click here to download your copy. 4 of 5 1/4/13 12:59 PM

5 Why we do what we do Success on Nov. 6 CLE materials no... documents - such as s. Read the full story. Nyemaster Goode, P.C.shareholder Frank Harty is a newly elected Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. He is only the third Iowa attorney elected to the 1,200member College and the only Iowa member who primarily represents employers. We're now on Facebook Don't miss this opportunity to share your news and special announcements with fellow PCBA Members! Click here. There will be an Associate Probate Judge vacancy in District 5C. A completed questionnaire and any references must be received by the Chairperson Douglas F. Staskal in Room 314 of the Polk County Courthouse on or before 4 p.m. on Dec. 28. Click here to download the vacancy announcement and click here to download the application questionnaire. Your PCBA has jumped on the social networking bandwagon and now has a Facebook page. Once you "like" us, you'll have ready access to important news and announcements as well as an opportunity to share your thoughts and provide feedback. Just click below to check us out! Notice of Judicial vacancy Forward This was sent to lanao@aol.com by cburdette@pcbaonline.org Update Profile/ Address Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe Privacy Policy. Polk County Bar Association 625 East Court Ave., Suite 100 Des Moines IA of 5 1/4/13 12:59 PM