Legal Education in Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa — Founded in 1865, one of the oldest law schools west of the Mississippi — known as "The Writing Law School" with seven full-time writing faculty.

Des Moines, Iowa — One of the nation's 25 oldest law schools, located in Iowa's capital city — charter member of the Association of American Law Schools.

Des Moines, Iowa — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved associate degree and certificate programs preparing students for careers as paralegals in law firms, government, and corporate legal departments.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Regionally Accredited — AAS degree in paralegal studies — longstanding member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.

Statewide professional organization for paralegals — networking, CLE opportunities, and career resources for Iowa legal professionals.

Newton, Iowa — The only NCRA-approved court reporting program in Iowa — two-year AAS degree with classes in a mostly virtual format.

Professional association for Iowa court reporters — mentorship programs, continuing education, and advocacy for stenographic reporting professionals.

Iowa Supreme Court order requires mandatory mediation or judicial settlement conferences in family law cases — each judicial district maintains a roster of approved mediators.

Iowa chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals — invitation-only membership for experienced ADR professionals.

National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the only legal nurse consultant credential accredited by ABSNC.

Official guide to becoming an Iowa notary public. Requirements: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, Iowa resident or employed in Iowa, $30 fee. Three-year commission.

Official admissions portal for the Iowa bar. Iowa administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) — minimum passing score of 266, portable to other UBE jurisdictions.

Transfer a qualifying UBE score (266+) earned within two years from another jurisdiction to gain Iowa bar admission without retaking the exam.

Official CLE regulatory body — attorneys must complete 15 credits per calendar year, including 1 ethics credit and 1 wellness or diversity/inclusion credit. Report by March 10.

CLE course provider and credit tracking resource for Iowa attorneys — seminars, webinars, and on-demand programs across all practice areas.

Council Bluffs, Iowa — Online program preparing students for the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification exam through NALS.