Drake University Law School

Drake Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic recently joined several law school clinics and clinical professors in filing an amicus brief in Roberts v. Thompson before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Last week, the Eighth Circuit issued a published opinion vacating the district court’s dismissal and remanding the case for further proceedings, recognizing the plaintiffs’ standing to challenge Black Hawk County’s use of confessions of judgment to collect jail fees and allowing the due process claims to move forward.

The Drake Criminal Defense Clinic participated as amici to provide context regarding the real-world impact of criminal legal debt and coercive fee collection practices on indigent individuals reentering society. The brief highlighted the ways these financial obligations entrench poverty and undermine successful reintegration.

Special recognition goes to Drake Law Criminal Defense Clinic student attorneys Britny Bergheger and Eric W. Lee II, J.D. for their outstanding work on the project, along with Professor Colleen Cullen for her leadership and advocacy in this important effort.

Pictured: Front row, from left: Britny Bergheger - first; Back row, from left: Eric Lee II - fifth, Professor Cullen - sixth.

Drake University Law School was recently ranked No. 3 on The National Jurist’s preLaw Magazine list of the nation’s best law school buildings. The Law School earned an A+ grade for facilities that enhance student learning, foster collaboration and support professional development and career preparation. Read more: https://bit.ly/4dxaQsd

Professors Kristi Harshbarger, Sally Frank, Colleen Cullen, Nickole Miller, Suzie Pritchett, Allison McCarthy, and Jayme Wiebold recently attended the AALS Clinical Conference, where they highlighted the strength and expertise of Drake’s clinical programs.

Kristi Harshbarger and Jayme Wiebold participated in the Workshop for New Clinical Law Teachers; Nickole Miller served on a panel focused on best practices for supporting LGBTQ students and also continues to serve on the board of directors for the Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA); Sally Frank, Colleen Cullen, Kristi Harshbarger, and Suzie Pritchett were on a panel relating to transitions in clinic faculty and programs; Suzie Pritchett presented a work in progress; and Kristi Harshbarger also participated in the transactional subject-matter specific conference.

Drake Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic students recently partnered with the VA to assist veterans with a range of legal questions and connect them with critical community resources. This work continues Professor Rigg’s longstanding partnership with the VA, helping ensure ongoing support for veterans in our community.

Pictured: Professor Colleen Cullen with Student Attorneys Sam Anthony, William DeBoer, Brayden McKinney, Ethan Orr, and Dawson Simpson.
Not pictured: Student Attorney Anne Archer.

We are proud of our students for their thoughtful, client-centered advocacy and their commitment to service.

Drake University Law School is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Jeremy Kidd as the inaugural Kermit S. Sutton Research Fellow. This prestigious fellowship is awarded to a Law School professor who demonstrates exceptional dedication to teaching, research, and public speaking. Read more: https://bit.ly/42kwMS8

The third annual Golden Gavel Society induction honored eight new members today, celebrating alumni of 50 years or more. The group also recited an oath reaffirming their commitment to the legal profession in observance of the National Law Day of Action. Congratulations to all new inductees!

Today’s Vilsack–Darling Internship Program Summer Send Off brought together interns and coordinating sponsors to celebrate the inaugural summer of the program. The event featured remarks and celebration with former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, Christie Vilsack, Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr., and Keith Summerville. The program’s mission is developing the next generation of leaders in rural communities, and strengthening the future of agriculture and agricultural law through hands-on, real-world experience.

Interns including Lara Pester, Emily Durbala, Quincy Wiegand, Maddie Castings, Hudson Ashley, and Dominic Nepa, were recognized as they prepare to begin placements with organizations including the Iowa Farmers Union, The Nature Conservancy, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Shelby County Prosecutor and Force Law Office, and Sustainable Iowa Land Trust.

The program, supported by the World Food Prize Foundation Darling Award, the William C. Knapp Charitable Foundation, and Syngenta, will fund 50 paid internships over five years, split between Drake University's Jay N. Darling Institute and Drake University Law School.

The Real Estate Transactions CLE brings together leading experts in Iowa real estate law each year, offering a valuable opportunity to stay current and connected. Attendees can earn up to 6 hours of CLE credit while gaining practical insights into key issues shaping the field.
This year's topics include: Case Law and Legislative Update, Iowa Landlord/Tenant Law, Real Estate Transactions, Environmental Issues in Real Estate, List Serve Issues, Cancer Hotspots in the Heartland, FIRPTA for Real Estate Transactions, and Curing Title Defects. Register here: https://bit.ly/3OiagWG

This past weekend, the annual Constitutional Law Symposium hosted experts in constitutional law to discuss relevant issues and topics, including unitary executive theory and the separation of powers. Thank you to our distinguished speakers for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, and to all who joined us for a morning of insightful dialogue.

Join us tomorrow for the 2026 Constitutional Law Symposium! https://bit.ly/4stKLQi

Drake University Law School will host its annual Constitutional Law Symposium on April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us in the James Albert Classroom for this year's theme: “The Roberts Court, Executive Power, and the American Experiment in Self-Government.” We are honored to welcome a distinguished panel of experts including Andrea Scoseria Katz, Aaron L. Nielson, Victoria Nourse, and Peter M. Shane. Together, they will discuss unitary executive theory, separation of powers, and the future of American self-government.

Read more and register: https://bit.ly/3Oc1A3W