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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Drake University Law School

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Des Moines, IA
Drake University Law School

With the nation's only first-year trial practicum and a top-ranked legal clinic, Drake Law offers an

With the nation's only first-year trial practicum and a top-ranked legal clinic, Drake Law combines a rich history and tradition with the latest technology and an innovative curriculum.

08/24/2026

Please join us in welcoming Leslie Behaunek to the Drake Law faculty as an assistant professor of law!

A 2012 Drake Law graduate, Professor Behaunek finished first in her class, was an Opperman Scholar and served on the Drake Law Review and Drake Journal of Agricultural Law. She also captained Drake’s National Moot Court Team and served as president of the Moot Court Board.

Since graduating, Professor Behaunek has built an impressive career in litigation and appellate practice. As a partner at Nyemaster Goode, she chairs the firm’s Appellate Practice Group and conducts complex litigation. She also previously clerked for Judge Jane Kelly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and Judge James E. Gritzner of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

Professor Behaunek has also taught at Drake Law as an adjunct instructor and will return to the classroom this fall to teach Torts and torts-related courses.

Welcome back to Drake Law, Professor Behaunek!

08/21/2026

That's a wrap on orientation week! The students took a tour of the Capitol building this morning, and took a pledge of professionalism this afternoon, swearing to uphold civility, justice, and honor as a Drake Law student. We look forward to officially having all of the students back next week for the start of the fall semester!

Welcome to Drake Law, Class of 2029!

08/20/2026

A new group of 25 student attorneys were sworn in by Judge Coleman McAllister at the Drake Legal Clinic today!

Throughout the academic year, these students will gain hands-on legal experience while representing clients and working alongside supervising attorneys in the Drake Legal Clinic. They’ll take on meaningful responsibilities, from meeting with clients and researching legal issues to advocating for their clients and helping provide greater access to justice in our community.

Congratulations to our newest student attorneys! We’re excited to see all they accomplish this year.

08/18/2026

Today, we welcomed 138 incoming 1L students to campus for the first day of orientation week! From a welcome message from Dean Anderson to a special appearance by Griff III, it was a great start to the week.

We’re so excited to have you all here!

08/03/2026

Drake University is pleased to announce Professor Jerry Anderson has been appointed interim dean of Drake University Law School.

A distinguished legal scholar and proven leader, Anderson previously served as dean from 2016 to 2024 and has been a member of the Drake Law faculty for more than 35 years. During his prior tenure as dean, he helped elevate the Law School’s national profile, significantly grow its endowment, and expand practical learning opportunities for students, including the launch of the Drake Law Refugee Clinic.

Anderson will serve a one-year term while the University conducts a national search for Drake Law’s next permanent dean.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4fzH1JL

06/24/2026

On Monday, alumni gathered at the ISBA Annual Meeting luncheon to reconnect, network, and share ideas. Attendees also heard law school updates and key statistics from Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr., highlighting the continued growth and success of Drake Law. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

05/28/2026

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.

05/19/2026

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

05/11/2026

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.

05/08/2026

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.

Address

2608 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50311

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.drake.edu/law

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