Comprehensive directory of Iowa legal resources including the state bar association, courts, legal aid organizations, law schools, and essential legal services for residents and professionals.
The Iowa State Bar Association is the primary professional organization for attorneys in Iowa, providing comprehensive resources for both legal professionals and the general public.
Iowa's judicial system is structured with trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court as the highest authority, established to ensure justice under law equally to all persons.
Multiple organizations throughout Iowa provide free legal assistance to low-income residents, seniors, and eligible individuals facing various legal challenges.
Iowa is home to two ABA-accredited law schools with a rich history of legal education dating back to the 19th century.
Iowa courts follow specific rules of civil procedure that govern the practice and procedure in all courts of the state.
The Iowa Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer of the state and enforces laws protecting consumers, crime victims, and the public interest.
You can find an Iowa attorney through the Iowa Bar Association Find-A-Lawyer service, the Find A Lawyer Directory, or by contacting the Iowa State Bar Association directly at (515) 243-3179 or 800-532-1108. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact Iowa Legal Aid.
Iowa Legal Aid provides free legal assistance to low-income Iowans and seniors (60+) regardless of income. Contact them at 1-800-532-1503. Also available: Iowa Free Legal Answers (virtual legal clinic), and the Iowa Bar Association Ways to Get Legal Help page lists additional resources.
Iowa has a two-tiered appellate system: the Iowa Supreme Court (7 justices) is the court of last resort, and the Iowa Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court. All appeals go initially to the Supreme Court, which can refer cases to the Court of Appeals or decide them directly. Appellate hearings involve review of written records without witnesses, juries, or new evidence.
Iowa has two ABA-accredited law schools: the University of Iowa College of Law (ranked 36th nationally, located in Iowa City, founded 1842) and Drake University Law School (located in Des Moines, founded 1865). Both schools trace their origins to the Iowa College of Law established in 1865.
You can appeal a trial court decision to the Iowa Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will either reject the appeal and let the lower court decision stand, refer it to the Iowa Court of Appeals for review, or decide the appeal itself. The appellate court reviews your written record to determine if legal errors occurred. There are no new witnesses, evidence, or juries in appellate proceedings.
The Iowa State Bar Association is the primary professional organization for attorneys in Iowa. It operates the Find-A-Lawyer service and provides the Ask an Attorney video library covering common legal issues. The ISBA also publishes guides and handbooks to assist the public. Contact them at (515) 243-3179 or 800-532-1108.
The Iowa Judicial Branch provides civil forms and documents. The Iowa Legislature website contains the complete Iowa Court Rules and Chapter 1 (Rules of Civil Procedure) is available in PDF format for easy reference.
The Iowa Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state. The office represents state government, protects consumers from fraud and deceptive practices, handles criminal appeals, enforces environmental protection and civil rights laws, and provides assistance to crime victims. The office also publishes Attorney General opinions on important legal matters.
Iowa provides free legal services to individuals 60 years and older through Iowa Legal Aid regardless of income or assets. Call (800) 992-8161 or (515) 282-8161 for the Older Iowans Hotline, or contact Iowa Legal Aid at 1-800-532-1503 during regular intake hours.
Legal information and resources are available through: Iowa Judicial Branch website, Iowa State Bar Association, Attorney General's Office (which provides access to Iowa Code and administrative rules), Iowa Legal Aid, and Iowa Free Legal Answers.
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Last updated on November 27, 2025