Announcing the new ISBA Civil Rights and Public Interest Law Section

By ISBA Past President Henry Hamilton III

The Iowa State Bar Association is pleased to announce the establishment of its Civil Rights and Public Interest Law Section. The new section marks an important step forward in our commitment to serving our members and advancing our profession.

For 150 years, the ISBA has been at the forefront in helping Iowa lawyers stay current with legal developments, maintain professional competence, and advocate for issues important to their practices. The Section on Civil Rights and Public Interest Law represents a fresh opportunity to build upon our long-standing tradition of excellence and service to members.

The new section will provide an opportunity for ISBA members who have an interest in civil rights and public interest law to meet with peers, mentors, and legal educators for the discussion and exchange of ideas; to review proposed legislation; to publish legal articles; and to conduct CLE.

ISBA President Melvin O. Shaw has graciously appointed me to serve as section chair. I am committed to working with members to assist their practices, to ensure their voices are heard, to implement impactful initiatives, and to otherwise contribute to the ongoing success and innovation of our association. I hope you will be part of this important journey.

Whether you practice civil rights law or maintain a public interest practice, or simply have a passion for understanding, promoting, and strengthening civil rights and public interest law, your participation will be invaluable as we work together to achieve our important goals.

Section membership is free during the inaugural year. If you are interested in joining the new section, please open the link below.

We look forward to working closely with you in this new and exciting endeavor.

JOIN THE COMMITTEE

Henry Hamilton III served as the first Black president of The Iowa State Bar Association (2022-2023). He grew up in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, and graduated from Drake University Law School in 1992. Henry is currently a federal administrative law judge.