In 2025, the Public Defenders Association of Iowa voted to dissolve and join the Iowa Association for Justice. The mission of the Public Defenders Association of Iowa was to “train Iowa public defenders and indigent defense attorneys in order to improve criminal defense” which it did through its annual conference and support of staff public defenders, private contract attorneys, and private investigators across Iowa. For more information regarding the history of PDAI and this new joint venture, see PDAI President Magdalena Reese’s article in The Iowa Trial Lawyer.
“[R]eason and reflection require us to recognize that, in our adversary system of criminal justice, any person haled into court, who is too poor to hire a lawyer, cannot be assured a fair trial unless counsel is provided for him.” Gideon v. Wainwright, 327 US 335 (1963)
A guide to choosing your adventure with the Iowa Association for Justice.
Award history and links to apply.
Supporting CLE opportunities for public defenders and contract attorneys.
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