For the first time in its history, the bi-annual ISBA Bench-Bar Conference will be hosted
in Cedar Rapids this year! The conference will be held May 8-10 (Wednesday afternoon-
Friday noon) at the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Cedar Rapids. For an itinerary
Having the Bench-Bar take place in Cedar Rapids, following recent conference venues of
Sioux City, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Davenport, has been a long time in planning and its
success depends, in large part, on participation and involvement of the local members of
the bar. If you have never been to the Bench-Bar in the past, this is your best opportunity
to attend the only conference where judges and lawyers are encouraged to talk on a firstname
basis, without titles. It is anticipated judges from all over the state will attend,
including the chief judges of each district and all of the state appellate judges.
Festivities commence Wednesday afternoon, when the Iowa Court of Appeals will hold
oral arguments in Cedar Rapids. CLE will also be held, and a reception with the Court of
Appeals will be held that evening. Thursday’s agenda will be CLE sessions in the
morning and recreational and social activities in the afternoon, with options including
golf, tennis, biking, pickleball, and more. A banquet will be held that evening.
Additional CLE sessions will be offered Friday morning, and the conference wraps at
noon.
The Bench-Bar Conference committee is co-chaired by LCBA member Matt Novak and
Iowa Supreme Court Justice Matthew McDermott. If you are interested in assisting the
planning committee in organizing social or recreational activities, please contact Matt
Novak at mnovak@pbalawfirm.com. LCBA members are needed to help organize and
direct each of the recreational and social activities. This is a great opportunity to get to
know judges and fellow attorneys from all across the state!