Polk County Bar Association
P: (515) 243-3904
P: (515) 243-3904

Issue Articles

Happy Holidays! 

2023 has been a productive and successful year for the PCBA. We are proud of the amazing work of our volunteer members this year in planning, preparing, and carrying out many meaningful events for membership including the annual PCBA golf outing, Law Day competition, two general practice CLEs, and numerous additional educational and networking opportunities.

Members, along with our appreciated PBCA staff, have continued the tradition of hosting monthly luncheons with great attendance and memorable speakers. Members have also continued to devote great efforts to support the Volunteer Lawyers Project and we thank everyone for their generous contributions of time and support. This year, PCBA also launched its new website that provides up to date information, announcements, and resources to members and the public. If you have not yet visited the website, please do at www.pcbaonline.com

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Ring in the new year with us at our Jan. 9 monthly luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. when the topic will be “Iowa’s Mock Trial National Champions: Past, Present and Future.” Judge David Nelmark will moderate a panel discussion made up of Amy Akers, Ankeny Community School District; Gaeb...
As 2023 draws to a close, don’t forget that you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the PCBA Volunteer Lawyers Project. The PCBA VLP is a charitable organization established with the mission of providing legal services to low-income residents of Polk County. With your help, PCBA VLP is one of...

New Staff Member Spotlight

The Polk County Bar Association and the PCBA Volunteer Lawyers Project have welcomed Austin Westermann to our team as Program Manager. He can be reached via phone at 515-243-3904 or via email at awestermann@pcbaonline.org.

What did you study in college?
I received my B.A. in Political Science along with a minor in Philosophy and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Management - all from the University of Iowa. Go Hawks!

Where did you start your career?
My first job after graduating college was just a few blocks down Court Avenue at the Polk County Court Campus working for the Iowa Judicial Branch with the Fifth Judicial District judges and staff. Many of you who practice in state-level district court probably saw me often when I was a Court Attendant or more recently in my role in Court Administration.

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Mark your calendar and plan to attend these upcoming PCBA luncheons: Tuesday, Feb. 13. Chief Justice Susan Christensen will be the featured speaker at our Annual Bench/Bar Luncheon to be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Embassy Club in downtown Des Moines. Get details and register here. Tuesday,...
One of the best things you can do for your career is to belong to the Polk County Bar Association. Your PCBA membership entitles you to FREE CLE seminars to sharpen your skills, monthly luncheons to explore current issues, networking opportunities, news and information you can't get anywhere else, discounts...
he Polk County Bar Association partners with ARAG each year to give Polk County area students a chance to get creative with the law as part of our annual Law Day celebration. The Law Day theme Voices of Democracy. Students in grades K through 12 can express their thoughts on...
The Polk County Courts phone chart has been updated and we have it available for PCBA members. You can have courtroom assignments, phone numbers, and court attendant and court reporter contacts for each judge at your fingertips just by clicking here and downloading the chart. Member log in is required.

On the Move

Hopkins & Huebner, P.C. has welcomed Akosua Wiafe as an associate attorney in the Des Moines office employment law and municipal law sections. Akosua received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa, after studying political science and psychology at Kennesaw State University. She represents...
Shireen Bhatia has joined McKee, Voorhees & Sease, PLas a registered Patent Attorney in the Biotechnology and Chemical Practice Group. Shireen graduated with her law degree and a certificate in Intellectual Property from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law School. She has experience with patent prosecution, IP litigation...
Attorney Jackson G. O’Brien has joined Fredrikson as an associate in its Litigation, Construction and Real Estate & Construction groups. Jackson litigates in disputes related to business, construction, real estate, and education. Before joining Fredrikson, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable C.J. Williams in the United States...
Brennan B. Eddie has joined Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen P.C. as an associate attorney. Her practice is focused on advising startups and established business clients in the areas of business formation, business law, corporate governance, contracts & agreements, cybersecurity & vendor agreements, and emerging technology. In addition, she assists...
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