Bice named to Iowa court

A Fort Dodge attorney was appointed to become an Iowa District Court judge for Iowa's Judicial District 2B on Saturday.

Gov. Chet Culver announced that Thomas Bice will fill the position that Iowa District Court Judge Allan Goode left vacant when he retired for health reasons.

''I am thrilled at the opportunity to serve in the public sector,'' said Bice. ''This is an extreme honor.''

He said he believes his 36 years of broad-based legal experience at the Johnson Law Firm will serve him well as he ventures into his new role.

''I'll miss private practice. That's the bittersweet part of it,'' said Bice. ''But this represents a new challenge. I'm very excited.''

Goode didn't have any advice for the new judge, but says he has confidence in Bice's abilities.

''He'll do a good job,'' Goode said. ''He's well-equipped for the position.''

Goode said as an Iowa District Court judge, Bice will have general jurisdiction.

''He'll have a wide range of responsibilities,'' he said. ''He'll handle anything and everything.''

Goode was granted the position of senior judge for a two-year term by the Iowa Supreme Court in September. A senior judge tries cases on the regular trial assignment at the discretion of the court administrator, and is required to work a minimum of 13 weeks a year.

Culver also appointed Sean McPartland, of Cedar Rapids, as the District Court judge for Iowa Judicial District 6.

''It is my honor to name Sean McPartland and Thomas Bice as judges (in) the District Court," said Culver in a press release. ''Both Mr. McPartland's and Mr. Bice's years of experience will be invaluable to the court, and I am confident they will serve our state well. I want to thank both of them for their service to the people of Iowa."

Bice graduated from the University of Iowa in 1969 and then went on to Drake University to receive his law degree. He graduated in 1972 with honors.

After law school, he joined the Johnson Law Firm in Fort Dodge and has become a partner and stockholder in the firm now titled Johnson, Erb, Bice, Kramer, Good, Mulholland & Cochrane P.L.C.

Iowa Judicial District 2B includes Pocahontas, Calhoun, Greene, Humboldt, Webster, Wright, Hamilton, Boone, Story, Marshall and Hardin counties.

Contact Katie Williams at (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net

Member Comments

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jaybares
10-07-08 7:06 AM »Report Abuse	Culver made a great choice. Mr. Bice will add a common sense, legal mind, and credibility to the District Court. Judge Goode leaves a big void on the full time Court which Mr. Bice will fill admirably. Best wishes.
kaleidoscope
10-07-08 12:11 AM »Report Abuse	Congratulations! I have every confidence you will serve with the same expertise and professionalism that you have over the past 36 years.

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