Document - Judicial Selection in the States

Judicial Biographies
District 5C
Gregory Brandt
District Associate Judge
Year of Appointment: 1997
Background and Education:
Born in Ottumwa, Iowa,
Judge Brandt graduated from
Ottumwa High School in 1980.
He attended Drake University,
where he graduated with
degrees in accounting and
corporate finance in 1984. He
received his law degree, also
from Drake University, in 1987.
Career: After graduating
from law school, Judge Brandt
worked as a law clerk for the Eighth Judicial District
of the State of Iowa until 1988. From 1988 to 1995, he
was an assistant Polk County attorney. After leaving the
Polk County Attorney’s Office, Judge Brandt became an
associate with Hyland, Laden & Pearson, P.C., practicing
in the area of general litigation.
Professional Activities: Since his appointment to District
Associate Judge, Judge Brandt has been involved in
all aspects concerning the use of technology in the
courts. Judge Brandt served as a liaison for the Fifth
Judicial District on the Court Technology Infra Structure
Project’s Steering Committee, CJIN Subcommittee, and
the ICIS State Steering Committee. He also chaired the
Judicial Technology Committee. He is a member of the
Polk County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations,
the Iowa Judges Association, and the American Judges
Association.
Family and Hobbies: Judge Brandt is married with two
children. Outside of court, he has participated in various
committees, with his church, and with his children’s
school and sporting activities.
Carol L. Coppola
District Associate Judge
Year of Appointment: 2001
Background and Education:
Judge Coppola received
her bachelor’s degree from
Creighton University in 1973.
She earned her law degree, with
honors, Order of the Coif, from
Drake University in 1980.
Professional Activities: While in private practice, Judge
Coppola served on many committees, including the Client
Security Commission, Polk County Family Law Committee,
and the Polk County Grievance Committee. She is a
member of the Polk County Bar Association, The Iowa
State Bar Association, and the Iowa Judges Association.
Career: For 21 years, Judge
Coppola worked in the private
practice of law.
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