Document - Judicial Selection in the States

Judicial Biographies
Court of Appeals Judges
Michael R. Mullins
Court of Appeals Judge
Year of Appointment: 2011
Background and Education:
Judge Mullins received his
bachelor’s degree from
Southwest Baptist University
in 1974 and his M.S.W. from
the University of Iowa in 1976.
In 1982, he received his law
degree, with honors, Order of
the Coif, from Drake University,
where he was Editor-in-Chief of
the Drake Law Review.
Career: For 19 years,
Judge Mullins worked in the private practice of law in
Washington, Iowa. Typical of county seat law firms,
he represented factory workers, farmers, and other
individuals, as well as professionals, small businesses,
banks, and the Washington County Hospital. Judge
Mullins’ general practice focused on representing clients
in court proceedings. He was appointed to Iowa district
court for the Eighth Judicial District in 2002.
Community Activities: Before his appointment to the
bench, Judge Mullins served on the board of directors
and as an officer of the Washington Community YMCA,
the Washington Community Theater, the Y’s Men’s Club,
and the noon Kiwanis Club. For many years, he coached
youth soccer and was involved in various community
activities, including school facilities study committees.
Judge Mullins is a long-time active member of Faith
Baptist Church, having served as a member and chair of
the trustees, building committee member, chair of the
constitution and bylaws revision committee, song leader,
and moderator.
Professional Activities: Judge Mullins received advanced
national training in trial management, domestic violence
cases, search and seizure issues, appellate judging,
corrections policy development, and related issues. He
has participated in the national Cross Governmental
Sentencing and Corrections Policy Forum. Judge Mullins
is a former member of the Jury Instructions Committee
of The Iowa State Bar Association, and was the only
judge member of the interim legislative Criminal Code
Reorganization Committee. He currently serves as a
member and chair of the Judicial Technology Committee
and as a member of the Business Advisory Committee
for the Electronic Document Management System
(EDMS). Judge Mullins has served on numerous other
management and administrative committees. He is
also a faculty member for new judge orientation and
for trial management, and is a frequent presenter for
continuing legal education on the topic of sentencing
issues. Judge Mullins developed and periodically updates
the Iowa Criminal Statutes Summary Chart used by
judges and lawyers throughout Iowa. He is a member of
the Washington County, Iowa State, and American Bar
Associations, and the Iowa Judges Association.
Family and Hobbies: Judge Mullins has been married for
38 years, and has two adult, married children and two
grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, golfing, camping, and
spending time with family and friends.
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