As amended through July 19, 2024
Rule 8.36 - Educational requirements for court-appointed attorneys representing parents8. 36(1)Three-hour annual minimum. Court-appointed attorneys representing parents in juvenile court are required to participate annually in a minimum of three hours of continuing legal education relating to juvenile court proceedings. An attorney shall not accept juvenile court appointment representing a parent unless the attorney has fulfilled this three-hour minimum requirement either in the previous calendar year or earlier in the calendar year of the appointment.8. 36(2)Qualifying courses.a. For purposes of this rule, "continuing legal education relating to juvenile court proceedings" means instruction that meets all three of the following criteria: (1) It relates to the legal, ethical, medical, psychological, or social issues arising in juvenile court proceedings.(2) It has been approved by the Iowa Children's Justice Initiative.(3) It has been accredited by the commission on continuing legal education.b. The Iowa Children's Justice Initiative is responsible for publicizing courses that meet the criteria of rule 8.36(2). It is anticipated that these courses will be available throughout the state at little or no cost to the attorney.8. 36(3)Recordkeeping. Court-appointed attorneys representing parents in juvenile court proceedings are responsible for maintaining records of their compliance with this rule and reporting required instruction on the annual report required by Iowa Court Rule 41.4. A judge presiding over a juvenile proceeding, or the State Public Defender, may require an attorney to certify compliance with this rule and to provide the attorney's annual reports and any other records demonstrating compliance with this rule.8. 36(4)Effective date. This rule applies to court appointments that occur on or after January 1, 2015. Attorneys appointed to represent parents in juvenile court proceedings on or after January 1, 2015, must have completed three hours of continuing legal education relating to juvenile court proceedings either during calendar year 2014 or during calendar year 2015 prior to their appointment.Court Order October 16, 2013, effective January 1, 2015.