Recently, Drake Law School announced their new partnership with the 5th Judicial District. Judge Joel Novak, who is now on Senior status, will be a “Judge in Residence” at Drake Law School. Novak’s office will be located in the Smith Suite at the Neal & Bea Smith Legal Clinic.
This partnership will allow students to meet with Judge Novak to discuss our judicial system. Also, regular hearings and trials will be held in the Neal & Bea Smith Legal Clinic courtroom which will be open for viewing by Drake Law students as well as the rest of the Drake University community and the public.
The first case tried in the Neal & Bea Smith courtroom under this partnership was a wrongful termination of employment claim. The plaintiff alleged that she was terminated for filing for worker’s compensation. The trial was held during the week of Sept. 13.
Associate Dean Charlow stated that she was “extremely pleased with this opportunity for Drake Law students and grateful to Chief Judge Gamble and the Iowa judiciary for their continued assistance in enhancing the education of Drake’s students.”
Read more about the partnership in Iowa Lawyer.