Michael Streit

Former Associate Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court

Michael Streit

Former Associate Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court

EDUCATION

Undergraduate

  • University of Iowa, bachelor’s degree, 1972
    • Majored in economics with an emphasis in health economics

Law School

  • University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 1975
    • San Diego Law Review
    • While a member of the Law Review, authored articles on:
      • Investment Advisers Act of 1935
      • Section 16b of the Securities Exchange Act
    • San Diego Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief

WORK EXPERIENCE

Bicycle Shop owner 1978-1985; Chariton, Iowa (Connecticut Yankee Peddler)
Bank Teller, City Planner, Park Manager (college jobs)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., Law Firm, 2011-present
    • Member of the Litigation, Dispute Resolutions & Investigations practice area, with emphasis on complex mediations and arbitrations
    • AAA Arbitrator and mediator
    • Adjunct Professor at Drake Law School
    • Certified Mediator
  • Justice, Iowa Supreme Court, 2001-2010
    • Appointed by Governor Thomas Vilsack
    • Authored over 170 opinions
    • Served as chair of the Rules committee
    • Served on the Bar Admissions and Administrative committees
    • Served as a liaison to the Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Judicial Districts
    • Served as chair of Judicial Education
  • Judge, Iowa Court of Appeals
    • Appointed by Governor Terry Branstad, 1996-2001
    • Wrote over 600 decisions
    • Founder of Iowa Judicial Institute
  • Judge, Iowa District Court
    • Appointed by Governor Branstad, 1983-1996
    • Served in all 16 counties of the Fifth Judicial District
    • Presided over Iowa Trust case
      • investment fraud involving over 80 entities
      • recovery of over $220 million for 80 Iowa governmental entities
    • Presided over cases dealing with crime, families, business, farm debt and litigation, juveniles, and probate
    • Presided over 300 jury trials
  • Morr and Shelton Law firm, Chariton, Iowa, 1975-1983
  • Assistant Lucas County attorney and Lucas County attorney, 1975-83

ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS

  • Distinguished Alumni award from the University of San Diego for service to the profession and the Iowa courts
  • 2011 ACLU Louise Noun Award
  • John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award (2012)

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Since leaving the Iowa Supreme Court at the end of 2010 Streit has been involved with arbitration and mediation. As an arbitrator he works with lawyers all the time who are effective advocates, teachers, and educators. He also works with lawyers and clients who could improve with a few guiding suggestions. Harbinger will endeavor to assist lawyers and clients make their best presentation of their case in our court system or other forum resolving their case.