Justice Marsha Ternus Named Iowa’s First Woman Chief Justice

Justice Marsha Ternus Named Iowa’s First Woman Chief Justice

Justice Marsha Ternus has been named Iowa’s First Woman Chief Justice. She takes over for the departing Louis Lavorato. Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad appointed Ternus to the Court in 1993. She earned her law degree, with honors, from Drake University Law School in 1977.

Before joining the Iowa Supreme Court Ternus worked for the Bradshaw Law Firm in Des Moines. She practiced as insurance defense lawyer until her appointment in 1993.

Ternus has an excellent reputation among Iowa lawyers for her fairness and intellectual integrity. She will make an excellent Chief Justice.