On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Supreme Court of Iowa issued an order temporarily suspending the law license of attorney John R. Newman due to his failure to comply with a Client Security Commission audit of his lawyer trust account. The decision follows a series of events that began earlier this year when Newman did not provide requested trust account information.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of John R. Newman,” with case no. 25-0751.
On January 18, 2025, J. Murphy, an auditor for the Client Security Commission, requested documentation from Newman to conduct an audit of his trust account. According to the Commission’s Certificate of Noncompliance, filed on June 2, 2025, Newman failed to submit the required information.
On March 19, 2025, the Commission notified Newman that his license faced suspension unless he addressed the delinquency or requested a hearing to explain why his license should not be suspended. The notice was sent via email to Newman’s registered address with the Office of Professional Regulation and by regular and certified mail to his home and his office. Both certified mail notices were signed for, and the regular mail and email notices were not returned.
The Commission reported that Newman neither provided the requested trust account information nor filed for a hearing within the 15-day notice period outlined in Iowa Court Rule 39.8(2).
As a result, the Supreme Court ordered the immediate suspension of Newman’s license to practice law in Iowa. The court mandated that Newman comply with the Commission’s January 18 request and adhere to Iowa Court Rule 34.23, which includes notification requirements.
The suspension will remain in effect until Newman fully complies with the Commission’s request, meets reinstatement requirements set by the Office of Professional Regulation, and receives court approval for reinstatement. The court also noted that a trustee may be appointed to protect Newman’s clients’ interests if necessary. Copies of the order were distributed to various judicial and professional entities, including the Iowa State Bar Association and the State Public Defender.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Newman is a wills and living wills attorney in Davenport, Iowa. He acquired his law license in Iowa in 1982.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
