On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of Iowa issued an order publicly reprimanding attorney Michael Paul Holzworth for violations related to his management of client trust accounts. The Attorney Disciplinary Board filed the reprimand, which Holzworth consented to without exception.
The case is entitled “Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Michael Paul Holzworth,” with case no. 25–0916.
The disciplinary action stemmed from a complaint referred to the Board by the Client Security Commission following an audit of Holzworth’s trust accounts. The audit revealed multiple issues, including Holzworth’s failure to conduct monthly triple reconciliations, maintain a proper check register, and keep client sub-accounts current and reconciled. Additionally, he neglected to maintain the required financial records as mandated by Iowa Court Rules.
The Board found that Holzworth allowed nearly 100 inactive client balances to remain in his trust account for over a year. Some of these funds were client refunds, while others were earned fees, with some dating back to 2008. At the start of the audit, Holzworth’s trust account showed a shortage of more than $3,000, and he permitted negative client balances. The audit also uncovered over $130,000 in earned fees left in the trust account, which included 81 client matters with no recent activity.
Further, Holzworth was found to have provided false information on his annual client security questionnaires, incorrectly stating that he performed monthly triple reconciliations. The Board expressed particular concern about the significant amount of earned fees left in the trust account and the extended period they remained there, noting that trust accounts are not intended for storing personal funds.
The reprimand cited violations of Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct 32:1.15, which governs the safekeeping of client property, and 32:8.4(c), which addresses professional misconduct involving dishonesty. Additionally, Holzworth violated Iowa Court Rules 45.1, 45.2(2), and 45.2(3), which outline requirements for managing client trust accounts, delivering funds or property to clients, and maintaining proper financial records.
The court ordered that the reprimand be recorded as a public document and distributed copies to justices, judges, court administrators, clerks, and relevant professional organizations, including the Iowa State Bar Association and the Office of Professional Regulation.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Holzworth is a personal injury attorney in Des Moines, Iowa. He acquired his law license in Iowa in 1985.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
