On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Supreme Court of Iowa issued a public reprimand to attorney James Patrick Barry. The reprimand was initiated by the Attorney Disciplinary Board.
The case is entitled “Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board v. James Patrick Barry,” with case no. 25-1417.
The disciplinary action arises from Barry’s engagement in the private practice of law while serving as the full-time Muscatine County Attorney, a violation of Iowa Code section 331.757, which prohibits full-time prosecutors from engaging in private practice. The Attorney Disciplinary Board found that Barry provided pro bono legal services and representation to friends and family, which does not constitute an exception to the rule.
Specifically, the Board determined that Barry’s actions violated Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:1.16(a)(1), which addresses situations where a lawyer’s representation results in a violation of the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct or other laws. The Board’s investigation revealed that Barry represented a friend, which involved in at least a trial scheduling conference in March 2023.
The Board also emphasized that Barry was previously aware of the restrictions on private practice while serving as a full-time county attorney, referencing his 2009 disciplinary opinion and an instance where opposing counsel raised the issue.
The Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board formally issued the public reprimand in a letter dated July 21, 2025, notifying Barry of his right to file an exception within 30 days, which he did not do. The reprimand is now a public document within the records of the Iowa Supreme Court.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Barry is an attorney in Muscatine, Iowa. He acquired his law license in Iowa in 1987.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
