On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Supreme Court of Iowa suspended the law license of attorney Robert Bruce Brock for 60 days following his affidavit consenting to a disciplinary suspension. The suspension, effective 10 days from the filing of the court’s order, stems from multiple violations of the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct related to Brock’s handling of an estate case and his conduct following an administrative suspension.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Robert Bruce Brock,” with case no. 25–0972.
Brock submitted an affidavit on June 9, 2025, acknowledging misconduct and consenting to a suspension of up to six months, though he requested a shorter period not exceeding 30 days. The Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board, in response, recommended a three-month suspension, citing the severity of Brock’s violations.
After reviewing the affidavit and the Board’s response, the Supreme Court imposed a 60-day suspension, prohibiting Brock from practicing law in any capacity during this period.
The disciplinary action arises from Brock’s handling of an estate case, where he failed to diligently gather necessary information to secure assets for the estate and neglected to communicate effectively with the decedent’s financial representative and beneficiaries. This lack of diligence and communication caused significant delays and stress for those involved. When new co-executors and counsel were appointed, Brock further delayed the process by failing to promptly transfer estate property to the new attorney, hindering the estate’s progress.
Additionally, Brock did not respond to complaints filed with the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board for months, only complying after receiving a 10-day notice threatening further disciplinary action. The Board found that Brock’s actions violated Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct 32:1.3 (diligence), 32:1.4(a)(4) (prompt communication), and 32:8.1(b) (responding to disciplinary authority).
Compounding these issues, Brock continued to practice law after his license was administratively suspended on September 12, 2024. Between September 12 and September 17, 2024, before receiving notice of the suspension, Brock made several court filings. After being notified, he continued legal activities, including drafting documents and advising clients, in violation of Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct. The Supreme Court determined that these actions warranted disciplinary measures, as Brock had constructive knowledge of his suspension.
The Board noted several aggravating factors, including Brock’s years of legal practice, two prior private admonitions for similar diligence issues, and a previous admonition for failing to respond to the Board. His misconduct also led to untimely tax filings, potentially resulting in penalties for the estate. Mitigating factors included Brock’s acknowledgment of his misconduct, eventual cooperation with the Board, community service, and pro bono work. However, the Board rejected Brock’s claim that his ongoing administrative suspension should count as time served, as it was unrelated to the disciplinary proceedings.
To resume practicing law, Brock must file a written application for reinstatement, comply with Iowa Court Rule 34.25, and demonstrate that he has not practiced law during the suspension period. He is also responsible for the costs of the proceeding and must notify relevant parties as required by Iowa Court Rule 34.23(2).
The Disposition states:
“After consideration of Brock’s affidavit and the Board’s response, pursuant to Iowa Court Rule 34.16(3), the court orders that Robert Bruce Brock’s license to practice law in this state is suspended for a period of 60 days.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Brock is an attorney in Le Mars, Iowa. He acquired his law license in Iowa in 2006.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
