Fort Dodge attorney Michelle Patterson has โขreceived โฃrecognition for her service on the Iowa โJudicial Nominating Commission, the body responsible for recommending judges โto the governor.โฃ Pattersonโข was honored November 14,โ 2025, for her contributions to ensuringโค qualified candidates are considered for โjudicial appointments across the state.
The Iowa Judicial Nominating Commission plays a critical roleโ in maintaining the integrity and โคimpartiality โof theโค state’sโ judiciary. Composed of citizen members, the commission vets applicants, conducts interviews, and submits โa shortโค list of nominees toโข the governor, who then makes the final appointment. Patterson’s work on the commission directly impacts the qualityโ of legal representation and justice available to Iowans.Her dedication to the process helps โคensureโ that individuals selected for theโ bench possess the โขnecessary experience,โ temperament, andโข ethical standards.Patterson, a partner at the law firm Skogman, Merrill, & Patterson, โฃP.C. inโ Fortโค dodge,โ hasโค served โon theโ commission for several years. She was initially appointed by the governor and has consistently demonstratedโข a commitment to identifying highly qualified judicial candidates. The โrecognition acknowledges her diligent review of applications,thoughtful questioning duringโฃ interviews,and โขcollaborative approach to โthe nominating process.