David Wiggins (judge)


David Wiggins is a former Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court.

Education

Wiggins attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and received his bachelor's degree in 1973. He then attended Drake University Law School While there, he was an associate editor of the Drake Law Review. He graduated with honors and Order of the Coif in 1976.

Legal career

Wiggins began his career with the Des Moines based firm Williams, Hart, Lavorato & Kirtley. He made partner in 1979.

Appointment to Iowa Supreme Court

He was appointed by Governor Tom Vilsack to the Supreme Court in 2003. Following the death of Chief Justice Mark Cady, Wiggins was acting Chief Justice from November 21, 2019 to February 24, 2020. While serving as Chief Justice, Wiggins announced his intention to retire on March 13, 2020.

2012 Retention

Wiggins' term was scheduled to end on December 31, 2012. Wiggins had supported the 2009 Varnum v. Brien which declared the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. In the 2010 election, three justices who had supported the decision were ousted. Wiggins was retained in 2012 with 54.61% of the vote.

Association Membership

Wiggins served on the Board of Governors of the Iowa State Bar Association, was President of the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, was senior counsel for the American College of Barristers, was master emeritus of the C. Edwin Moore American Inns of Court.
From 2000 until his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2003, Wiggins served as the Chairperson of the Iowa Judicial Qualifications Commission.

Awards