Iowa Supreme Court

Justice Thomas D. Waterman, Davenport, was appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court in 2011. Justice Waterman, born in Davenport, Iowa, earned his bachelor of arts degree from Dartmouth College in 1981.  He graduated Order of the Coif from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1984 and served as associate editor of the law review. He was in private practice at Lane & Waterman LLP in Davenport from 1984 until his appointment.    

Before joining the court, Justice Waterman was active in numerous organizations including the Jury Instruction Committee of The Iowa State Bar Association, the American College of Trial Lawyers, and the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers.   He was a member of the State Judicial Nominating Commission from 1999-2005, and was a co-editor of Defense Update, the quarterly publication of the Iowa Defense Counsel Association. An avid endurance sports enthusiast, he has completed seven Ironman triathlons and several ultra-marathons, including the Leadville, Colorado, 100 mile trail run and the Grand Canyon “Rim to Rim to Rim.” His volunteer work included serving as Board Chair for the Scott County Family YMCA and Rivermont Collegiate.    

Justice Waterman is married and has four daughters, including triplets.  His current term expires December 31, 2020.