This is a question that only a legal insider would likely know to ask. In order for an Iowa attorney to advertise that he or she "practices primarily" in medical malpractice cases, the lawyer must file an annual written report with the Iowa Supreme Court's Commission on Continuing Education swearing that:

• the greater of 400 hours or 40% of the lawyer's time in the preceding year was spent doing medical malpractice cases; and
• the lawyer has attended 15 hours of continuing legal education in medical malpractice matters in the preceding year.

Do not be fooled if a lawyer tells you that he or she is eligible under Iowa Rule DR 2-105(B) rather than (C)! Iowa Rule DR 2-105(B) requires only 100 hours or 10% of the lawyer's time in the preceding year was spent doing medical malpractice cases. This question--"Are you eligible under Iowa Rule DR 2-105(C) to advertise that you practice primarily in Medical Malpractice?"--is the fastest way to find out whether you are talking to an experienced Iowa medical malpractice attorney who is making an effort to stay informed of the latest medical and legal trends. Relatively few Iowa attorneys can answer this question with a "Yes."