--- title: "Kimberly Smith | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kimberly-smith-judge-iowa-judicial-district-5-district-court-ia" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Kimberly Smith Iowa Judicial District 5 District Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Iowa Judicial District 5 District Court - State: Iowa - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Kimberly R. Smith was Chief Judge of the Clinch County Probate and Magistrate Courts in Southeast Georgia until March 19, 2025, when she resigned amid an ongoing Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) investigation - Career note: Smith had served in Clinch County for 14 years as both a clerk and judge, and was recently reelected in November 2024 - Adjunct Professor at Drake University Law School (2017–2021) Iowa Judicial Branch - Assistant Public Defender in the Des Moines Public Defender’s Office (2008–2020) Iowa Judicial Branch - Associate Lawyer with Roehrick Law Firm (2003–2008) Iowa Judicial Branch - The District Associate Judge for Judicial District 5C in Polk County, Iowa - District Associate Judge for Iowa Judicial District 5 - Her background includes a strong focus on public service, criminal justice, and community engagement, with a personal history tied to Mount Mercy University and its Sisters of Mercy - Judge Kimberly Smith’s career blends legal practice, public defense, academic service, and judicial leadership, reflecting a lifelong dedication to justice and community engagement ### Education ### Additional information - Joined the bench in December 2020 and is based in Des Moines - in 2000 - Iowa Public Defender Association - Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and English - Juris Doctor (J.D.) - Kimberly “Kim” Rodgers Smith - She later received her - Her academic path was shaped by an early interest in law, inspired by her great‐grandmother’s influence and a desire to help people through legal work - She also served in various campus leadership and service roles during her time at Mount Mercy University, among them choir, resident assistant, drama club, mock trial program, and the Development & Alumni Office - District 5 of the Iowa District Court - C. Edwin Inn of Court - Pretrial Screening Assessment Implementation Committee - St. Thomas More Center Advisory Board - Born into an Irish Catholic family, Smith grew up in a community deeply influenced by the Sisters of Mercy, which shaped her values and commitment to public service - She has remained active in her alma mater through the Mount Mercy Alumni Board and continues to engage in community and legal advocacy ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### recording photography streaming Scope: statewide Iowa prohibits broadcasting, recording, photographing, texting, blogging, or tweeting real-time courtroom coverage unless the presiding judicial officer permits it in advance. Evidence excerpt: prohibited unless the presiding judicial officer expressly permits coverage in advance [Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### presiding judge discretion Scope: statewide Iowa's expanded news media coverage framework requires approval, but the judge should allow coverage unless it would materially interfere with protected interests or the proceeding. Evidence excerpt: The judge shall allow expanded news media coverage unless the judge concludes [Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### electronic devices for media Scope: statewide Iowa Chapter 25 requires approval before using electronic devices for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video in a courtroom. Evidence excerpt: Electronic devices for photography, video recording, audio recording, or streaming video may not be used [Chapter 25 Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/25_2_44097B6A827DC.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-5/judges-and-magistrates) - [Official roster](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-5/judges-and-magistrates) - [Iowa Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-5/judges-and-magistrates) - [Iowa Judicial Branch: Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/expanded-news-media-coverage) - [Chapter 25 Rules for Expanded News Media Coverage](https://www.iowacourts.gov/static/media/cms/25_2_44097B6A827DC.pdf) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kimberly-smith-judge-iowa-judicial-district-5-district-court-ia", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kimberly-smith-judge-iowa-judicial-district-5-district-court-ia", "name": "Kimberly Smith | KnowJudges", "description": "Kimberly Smith, Iowa Judicial District 5 District Court. 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Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule. [Official source](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/CourtRulesChapter/09-30-2026.1.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.