Iowa Attorney Theodore Sporer Hit With 90-Day License Suspension, Eighth Sanction
The Iowa Supreme Court has suspended the law license of Des Moines attorney Theodore F. Sporer for 90 days, marking his eighth disciplinary action in a career spanning nearly four decades. The suspension, effective July 2, 2026, comes after the Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board found that Sporer neglected client cases, failed to notify clients of prior suspensions, and continued practicing law while his license was already suspended.
What Did the Iowa Supreme Court Find?
The board alleged that Sporer, first licensed in 1985, mishandled multiple cases due to declining physical and mental health. In one instance, he failed to inform a client of his suspension, leaving the client scrambling for a new lawyer before a hearing. In another, he did not notify the court of his suspension until a week before trial, forcing a delay. A separate case saw Sporer fail to respond to a motion for summary judgment, resulting in a $10,000 judgment against his client.
Sporer consented to the 90-day suspension but asked to retire instead. The board recommended at least 60 days, and the court settled on 90 days. The decision has little practical effect, as Sporer's license was already suspended under a May 2024 order still in effect.
What Were the Mitigating and Aggravating Factors?
The board acknowledged Sporer's physical and mental health issues as mitigating factors. However, aggravating factors included a long history of discipline: private admonishments in 2010 and 2018, public reprimands in 2011 and 2016, a six-month suspension in 2017, and another suspension in 2024. The board said Sporer's misconduct caused confusion and delay across multiple cases.
What Did Sporer Say in His Defense?
In a written consent, Sporer expressed regret, stating,
“My name will be remembered in infamy in the profession, and any good I did long forgotten. This is a brutal thing to admit to oneself. I have been punished. Further punishment is not necessary to deter me or anyone acting like me. My career has been over for two years. I am not resisting any kind of sanction. I am asking that the court permit me to simply and fully retire.”
Sporer also noted that through nearly 40 years of practice, he helped many who could not afford an attorney, particularly battered women. He said,
“I achieved justice for hundreds of plaintiffs who were mistreated by those in a position of power, whether public authorities or powerful corporate interests.”
Who Is Theodore Sporer?
Sporer, a former Polk County Republican chairman from 2001 to 2009 and a member of the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee from 2002 to 2008, had his law office in Des Moines. His career, once marked by service to underserved clients, now ends under a cloud of repeated sanctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sporer's license suspended?
The Iowa Supreme Court found Sporer neglected client cases, failed to notify clients of his suspension, and practiced law while his license was already suspended, causing confusion and delays.
How many times has Sporer been sanctioned?
This is his eighth sanction, including private admonishments, public reprimands, and prior suspensions in 2017 and 2024.
Can Sporer still practice law?
No. His license is suspended for 90 days, but it was already suspended under a May 2024 order, so the practical effect is minimal.
What was Sporer's political role?
He served as Polk County Republican chairman from 2001 to 2009 and on the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee from 2002 to 2008.