Branstad Appoints Adam Gregg as Iowa State Public Defender

(Des Moines, IA) Gov. Terry Branstad yesterday announced that Adam Gregg has been named as Iowa State Public Defender. Gregg replaces Sam Langholz, who left the position to pursue a new job in the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

“As the Governor’s Office’s legislative liaison, Adam had a reputation of working with legislators of both parties as historic legislation passed both chambers,” said Branstad. “As State Public Defender, I’m confident that Adam will work to represent and defend individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford legal representation in our legal system.”

The Iowa State Public Defender coordinates the constitutional right to legal representation for those who come under arrest and cannot afford their legal representation. Either the State Public Defender’s offices or private attorneys who are contracted by State Public Defender’s office provide the representation for these individuals. The State Public Defender position is outlined in Iowa Code 13B.

“I am humbled and honored to have been asked by Governor Branstad to serve Iowans as the State Public Defender,” said Gregg. “I am eager to begin my work ensuring that every Iowan is provided the constitutional right to counsel and has fair representation in our justice system.”

Gregg graduated in 2009 with high honors from Drake University Law School, where he received the institution’s most prestigious honor, the Opperman Scholarship. While there, he earned the faculty’s William and Ellen Cooney Hoye Award, given to the student who demonstrates the greatest promise as an advocate, public servant and practitioner.

While in school, Gregg conducted legal research in his capacity as an Iowa Supreme Court scholar with Justice Mark Cady and was a staff member for the Drake Law Review.

Gregg earned his B.A. from Central College in 2006, graduating first in his class as Summa Cum Laude in Political Science and History.

Gregg’s experience includes internships with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Congress and United Kingdom Parliament. From December 2012 – June 2014, he served as the legislative liaison in the Governor’s Office. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Gregg practiced at a Des Moines law firm. He was the Republican nominee for Attorney General in 2014.

Gregg is married with two children, a four-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter. They reside in Johnston, Iowa.

The position of State Public Defender is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation.