The Iowa Supreme Court’s Attorney Disciplinary Board on Friday, suspended the law license of Atlantic lawyer and Cass County  Judicial Magistrate, James C. Van Ginkel. The Board suspended his license for an indefinite period of time, with no possibibility of reinstatement for at least 60-days. In it’s decision, the Board took into consideration a recommendation by the Grievance Commision of the Supreme Court of Iowa, which had suggested Van Ginkel’s license to practice law be suspended for at least 30-days, along with a public reprimand, but the Board concluded a suspension of 60-days was more appropriate, given the seriousness of the offenses.  No criminal charges were filed.

The Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board charged Van Ginkel with multiple violations of their disciplinary rules, in connection with the probate and closing of an estate. They charged Van Ginkel engaged in neglect in connection with the estate, engaged in conduct that was prejudicial to the adminstration of justice, knowingly made false statements to the tribunal, and engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

 James C. Van Ginkel has been a member of the Iowa Bar since 1980. He has a solo private practice in Atlantic, and has served as Cass County Magistrate from November 1984 to June 1985, and from August 2001 to present day.

The Attorney Disciplinary Boards’ decision can be found online at:

http://www.iowacourtsonline.org/Supreme_Court/Recent_Opinions/20120113/11-0886.pdf