James A. Gerk graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law with distinction in 1980. He was the Executive Editor of the Journal of Corporation Law. Mr. Gerk clerked for Simmons Perrine during law school and then joined the firm in 1980.
Since then he has developed a significant litigation and trial practice, primarily in the area of medical malpractice defense. Mr. Gerk has represented hundreds of physicians, hospitals and their professional liability insurance carriers in medical malpractice cases. During his career, he has successfully defended many health care providers in trials throughout the state.
In 1994 Mr. Gerk became a Fellow of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, as well as an Associate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2002 in New York City.
During his spare time, Mr. Gerk has enjoyed adventure travel around the world, including high-altitude treks and some mountain climbing. He has been to the North Pole. Mr. Gerk has competed in triathlons since 1983.
Mr. Gerk has also been active in the community, serving on the boards of many non-profit organizations.
On October 15, 2009, Jim Gerk was elected Vice President of the Iowa Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). ABOTA is an organization that includes both plaintiff and defense attorneys as members. Attorneys must be nominated and have extensive trial experience to be selected for membership in ABOTA.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Jim Gerk to Speak at Medical Malpractice Symposium
Jim Gerk is scheduled to speak on October 22, 2009 at the 2009 Iowa Group Practice Symposium sponsored by Midwest Medical Insurance Company. Jim’s topic will be: “How the Med Mal Battle Looks From the Trenches—Through the Eyes of a Defense Lawyer.” This symposium will take place in West Des Moines, Iowa.