Judge Michael K. Jacobsen: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Michael K. Jacobsen is a judge for the 5th Judicial District Court of Iowa. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Kim Reynolds in 2018.

The 5th Judicial District includes Adair, Adams, Clarke, Dallas, Decatur, Guthrie, Jasper, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Polk, Ringgold, Taylor, Union, Warren, and Wayne counties.

Jacobsen received a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Dakota State University in 1990. He then completed a J.D. at Drake University Law School in 1993.

Jacobsen began his legal career in private practice at Diehl, Clayton & Jacobsen, where he remained for the next six years. Then, in 1996, he joined the Jasper County Attorney’s Office as an assistant county attorney. He was later elected County Attorney there in 2009 and remained in that capacity until his appointment to the bench.

His memberships include the Iowa Judges Association and the Iowa State Bar Association.

Jacobsen grew up on a farm in Ireton, Iowa, where they raised pigs and grew corn and soybeans. He went on to attend West Sioux High School in Hawarden.