Court suspends license of Waverly lawyer

The Iowa Supreme Court suspended the license of a Waverly lawyer for ethical violations Friday.

The license of Ivan Ackerman will be suspended 90 days, according to the ruling. The court ruled the punishment is appropriate in light of his misconduct and takes into account the mitigating factors of Ackerman's battle with cancer, as well as his extensive community service.

The court's Attorney Disciplinary Board filed the complaint against Ackerman July 12, 2008 alleging ethical violations in two probate matters, which resulted in numerous notices of delinquency, his misrepresentations pertaining to status of the case and his premature taking of probate fees in one of the estates, according to the ruling.

The violations were in 1995 with an estate in Butler County and in 1998 in an estate in Bremer County, according to the ruling. Ackerman's handling of the two estates, despite delinquency notices and inquiries from beneficiaries, show serious neglect in violation of Iowa rules.