Chappell sworn in as Sixth Judicial District Court judge

IOWA CITY - Preparation, hard work and intelligence will help Andrew Chappell in his new job as a Sixth Judicial District judge, friends and colleagues said at his swearing in ceremony Friday.

U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Rose, who went to the University of Iowa College of Law with Chappell, spoke about the man who won her over with persistent friendship during a tough time in her life.

'I met Andy on my first day of law school in 1994,” Rose told about 80 people gathered for Chappell's investiture at the Johnson County Courthouse. 'I didn't particularly like him.”

Chappell would show up uninvited to the house Rose shared with her husband, one time wanting to make salsa, but complaining the couple had no ingredients, Rose said. Chappell rarely let Rose pay for dinner when they dined out and was not deterred by her desire for solitude, brought on by grief after a miscarriage.

'Andy was busy doing the same things to a number of other social orphans at the law school,” Rose said. 'He banded us together.”

Chief Judge Patrick Grady recognized Chappell as someone who was always prepared in Chappell's 16 years of being a Johnson County prosecutor. Before that, Chappell was a private civil practice attorney.

'He's always thinking about the other people in the courtroom,” Grady said. 'I think that's a real attribute for someone about to take the bench.”

Gov. Terry Branstad appointed Chappell, 45, of Iowa City, as judge Feb. 10. Chappell succeeds Judge Robert Sosalla, who retired last year. Chappell's wife, Meredith Rich-Chappell, and their son, Alex, helped Chappell don his black robe Friday before Rose swore him in.

The Sixth District includes Linn, Johnson, Benton, Jones, Iowa and Tama counties.

l Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com