Governor Tom Vilsack has picked a former assistant Attorney General to fill the vacancy on the Iowa Supreme Court. The Governor chose Brent Appel from a list of three candidates to replace Justice James Carter who is retiring October 16th.

Appel is a Dubuque native who has been serving in private practice in Des Moines for the last 20 years. Before going into private practice, Appel served as First Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General for Public Protection and Litigation under Attorney General Tom Miller, where he had the opportunity to argue four cases before the United States Supreme Court.

Vilsack says Apple “ is a highly respected attorney who has gone above and beyond in his service to the people of Iowa.” And the governor says Appel “will bring a wealth of experience and integrity to our highest court.” Appel also serves as chair of the Board of Directors for Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. Apple’s wife Staci is running for a seat in the Iowa Senate.