Meet the Panelists: Tom Newkirk

The Tackling Unintentional Bias panel discussion is Thursday, June 18th. Learn a little more about our final panelist, Tom Newkirk!

Tom Newkirk, Partner, Newkirk Zwagerman

Thomas Newkirk is a civil rights attorney practicing law in Iowa for 25 years. Tom's primary focus is in the representation of persons of color and women in their pursuit of an equitable share of the benefits of American society. To accomplish that goal Tom has developed an expertise in the analysis of bias and its impact on decision-making that he applies to the practice of law.

In 2003, Tom was invited, along with 20 leading social scientists and law professors, to participate in the first of its kind symposium at Harvard University to address the need to merge a more scientific understanding of bias and its effect on decisions into the law. Since that time Tom has continued to develop his expertise in the analysis of bias and to develop methods to reduce the harm from bias (in all its forms) upon equal access to criminal and civil justice, employment, and other areas affecting distribution of resources including equality for women in universities and for all groups in access to medical care.

Tom holds degrees from Drake University and Drake Law School in Des Moines, Iowa.  He was admitted before the courts of the State of Iowa in 1989.  He is also admitted to practice in both Federal District Courts in Iowa, as well as the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Current professional affiliations include the National Employment Lawyers Association, and Iowa Employment Lawyers Association, for which he has been an officer for several years.

Tom currently lives in Des Moines, Iowa, where he and his wife are raising three children to be enlightened and respectful to all walks of life.

Don’t forget to sign up for Tackling Unintentional Bias on Thursday, June 18th at 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Sign up on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tackling-unintentional-bias-tickets-17157883692