Mike Bandstra graduated with highest distinction from Iowa State University with an undergraduate degree in Social Work in 1987. He then worked as a social worker in central Iowa with children in foster care for three years. Mike graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Law in 1993 earning the following academic honors: Highest Distinction, John F. Murray Graduate (chosen by faculty to have the highest academic excellence in the graduating class) and Order of the Coif.

Following his graduation from law school, Mike worked for two years at the Youth Law Center in Des Moines spending half of his time representing children in child welfare and delinquency cases and half-time working on the Center's policy efforts and broader litigation.

From 1995 to the present, Mike has maintained a private practice in Des Moines dedicated to the needs of children and those that care for children.

Additionally, Mike teaches routinely at the University of Iowa, College of Law, in subjects including Adoption Law, Child Maltreatment Law and Delinquency Law. Mike also teaches at the University of Iowa, Masters in Social Work program offering courses including Family Law and Social Work and Child Welfare Law and Social Work.

Mike also provides statewide legal trainings for the Iowa Department of Human Services to field social workers. He also provides trainings and consultation to a number of private organizations on matters related to the care and treatment of children and their families.

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