Elliott Abromeit, a soon-to-be graduate from the University of Iowa College of Law, has always understood the importance of serving those around him. Growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, he was surrounded by a family that valued education and service. His parents, both teachers, instilled in him the values of kindness and empathy, providing a clear picture of what it means to serve one’s community. This foundation, combined with his passion for social justice, has shaped his path to law school and guided his aspirations for the future.
After earning his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Criminology from Doane University, Abromeit spent two years working with College Possible, a nonprofit AmeriCorps organization. There, he helped students from disadvantaged backgrounds navigate the complexities of higher education, reinforcing his commitment to service and his desire to advocate for individuals within the legal system. His work with Iowa Legal Aid and Texas Appleseed further broadened his experience and deepened his commitment to justice.
With a focus on public interest law, Abromeit set his sights on the University of Iowa College of Law. One of his most transformative experiences has been working in Iowa Law’s Federal Criminal Defense Clinic, which is only the second of its kind in the nation. This experience, in particular, had a profound impact on his development as a future lawyer. Abromeit reflects on the invaluable mentorship of Professor Alison Guernsey, the clinic’s director, who helped shape his understanding of criminal law. “She has been an important mentor for me. I got to witness an extremely good criminal lawyer . . . she is an amazing and inspiring professor in the way she pushes [and motivates] students,” he shares.
Professor Guernsey, in turn, speaks highly of Abromeit’s contributions to the clinic. “Elliott brings a great deal of intentional levity to the law-school environment,” she says. “He works hard to stay positive and energetic, despite the demands of the clinical experience and law school, generally. He genuinely believes that promoting an inclusive, supportive, and mission-focused workplace helps produce better outcomes for clients and learning opportunities for everyone. And he works toward that goal steadfastly. I have no doubt that he will bring this energy and perspective to his work as a public defender. And in a profession with many dark times, he will be a much-needed light.”
Abromeit’s commitment to justice extends well beyond the classroom and the clinic. As the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Gender, Race & Justice, he plays a vital role in both legal scholarship and advocacy. He explains, “This role has filled me with great meaning and purpose. We are one of four law journals here at Iowa Law, but we are unique . . . we are a journal that is service-based, [and] we have a strong presence in the community by participating in advocacy work while maintaining the responsibility to academia and driving the law forward in a direction we see as important.”
Currently, the journal is organizing a backpack drive for Inside Out, a reentry program that helps individuals recently released from prison reintegrate into society. “I’m passionate about this journal because I believe it [represents] what a legal journal should be – focused on novel legal issues while driving the law forward in the right direction, a direction of progress, inclusivity, and consideration for the often-neglected parts of the law,” Abromeit adds. His dedication to advocacy also extends to his involvement with Lawyering for Reproductive Justice, an organization he is proud to support.
Despite the rigorous demands of law school, Abromeit has remained steadfast in his commitment to the broader purpose of his work. One of his most significant realizations during his time in law school has been confronting the ways in which notoriety can dominate the legal field. “There’s this illusion that law is a mountaintop profession . . . but I view being a lawyer as a mantle of responsibility,” he reflects. This shift in perspective has only fueled his dedication to organizations that serve the underserved and push the legal system towards meaningful progress.
Looking ahead, Abromeit feels confident as he prepares to embark on a career as a public defender. His experiences at Iowa Law—through clinics, internships, and coursework—have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to succeed in criminal law and advocacy. More importantly, these experiences have helped him develop the empathy and understanding necessary to address the challenges his future clients will face. “I have seen the emotional demands of the job [public defense] and have gained an understanding of my capacity and how to expand that capacity,” he says.
For current and future law students, Abromeit offers a piece of advice, “Nail down your reason for being a lawyer . . . If you can nail down your reason for putting in so much time, a purpose outside of personal gain, the experience becomes a lot easier and frees you of a lot of the outside negative pressure.”
As graduation nears, Abromeit is excited to begin his role as a public defender. The legal skills and insights he has gained at Iowa Law have not only prepared him for success but have also solidified his belief in the importance of advocacy and social justice. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of service and advocacy, and with his passion for public defense and commitment to his community, Abromeit is ready to pursue a legal career centered on the needs of those he serves.