Thomas D. Waterman

Thomas D. Waterman (born 1959) is a justice of the Iowa Supreme Court.

Education Waterman was born in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from Bettendorf High School and received a degree in history from Dartmouth College in 1981. He was a fourth-generation partner in the firm and specialized in civil trial and appellate litigation. Waterman was ranked in Band 1 for commercial litigation by Chambers and Partners and was also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America. Waterman is an elected member of the American Law Institute.

In 2019, Waterman spoke with state Representative Steven Holt, the floor manager of a bill to modify procedures for choosing judges and the chief justice's term. Michael Gartner reported that the bill was a "power grab" by Waterman and his allies, who lobbied the legislature and wanted Waterman to replace Mark Cady before his term expired. Unlike Cady, Waterman refused to disclose his contacts with legislators or recuse himself in the ensuing litigation. Waterman subsequently took part in a 4-2 decision to refer the case to the Iowa Court of Appeals, which dismissed the lawsuit 3–2 on standing grounds, following which the Iowa Supreme Court declined review.