I grew up outside the town of Battle Creek in Western Iowa and am a graduate of Battle Creek-Ida Grove High School, now known as OA-BCIG (Go Falcons!).  In the fall of 2005, I moved to Des Moines and began the court reporting program at AIB College of Business.  I completed the program in the fall of 2007 and immediately started my career as a freelance court reporter at Huney-Vaughn Court Reporters. 

In December 2015 I accepted a position with the Fifth Judicial District and began as an official court reporter in juvenile court with the Honorable Louise Jacobs.  In April 2017 I stepped up into “the big leagues,” as the Honorable Robert Blink would call it, and became his court reporter in district court -- on a very busy criminal trial docket -- until he retired later that year.  Our time together was short, but I learned so much from him, and he was such a joy to work with!  He is a friend and colleague but feels more like a family member.  In January 2018 I began working with the Honorable Samantha Gronewald and remain with her to this day.  She is simply wonderful, both in and out of the courtroom, and I’m so lucky I get to call her a friend too!

My husband, Tim, and I graduated high school together, but, while I went away to college, he enlisted in the Marine Corps.  It wasn’t until September 2009 that we reconnected, leading to our marriage in August 2011. We enjoyed the remainder of our twenties together going on countless vacations, and then we welcomed our three children, Olivia (2016), Colton (2019), and Harper (2021).  We also have a new Golden Retriever puppy, Dax (2023).  We live just outside of Adel, Iowa, and when we’re not chauffeuring our children to dance, soccer, swimming lessons, and other activities, we enjoy spending our time outdoors, with friends, family, and neighbors, and exploring the gravel roads in our side-by-side!

I am looking forward to my new role on the ICRA Board and continuing to promote our profession!

Laura Burns