Erin Romar

Erin Romar always thought she would follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue family law, but she quickly realized her passion was in representing children as their attorney and guardian ad litem and ensuring their voices were heard. Now, as a staff attorney at the Youth Law Center in Des Moines, Iowa, Erin uses her skills and passion to represent children and families in need. Her clients are among the most vulnerable members of society and struggle with issues like mental health, juvenile delinquency, sexual abuse, trafficking. As one of roughly eight certified Child Welfare Law Specialists in Iowa, Erin navigates these diverse and complex sets of issues. 

Along with her tireless work to improve the lives of her individual clients, Erin strives to improve the broader system. She is a recognized expert in her field and is regularly invited to present at CLEs, including those for the Iowa State Bar Association and Cohen Juvenile Practice Series. She is a member of various boards, such as the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa, and contributes to legal publications. Her dedication to continuous learning and sharing knowledge with her peers underscores her commitment to quality in child advocacy. She also believes that informed communities are empowered to better protect children and so is active in attending fundraisers and participating in various other outreach events to promote education, awareness, and support for vulnerable families and children’s rights. She has also been active in the work to advance legislation benefiting youth involved in delinquency matters that would allow them to be placed in supervised apartment living arrangements without an adjudication. 

What really sets Erin apart, however, is her deep compassion and empathy. She understands the unique needs of each of her clients, allowing her to connect with them on a personal level and provide not just legal support but also emotional guidance and understanding that the youth often lack. In doing so, she ensures each of her clients feels valued and heard. This empathy and dedication are reflected in the numerous letters, thanks, and testimonials Erin has received from her clients throughout the years. 

Erin goes above and beyond her statutorily defined duties and responsibilities—from putting on a courtroom birthday celebration for clients to bringing together court personnel for a memorial for a special youth, and more. Erin truly makes significant contributions to the well-being of her clients daily.  

I’m always trying to be a trauma informed lawyer in ways that matter.

If Erin could make one change to the system, it would be for there to be more empathy and sympathy in the human nature of the work and for impacted children and families. She strives to show those qualities to her clients at every turn. 

Erin’s words of advice for young lawyers or law students considering a career in child welfare:

Always be curious. Always be caring. This is not just a paycheck. If you are curious about your client and their life you will have a better chance of helping them. Curiosity means you are always learning.

Know a fearless lawyer? We would like to hear about them. Please share their story with us.