Judge Besler, Cedar Rapids, was appointed to the bench on June 21, 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Luther College in 1996 and his law degree with Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1999. In law school he served as Student Legal Services Co-Director from 1998-1999, where he was awarded the University of Iowa Faculty Award for Client Service. After law school, and prior to appointment, Judge Besler was an Assistant Linn County Attorney from 2000-2018, and was in private practice from 1999-2000. While serving as an Assistant Linn County Attorney, he served on the Child Protection Center Case Review Committee and Elder Abuse Task Force. He was also awarded the Iowa Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Outstanding Service Award in 2018. Judge Besler was recently assigned to the Jury Trial Logistics Committee for the 6th District. Judge Besler is a member of the American Bar Association, Iowa Bar Association, Linn County Bar Association, American Judges Association, and Iowa Judges Association. Judge Besler was appointed in 2020 to the Domestic Violence, Access to Justice, and Elder Abuse Committees for the American Judges Association. Judge Besler is a graduate of the course on General Jurisdiction offered by the National Judicial College. Judge Besler is married and has one child.