Joseph A. Peiffer is a 1979 graduate of Iowa State University, with a B.S. Degree in Diary Science; B.S. Degree, 1979, Public Service and Administration in Agriculture.  He is a 1982 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law.  He was admitted to the bar of the state of Iowa on June 18, 1982.  He practiced general law for two years prior to becoming the law clerk to the Honorable William W. Thinnes in June of 1984.  On November 1, 1985, Mr. Peiffer began work for the Tom Riley Law Firm, focusing his practice primarily on bankruptcy and debtor/creditor work. 

In February of 1987, he established Peiffer & Meeker, P.C. and has practiced in his own firm from 1987 through December 31, 1999.  On January 1, 2000, Mr. Peiffer became a shareholder in Day Rettig Peiffer Johansen, P.C., now known as Day Rettig Peiffer, P.C.  Mr. Peiffer is the author of the Chapter in the Wiley Bankruptcy Review reviewing Chapter 12 developments for 1997, 1998 and 1999.  After the passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 Mr. Peiffer has edited the bankruptcy volume of Harl’s Agricultural Law Treatise and edited fourteen chapters of Norton’s Bankruptcy Law and Practice 2d edition dealing with Chapter 12 (farmer) bankruptcy.

Mr. Peiffer is certified in business bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification, having attained that certification in 1994.  He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Board of certification and its predecessor, the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification since January 1, 1995.  Mr. Peiffer is the President of the American Board of Certification.  He has previously served on the Faculty of the American Board of Certification for three years.  He currently serves on the Standards Committee of the American Board of Certification.

Mr. Peiffer is a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy and debt restructuring topics.  He has served as the legislative chairperson for the Commercial and Bankruptcy Law Section of the Iowa State Bar Association.  He has also served on the Specialization Committee of the Iowa Bar Association.