Award-winning attorney Mason Kerns was raised in an Iowa farm family. His parents taught him the value of hard work and instilled in him a sense of responsibility to advocate for those from all walks of life, particularly the disadvantaged. This perspective translated to a passion for representing the underdog—the accused and the injured—against the government and against corporations. A high school athlete and honors student, Mr. Kerns chose to receive his undergraduate education at the University of Iowa, double-majoring in journalism and political science. In 2008, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, With Distinction. Mr. Kerns also graduated with With Honors in political science and With Honors and Kappa Tau Alpha in journalism. During college, he maintained nearly a 4.0 grade-point-average while working as an award-winning journalist for The Daily Iowan and The Des Moines Register.