Dewar Lawyers

Brad Biren is an elder law and estate planning attorney with specialized training in tax law. He is passionate about crisis Medicaid planning, special needs planning, and reducing tax liability. Much of his work also focuses on business and land-use consulting for startups, early ventures, and agriculture. Born in New York, Brad attended Cornell University for his undergraduate degrees in both landscape architecture and plant sciences. In 2006, he became the youngest person in the state of Florida to obtain LEED Accreditation. Mr. Biren moved to Iowa to attend the University of Iowa College of...

Melvin O. Shaw is a solo, general practicing attorney at The Law Office of Melvin O. Shaw, P.LC., located in Coralville, Iowa. His general practice areas include real estate, estate planning and probate, and business law. Melvin graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2004. Melvin earned an M.A. from the University of Iowa in 1997 and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Melvin is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association (Probate, Real Estate, Business Law, and Family Law committees). He...

I represent businesses and their owners in a variety of different spaces, ranging from agriculture, construction and real estate development all the way to emerging technology, venture capital and financial services. The diversity of the clients I work for and the issues they present me with make me well-equipped to provide you practical legal advice on all matters pertaining to your business.

My specific expertise is in structuring, negotiating and documenting merger and acquisition (“M&A”) transactions. In the past few years, I’ve served as lead or associate counsel on a variety of M&A transactions, ranging in value from $5,000 to over...

Brett J. Trout, P.C. is an AV-rated Midwest law firm, offering its clients the global perspective on Intellectual Property and Information Technology issues. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Brett J. Trout has serviced clients across Iowa and throughout the country for over a decade.Brett's latest book, CyberLaw: A Legal Arsenal for Online Business, is available now on Amazon.com. Mr. Trout offers a free 30 minute new-client consultation.

Harley has spent his law career exclusively handling civil litigation matters. He founded Erbe Law Firm in July 2005. Harley represents individuals and small businesses in car accident, personal injury law, employment law, contract law, insurance law, and construction defect cases in Iowa and nationwide. He has argued and tried jury and nonjury cases in Iowa state and federal court. Harley has also argued before the United States Court of Appeals, the Iowa Supreme Court, and the Iowa Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. Membership in the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers...

I am an aggressive, experienced criminal defense lawyer. I handle all types of criminal cases including but not limited to: traffic tickets, assaults, domestic assaults, sexual assaults, OWI, public intoxication, drug charges, federal drug charges, federal child pornography charges, federal medicare fraud, state & federal gun charges, harassment, stalking, burglary, robbery, forgery, theft, fraud, murder etc. I also handle state and federal appeals from all types of criminal cases. My goal is to get you the best possible outcome on your case. This involves a skilled evaluation of the charges, the evidence and available strategies. I will never back...

C. Eric Bodo grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, and attended Carmel High School in the northern suburbs. Eric graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 1996 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar.

Before coming to VanDerGinst Law, Eric was a partner in his own firm with offices in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois where he represented seriously injured individuals and their families. Before starting his firm in 2014, Eric worked for a large, high-volume personal injury firm...

Marc Humphrey founded his own law firm in the fall of 1980. Marc has dedicated his entire career to serving others. Humphrey Law Firm, P.C., provides quality legal representation for those who have been wronged. Marc handles a range of civil practice areas, including personal injury, employment disputes, including sexual harassment and retaliation, consumer protection and medical negligence.

Michael Boomershine grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Drake University for his undergraduate studies, majoring in Political Science and English while minoring in Philosophy. After developing an interest in law during his time at Drake University, Michael decided to pursue a legal education at Drake University Law School.

During law school, Michael was a member of the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law, where he served as a Note Editor. He was published in the Spring of 2017 for his writing on the topic of family farming operations and Iowa law. Michael also participated in the Drake University Legal Clinic;...

Jake Oeth grew up in Ogden, IA, a small town north of Des Moines and west of Ames. He graduated from Drake University Law School with honors in May 2018. While in law school, Jake was a part of a group of students who helped a federal inmate successfully apply for a commutation of his life sentence for a drug conviction and served as a student attorney in the Drake Legal Clinic representing court appointed criminal defendants. Jake received his undergraduate degree in political science from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, where he also played basketball for the Duhawks. After graduating...

DAVID PILLERS is a partner in the law firm of Pillers and Richmond. He received his major in Economics and minor in Business from Valparaiso University, graduating in 1992, and received his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law, graduating in 1998. Mr. Pillers maintains a general practice but concentrates his practice in the areas of Civil Litigation, Collective Bargaining, Business and Corporate Law, Municipal Law, Real Estate and Estate Planning. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association (Member of the Probate and Real Estate Section), Illinois State Bar Association, American Bar Association (Section Member: Motor...

Craig Nierman mediates and arbitrates complex insurance, tort, and healthcare claims. His quarter-century of litigation experience includes representing plaintiffs and defendants—including hospitals, individuals and families, insurers, domestic and international businesses, as well as government entities—in jury trials, appeals, and arbitrations. His insurance experience includes: First party claims; Third party cases; Extracontractual damages; Agent/broker errors and omissions; ERISA; Subrogation; and Carrier/producer disputes. His health law practice has involved complex reimbursement and revenue cycle issues (e.g., experimental, medical necessity, and exclusion questions), medical malpractice and devices, primary and secondary payor conflicts, provider contracts, and HIPAA compliance. He previously taught Insurance Law as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law....

Facing the threat of criminal prosecution or a lawsuit can be daunting. Colt Moss will bring energy and verve to your situation. He takes great satisfaction in helping his clients solve problems that they cannot solve on their own. Colt wants to help you navigate whatever problems life has created for you and is determined to be there with you every step of the way. “I stress the importance of communicating with my clients throughout the process,” Colt says. “I want to help them find hope and optimism in an otherwise challenging time.” Using creativity and hard work, Colt will...

My practice primarily deals with estate planning, tax, and corporate formation/governance, though my law firm can help with almost any business need you may have.

I typically deal with individuals, families, and small business owners to (a) protect and arrange themselves during life, (b) provide guidance to loved ones upon their passing, especially for minor children, and (c) transition businesses and wealth from one generation to the next in an organized and tax-efficient manner.

Originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa (north central Iowa), my practice takes me all across the state of Iowa. I'm proud that my family has been providing...

Josh is an Iowa native and grew up on a farm outside Sac City, Iowa. He attended Drake University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with honors. In 2014, Josh received a Juris Doctorate with honors from Drake University Law School. Josh was admitted to the Iowa State Bar and United States District Court, Southern and Northern Federal Districts of Iowa, in 2014. Josh serves on both the Board of Governors and Defense Update Board of Editors for the Iowa Defense Counsel Association. In 2018, Josh was awarded the Iowa Defense Counsel Association’s Rising Star Award....

Experience Counselor with more than 30 years experience advising clients in stressful and difficult circumstances

Jessica Malott is the owner and managing partner of Malott Law, PLC, and practices primarily in immigration. Jessica earned her Juris Doctor, with honors, in 2006 from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. During law school, she worked as an intern at the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) and was Editor-in-Chief of the Drake Law Review. Since graduating, Jessica has worked as a law clerk, federal government attorney, law school career advisor, and private practice attorney.

In her current practice, she focuses primarily on removal defense in Immigration Court and family-based immigration; however, she also takes an assortment...

Jefferson Fink, the founder of The Law Office of Jefferson Fink, is a legal professional with years of experience in the Capitol and in front of the Courts. His academic experience started as a Senate Page, then later at Iowa State as a Senate intern, which allowed him to gain valuable insight into the legislative process. Jefferson's dedication to his education is evident in his simultaneous pursuit of a Master of Arts in Political Science from Iowa State University, writing his thesis - Law, Politics, and the Creation of Public Policy: How the Two Can Come Together and Create Better...

I have called Iowa home my entire life. My first job offer out of law school brought me to NE Iowa for the first time in my life, and I was disappointed it took me 25 years to see it with my own eyes. I worked for a small general practice firm in Waukon for about 4 years before I left to become my own boss. I have been living the dream and operating my own firm, Hay Law, P.L.C. since June 2015. The vast majority of my time practicing has been dedicated to criminal law whether...

Clarissa Rietveld was born in Iowa and raised in Rushville, Indiana. She received her Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 2009 and worked as a registered nurse in operating rooms across the Midwest and on the East Coast. While working as a nurse, Ms. Rietveld had a patient whose medical history documented that he did not have regular access to food and was starving. Ms. Rietveld spent the afternoon working with hospital social services to arrange for her patient to gain access to regular meals and was shocked to learn that he didn’t qualify for any of the available programs. She...

Since 1982, J. Keith Rigg has provided legal advice and representation to clients in state and federal courts throughout Iowa, including Des Moines and Polk County. His practice is limited to criminal law and the defense of those accused of crimes such as: * White Collar Crimes * Fraud * Conspiracy * Homicide * Battery, Assault, and other Violent Crimes * Drug and Narcotic Sales and Possession * Theft ...

At age 14, I began working for my grandfather in the concrete construction business during the summer school break. The work was hard, hot, and long, but provided me with framework for my character. My grandfather always told me to get a good education so I did not have to do hard labor for the rest of my life. I graduated from Newton High school in 1990 and played on the 1988 state 4A runner-up football team. After I graduated from high school, my mother purchased an appliance store and I began working on...

Dean grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Iowa City, passed the Certified Public Accountant exam, and focuses on pre-death estate planning and post-death trust/estate administration. His practice includes (i) establishing revocable (living) trusts to avoid probate and facilitate privacy, (ii) creating wills, trusts and retirement-account beneficiary designations with customized provisions to accomplish family-specific goals, such as delaying inheritances for immature beneficiaries, (iii) implementing powers of attorney for finances and for healthcare/medical directives (living wills), and (iv) administering probate estates and trusts and filing the necessary tax returns.

Attorney George B. Jones is the founder and owner of the The Law Office of George B. Jones, PLLC, in Lamoni, Iowa. A top-rated, award-winning trial lawyer with more than 35 years of total legal experience, Mr. Jones devotes his practice primarily to personal injury, including car wrecks, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, work injuries, medical negligence, wrongful death, slip and fall, and other injury cases. During his extensive career as a criminal defense attorney, he has represented clients in serious felonies in four states, taught criminal law courses at Graceland University, and trained prosecutors, judges and defense attorneys in criminal...

Attorney JoAnn Barten Bigelow has been offering full-service U.S. immigration legal services since 1999. Barten Law Office, P.C. partners with clients to achieve their U.S. immigration goals through creative and workable strategies. Full-time Spanish language services are available. Our office represents individuals and employers with employment based issues, family immigration, consular processing, complex citizenship, and removal cases to name a few. We prepare applications for filing with Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of State (DOS) and defend individuals in the Omaha Immigration Court. La abogada JoAnn Barten Bigelow ha estado ofreciendo servicios completos de Inmigracion...

Allison Abbott has been with Elverson, Vasey and Abbott, LLP since 1999 and has been a partner in the firm since 2006. Her areas of practice include civil defense, insurance defense and litigation, insurance subrogation, and family law. Allison was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University and received her Juris Doctorate with honors from Drake University Law School. Allison was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 1999. She is admitted to both the Northern and Southern Districts in Iowa. Allison has earned the Distinguished peer review rating for high professional achievement...

Athena Farmakis was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, graduated with a B.A. from Northwestern University, and received her law degree from DePaul University College of law. With over 25 years of litigation experience, Athena has tried 67 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials in complex and media-sensitive cases. Athena currently practices in all areas of personal injury including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, product liability, construction accidents, animal attacks, negligent security, wrongful death, nursing home abuse and medical malpractice.

As a former prosecutor, Athena dedicated much of her legal career to serving the public for over 20 years...

Chuck Becker has practiced in the areas of Environmental and Real Estate law for more than 20 years and regularly advises corporate clients on environmental regulations and permit requirements in all aspects of business, including manufacturing, financing, real estate, construction and development. His areas of practice include environmental investigations and due diligence; the purchase, sale and leasing of contaminated property; storm water discharge permitting; permits and enforcement under Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, Superfund and other federal and state environmental laws; lending issues and lender liability; regulatory compliance; UST and AST permits, closures and remedial requirements; zoning and...

Mr. Nading established the Nading Law Firm in 1981 and has remained at that location, 408 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny, Iowa, since that time. He received Board Certification in Civil Trial Practice by the NBTA in 1996. He has been recognized by his peers as a Super Lawyer, see Super Lawyers.com. You do not need to travel to Des Moines or West Des Moines to have a Board Certified attorney review you case. Injury claims are handled on a contingency basis. All other matters can be discussed at a free initial consultation. When reviewing an...

Gary has been working with individuals and families to help with their estate and tax planning for almost thirty years. He has a robust tax practice, preparing both individual and fiduciary returns. With this background, he also advises his clients on their estate planning, bringing his areas of expertise together to draft comprehensive plans that accomplish their goals. Gary also facilitates trust and estate administration, and so further helps families carry out their plans. In his career, Gary has worked with multiple generations, providing guidance and counsel on issues relating to finances, taxes, wealth transfer, and almost everything in between.

Originally...

As a partner with Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, PLC in Iowa City, IA, Shawn provides legal services for criminal defense, personal injury, civil litigation, business law, and estate planning. Shawn received his B.S. degree in psychology from the University of Iowa in 2002 and his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL in 2005.

Prior to joining Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, PLC, Shawn practiced with the law firm of David Goldstein and Associates, LLC in Chicago, IL. While attending John Marshall Law School, Shawn clerked for the law firm of Daley and George, Ltd.
Shawn...

Will was born in raised in the Iowa City area and obtained his undergraduate degrees and his law degree from the University of Iowa. He was admitted to the practice of law in Iowa in 2005 and has successfully argued cases before the Iowa Court of Appeals and the Iowa Supreme Court. He is also admitted to practice in all federal courts in Iowa. His diverse practice includes business litigation, real estate litigation, personal injury and wrongful death litigation, divorce and child custody litigation, landlord-tenant law, business formation and acquisition, and representing creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.

Will lives in Iowa City...

Patton Legal Services, LLC provides affordable legal services, passionate representation, and access to justice. The firm seeks to address the unmet legal needs of persons who cannot afford legal services. The firm provides affordable legal services to low-income and moderate-income central Iowans in Ames, Boone, Des Moines, Jefferson, Marshalltown, and Webster City. The firm focuses on criminal law, juvenile law, family law, postconviction relief, and administrative law cases, appeals, powers of attorney, living wills, and wills. The firm utilizes a sliding fee scale based on income, flat fees in selected cases, and limited scope services.