Best Civil Lawyer in Iowa
Jennifer A. Russell
Civil Lawyer
Jennifer graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996 with a B.A. in Criminology with honors on the Dean’s List. She graduated from Creighton University Law School in 2000. While in law school, she was the winner of the Domestic Moot Court Competition and her criminal law article published in the law review.
From 2000-2003, Jennifer practiced in all areas of family law, juvenile law and criminal defense at a private practice in Des Moines.
From 2003-2007, she was a prosecutor with the Warren County Attorney’s Office. She handled all criminal offenses, including simple misdemeanors, indictable misdemeanors and felonies. As a Warren County Assistant Attorney, she led the juvenile delinquency docket, and handled numerous jury trials including several felony drug cases and a vehicular homicide.
From 2007 to 2014, Jennifer was an assistant public defender Des Moines. She handled a very high caseload of felony criminal offenses, including sex abuse, burglary, robberies, felony assaults, vehicular homicides, felony kidnapping, felony drug offenses, thefts, all property crimes, stalking, and at least 10 Class A kidnapping and murder cases.
From 2014 to 2015, Jennifer was the lead felony prosecutor at the Story County Attorney’s Office and main sex abuse prosecutor. Jennifer took on a leadership role in the office training younger attorneys, police officers, SART nurses, etc. She also helped to prosecute one murder case in Story County. Jennifer is an experienced trail lawyer, averaging 6-8 jury trials a year for the past 15 years.
Harley C. Erbe
Civil Lawyer
My dad was in the United States Army. I was born in Berlin and lived in Germany twice, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. I stayed in Iowa after graduating Drake University Law School in 1999. Before law school, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1996.
I’ve spent my law career since 1999 exclusively handling civil litigation matters, first as a member of two small Iowa law firms, then on my own as a solo attorney. I founded Erbe Law Firm in July 2005. From our Des Moines offices, I represent individuals and small businesses in car accident, personal injury law, employment law, contract law, insurance law, and construction defect cases throughout Iowa and the nation in state and federal court, offering personalized service and attention while delivering large firm results.
Since our founding in 2005, we’ve grown our firm’s reach while maintaining the small firm, personalized attention that we’ve offered from the beginning. I’ve now represented injured people throughout the United States. And, recognizing the need for other small businesses to receive big firm attention without the accompanying cost of big firm representation, I’ve expanded our services to small businesses, some of which have grown to a national scope too alongside us.
SYDNEY N. ROSS
Civil Lawyer
Sydney grew up in the Des Moines area before attending the University of Iowa, where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Crime, Law & Justice. Following her time at the University of Iowa, Sydney graduated from Drake University Law School earning her Juris Doctor with high honors.
During her time at Drake Law School, Sydney spent a year in the Criminal Defense Clinic and Advanced Criminal Defense Clinic – defending misdemeanor and felony crimes as a student attorney. Sydney also was selected to participate in the Judicial Honors Internship through Drake Law serving as an extern for Justice Appel on the Supreme Court of Iowa.
As a result of her experiences at Drake, Sydney received the annual International Academy of Trial Lawyers Student Advocacy Award, which is awarded to “a student who demonstrates an overall ability in trial advocacy by high achievement in trial practice, evidence, and pleading and procedure courses.”
Sydney joined the GRL team during her first year of law school as a law clerk and has now joined the team as an attorney. Sydney’s practice consists of personal injury and criminal defense.
Stuart Higgins
Civil Lawyer
At the Higgins Law Firm, PLLC, we treat the people who come into our office as the friends, neighbors, family and fellow Iowans that they are. Although some people measure success in terms of how much money is recovered or whether charges were dismissed, the greatest sense of accomplishment we experience is watching our clients reach a sense of closure and pride in having stood up for themselves.
I have called Iowa home my entire life. Born and raised on a small farm west of Ottumwa, my early experiences watching my parents, particularly my mother, face challenges of inequality in the workplace inform my work and dedication to protecting the rights of working individuals and the families who rely on them.
Peter Hansen
Civil Lawyer
Contract Attorney at Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility, 2002-2015
Contract Attorney at Iowa State Penitentiary, 1991-2015
Attorney/Owner at Hansen Law Offices, 1985-present
Prosecuting Attorney at Lee County Attorney’s Office, 1984-1986
Law Instructor at Southeastern Community College, 1984-1986
Bankruptcy – Exceptions to Discharge, Des Moines County Bar Association, 2012
Bankruptcy Reform Act Update, Des Moines County Bar Association, 2006
Brooke Timmer
Civil Lawyer
Brooke was born and raised in Aplington, Iowa, and graduated from Aplington-Parkersburg High School. The third of four children (and also a twin), Brooke quickly learned how to speak up. A born leader, Brooke was President of her high school, the Student Bar Association President at Drake Law School, and Governor of the 8th Circuit of the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association.
While attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Brooke worked multiple jobs during the school year and summers to pay for her education and travel the world. She studied abroad in Mexico and England, climbed Machu Picchu in Peru, climbed the Franz Josef glacier in New Zealand (and experienced zorbing for the first time – look it up!), scuba dived the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and visited her sister who was teaching in South Korea.
Brooke knows the value of hard work. She largely attributes this to her father, who built tractors for John Deere in Waterloo for 40 years until his retirement. While there, he was an active Union member and served as Union Committeeman for twelve years. It was her father’s commitment to advocating for workers and ensuring their fair treatment that led Brooke to her current passion.
For her entire legal career, Brooke has worked tirelessly on behalf of employees. She has tried countless cases to juries in courtrooms all over the State of Iowa and achieved justice by obtaining verdicts for her clients ranging anywhere from $65,000 to $4.5 million. Brooke has been recognized by her peers for her excellence in practice by both Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers.
YANGYIDI YE
Civil Lawyer
Business Formations, Mergers and Acquisitions, Taxation, Fraud and Asset Recovery, Commercial Litigation, White Collar Crimes, Personal Injuries, Student Misconduct and related School Appeals, Immigration Law (H-1b, L visa, Employment Based visa, Family based petition, Asylum, Change of Status, Removals), other international matters.
Yangyidi Ye is a founding member, managing partner, and lead counsel of Causey & Ye Law, P.L.L.C. Yangyidi’s goal is to bridge the gap between the International and U.S. business communities. She is currently participating in Georgetown Taxation LL.M. program.
Yangyidi is experienced in working with start-up enterprises as well as established companies. She specializes in immigration, international corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, private equity, venture capital, and tax policies. She helps her clients communicate with and abide by the regulations of federal, state, and local governments. She further assists her clients with corporate structure, governance, employment matters, and commercial contracting. She works with clients from various industries, including, but not limited to, hotel and hospitality, retail, manufacturing, IT, and commercial real estate. Yangyidi has participated in transactions valued at over several million dollars.
Al Smith
Civil Lawyer
A Des Moines native, Al Smith attended the University of Iowa for both his undergraduate degree and for law school. He has taken multiple criminal cases to not guilty jury verdicts, had numerous convictions overturned on postconviction relief, and won multiple appeals. While at law school, he was an editor for the Journal of Gender, Race and Justice, and received the Faculty Award for Academic Excellence for his performance in his Criminal Law class and his Torts class, for receiving the second highest grade in his class. Mr. Smith speaks Spanish and provides legal services to the Spanish-speaking community of Iowa. Mr. Smith stays involved in the community through his volunteer work at the HOLA Center legal clinic and through the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. Smith practices in immigration, mental health and firearms rights, criminal defense, postconviction relief and habeas corpus cases, and criminal appeals
- State v. Licona, Polk County Case No. FECR297238
Al and Ben Bergmann represented a man charged with Burglary and Sexual Abuse. After a week long trial, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on both counts. - State v. Holmes, Black Hawk County Case No. FECR008128.
Previous attorneys represented the client in a trial on the charge of Murder in the First Degree and the jury found him guilty. He was going to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. After a Motion for a New Trial, Al Smith and Robert Montgomery represented the client in a new jury trial. After hearing two weeks of evidence, the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning a verdict of not guilty.
Hawkeye State Justice: Why You Need a Top Civil Lawyer in Iowa
The rich farmland and vibrant cities of Iowa can also be the backdrop for complex legal matters. If you’re facing a civil lawsuit in Iowa, navigating the legal system can feel like traversing the mighty Mississippi River – powerful, unfamiliar, and potentially demanding a skilled guide. Here’s why securing a top-notch civil lawyer in Iowa is crucial for protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Iowa Civil Law:
Iowa has its own distinct set of civil laws, statutes, and court rulings. A top-tier civil lawyer licensed in Iowa possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances:
- Understanding Legal Complexities: They can analyze your case within the framework of the Iowa Code , interpreting key court decisions that may influence the case and identify the best path forward.
- Staying Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Iowa civil law, ensuring your strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles.
2. Building a Strong Case Strategy:
A skilled civil lawyer in Iowa takes a proactive approach:
- Meticulous Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing evidence, contracts, and witness statements. This deep dive allows them to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential claims, crafting a strategic plan to maximize your chances of success.
3. Powerful Advocacy Throughout the Legal Process:
The best civil lawyers are your champions:
- Negotiation and Dispute Resolution: Skilled negotiation can lead to a favorable settlement. Your lawyer can advocate for you in negotiations, mediation, or arbitration, aiming to resolve the dispute outside of court. (IA.gov)
- Trial-Ready Representation: If litigation is necessary, your lawyer will fiercely represent you in court, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to protect your rights and interests.
4. Clear Guidance and Informed Decisions:
The legal process can be overwhelming:
- Understanding Your Options: The best civil lawyers in Iowa provide clear guidance and advice throughout the process. They explain your legal rights, options, and potential risks, allowing you to make informed decisions about your case.
5. Efficient Handling of Legal Tasks:
Civil cases often involve complex paperwork:
- Meeting Deadlines and Filing Requirements: Your lawyer ensures that all necessary documents are prepared, submitted, and filed accurately and within the required deadlines, avoiding errors that could harm your case.
6. Protecting Your Rights and Minimizing Risks:
A knowledgeable lawyer is your legal shield:
- Safeguarding Your Interests: By hiring the best civil lawyer, you gain an advocate who will work diligently to protect your legal rights and minimize risks. They can help prevent unnecessary disputes and safeguard you from aggressive opposing parties.
7. Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Sometimes, alternative solutions exist:
- Considering Mediation or Arbitration: The best civil lawyers can guide you through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes like mediation or arbitration, potentially saving you time, money, and the stress of lengthy litigation.