Watkins Estate Planning 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...

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...

Ed Cox practices in agricultural law, estate planning, and real estate and handles general practices matters. Prior to private practice Ed worked as staff attorney at the Drake University Agricultural Law Center. He has written several publications on agricultural law issues and has given numerous presentations on the topic across the country. Ed is licensed to practice law in Iowa and Missouri.

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

Joseph C. Creen has over 30 years experience in the practice of law, litigating cases in Iowa and Illinois state and federal courts and advising clients with personal, business and employment matters, real estate matters, individuals and families for estate planning needs and probate. Mr Creen has a varied and extensive trial practice experience, including personal injury, brain injury, product liability, wrongful death, slip and fall, auto cases, catastrophic injury, as well as contract and construction disputes, estate & probate matters, such as Will contest and undue influence, consumer protection, such as wrongful foreclosure or collections, ...

Partner at Cray Law Firm.

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...

I practice law because I am passionate about helping individuals resolve their issues. I find great satisfaction in working with clients, particularly in resolving disputes and providing them with peace of mind. My work often involves delivering restorative justice to those who have been wronged, as well as assisting individuals who face lawsuits and are unsure of their next steps. For many of my clients, facing legal challenges can be one of the most stressful experiences of their lives, which is why they seek my counsel. I make it a priority to maintain clear communication with my clients, ensuring they...

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...

Holding a license to practice law is a privilege that I deeply value and am honored to uphold the responsibilities it entails. The relationships I have cultivated with clients, attorneys, financial experts, realtors, technology professionals, insurance agents, courthouse employees, and others reinforce daily that despite our differences, we share commonalities and ways to connect. I diligently explore all alternatives with my clients, aiming to provide practical advice and solutions that meet their current needs and situations.

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....

Voted best law firm in Des Moines - recipient of 'Top 40 Lawyer Under 40' and 'Super Lawyer' awards. Ben Lynch graduated w/ honors from Drake Law School & offers free consultations on employment, personal injury, work comp, family, criminal, & civil rights cases. Read our 500+ Google reviews (5.0 rating) to learn how we put clients first & obtain results. We've collected millions of dollars for hundreds of clients.

Sam practices primarily in Estate Planning (including wills and trusts), probate law, succession planning and business law. In addition to being a lawyer, he is also a certified public accountant. Sam received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration-Accounting from the University of Southern California (U.S.C.) in 1978, and his Juris Doctorate at Drake University in 1981. Sam is licensed to practice law in all courts within Iowa, as well as the following Federal Courts: Northern and Southern District of Iowa, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Tax Court. Sam is a member of the...

A northeast Iowa native, Thad grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of West Union, Iowa. After graduating from the University of Iowa College of law, he practiced for three years in Davenport, Iowa and has practiced since 2003 in Dubuque, Iowa. He has also maintained an office in Davenport since 2007. Currently practicing out of the Pioneer Law branch in Dubuque, Thad focuses on estate planning, elder law, Social Security disability and veterans disability. When not spending time with his wife and two daughters, Thad enjoys speaking with other attorneys and professional groups. In the past Thad...

Chad grew up in Ames, Iowa. Prior to his career as an attorney, Chad was a minister for 10 years in local churches and denominational administration. Chad lives in West Des Moines with his wife, Sarah, and two boys, Walker and Max. Chad’s practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, and non-profit/charitable organizations. He is a licensed mediator for elder law matters. He has provided quality representation to a spectrum of clients including individuals, families, charities, municipalities and professional sports teams. Along with his work as an attorney, Chad routinely speaks at churches and other charitable organizations across the country...

Born and raised in southern Iowa (don't hold that against me) on a farm just outside of Centerville. (Big Reds and Pancake Day). Undergraduate degree from THE Iowa State University. I still bleed cardinal and gold, but I can find a place to help even Hawkeye fans. Drake University to get the degree that allows me have the law license. I spent my initial 16 years at a local medium-sized law firm honing my skills before jumping out of the nest and starting my own firm in 2013. I said this when my girls were younger and...

Law school doesn’t just teach you about the law. It also teaches you to never give up. While it was probably the hardest thing I ever did, the lessons I learned there are why I can stand up for clients at some of the hardest times of their lives. I graduated from Drake Law School in 2004 and have ten years of experience in the courts of Iowa standing up for people’s rights, whether as a private attorney, a prosecutor or a child protection attorney.

Attorney Epley received his J.D. from Drake Law School in Des Moines in 2009. While at Drake Law School, Ethan was a member and officer in the Agricultural Law Association and an Editor for the Agricultural Law Journal. Ethan earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree from Iowa State University in 2002 with a major in Agricultural Studies and a minor in Agronomy. While at Law School in Des Moines Ethan worked for the Beginning Farmers Center located in Urbandale Iowa. While working for the Center Ethan participated in a research project regarding the...