Otley Lawyers

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...

Aaron Hamrock is a founder and partner at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., which is dedicated to giving clients in the West Des Moines area the highest quality of criminal defense. With nearly 15 years of experience, Aaron has defended hundreds of clients facing charges including DUI, federal offenses, drug charges, and violent crimes. He believes in giving each client personal attention and respect, and keeping communication open. Aaron pursued a legal career with this goal in mind. His studies began at Central College, where he graduated before earning in Juris Doctor at Drake University. In 1995, he became licensed to practice...

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...

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....

Tom Fowler Law is a family business that specializes in personal injury cases. Tom Fowler Law takes every case seriously and is determined to make sure that you receive compensation and justice. Tom Fowler is a veteran Marine who fought for his country and now he is dedicated to fighting for you with the help of his mother, wife and brother.

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...

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...

Allison’s practice focuses on criminal defense, criminal defense for immigrants, criminal appeals, family-based immigration, removal defense, immigration benefits for victims of domestic violence and other crimes (Violence Against Women Act and U-visa), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), immigration benefits for juveniles (Special Immigrant Juvenile visas and related guardianships), immigration appeals, and family law cases. Allison is proficient in Spanish, and many of her clients are Spanish-speaking only. Allison is also currently a Clinical Teaching Fellow at Drake University Law School’s Refugee Legal Clinic.

Allison McCarthy is a May 2007 graduate of the University of Iowa. During her undergraduate...

H. Edwin Detlie has practiced law in Ottumwa since 1982; before that, he was an Administrative Law Judge with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for several years. Mr. Detlie is a former President of the Iowa Association of Workers' Compensation Lawyers, and is Chair of the Iowa State Bar Association's Law Practice Management Committee. He has spoken at national, regional and State conferences on workers' compensation and Social Security Disability, and is a member of the Larson's National Workers' Compensation Advisory Board for LexisNexis, the world's largest legal publisher.

Judd Parker joined the Parker Law Office PLLC in 2012 upon graduation of Drake Law School. The Parker Law Office PLLC moved from its location in Clinton, Iowa to Adel, Iowa in the summer of 2017 before moving to the current location in Waukee, Iowa. A satellite office was opened in Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa in 2020 to better represent clients in that area. The Parker Law Office PLLC is a general practice focusing on zealously representing clients in Central Iowa faced with criminal charges and in family law matters.

Jennifer Meyer was raised in Primghar, Iowa and graduated from South O'Brien High School. She then attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and graduated with honors with a major in Finance and minors in Business Communications and Coaching in 1999. She also was a full scholarship basketball player for UNI. During her undergraduate studies, she interned with the Black Hawk County Attorney's office working with their Witness and Victim's Assistance Division. After graduating from UNI, she then earned her Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 2002. While attending law school,...

I am a native Iowan, originally from Chariton. I attended Drake University and Drake Law School and graduated in 2003. I'm licensed to practice in all state and federal courts located in Iowa. I've had a general practice law firm for 17 years and practice in the areas of real estate, family law, juvenile law, debt collection, contracts and a variety of civil matters.

I have been focusing my practice recently on representing the sellers of real estate, for sale by owner (fsbo).

I would be happy to assist you.

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (top 1%) Past President, Iowa State Bar Association Past President, Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers (250) Past V.P., Iowa Association for Justice (f.k.a. Iowa Trial Lawyers) Founding Board of Directors, American Academy of ADR Attorneys Past Chair, Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission Past Member, Iowa Supreme Court Nominating Commission Top Great Plains SuperLawyers (top 5%) Board of Directors, Iowa Defense Counsel Association Board of Directors, Iowa Law School Foundation AVVO rating 10/10

Fredd J. Haas is an Iowa attorney practicing in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation, and medical malpractice. Fredd has over 30 years of legal experience. Fredd J. Haas is an experienced negotiator and trial lawyer who aggressively seeks full and fair compensation for injury victims. Mr. Haas is a past president of the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of the American Association of Justice Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group.

I have helped many Iowans get the money they need after a life-changing injury. With more than 25 years of experience, I have devoted my legal practice to personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. In every case, my only goal is to help my client recover full and fair compensation. Whether your case is resolved in trial or through negotiations, I am prepared to take decisive action on your behalf.

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 ...

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...

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...

Celena graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law with a criminal law concentration. During law school, Celena worked for the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office where she defended clients against a variety of charges, including numerous OWIs in the City of Cleveland. Celena also worked in the Juvenile Division and has experience with emergency custody situations and juvenile delinquency. At the Federal Public Defender's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Celena gained additional experience with complex drug charges and crimes against children.

Celena graduated from Indianola High School and Simpson College. She majored in International Relations and Political...

Ryan prides himself in listening carefully to his clients' needs and responding to them honestly and thoroughly. Most family law clients in Iowa will go through mediation prior to going to court. With Ryan's experience creating excellent outcomes during the mediation process, his clients often save both the financial and the high emotional costs of going to court. Ryan is also an experienced litigator and he vigorously represents his clients in the courtroom when necessary. Ryan has many years of experience litigating family law, divorce and child custody cases. He is experienced, honest, compassionate, but tenaciously aggressive when needed. Let...

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...

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...

I have over nineteen years of experience litigating complex legal matters. As a member attorney at Whitfield & Eddy Law, I currently focus my practice on litigating family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, custody, spousal support, domestic abuse, grandparent guardianship and termination of parental rights cases. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with honors from Baylor University in 1996. In 1999, I graduated from Drake University Law School. Shortly after graduation I moved to Dallas and was admitted to the Texas bar. I worked as an Assistant District Attorney with the Dallas...

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...

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...

Over two decades of experience representing clients in divorce, custody, child support, and parental rights matters.

Daniel J. Rothman has been practicing criminal law since his admission to the bar in 2002. He is a former prosecutor of 7 years having worked in the Story County Attorney's office and as the senior member of the OWI Division of the Polk County Attorney’s Office until March of 2009. During his time as an OWI prosecutor, Mr. Rothman was an instructor for the Prosecutors Training Council’s Annual Officer’s training school on OWI law and a presenter for the Central Iowa Traffic Safety Task Force’s annual training regarding OWI law. Mr. Rothman was invited to teach other attorneys in...

With 30 years of experience in representing clients, Timothy McCarthy knows how to take on the most challenging cases and proactively defend his clients in every situation. His path toward his legal career started after receiving his B.A. from Drake University. He studied law at Drake University's Law School and earned his Juris Doctor in 1983. Since graduating, he has become licensed to practice not only in Iowa, but also in the U.S. District Court in the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, the U.S. Court of Appeals, the Eighth Circuit Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, Timothy McCarthy is...

Blake Parker has been in private practice since 1983, opening his Clinton office in 2011, where his son, Judd Parker, joined in 2012, and moving the Parker Law Office PLLC to Waukee, Iowa representing clients in Central Iowa. Blake is licensed in Iowa and Federal Court, and is now partially retired.

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.

Peter Ickes maintains a varied practice focused on litigation, including both civil and criminal law. Peter has trial and courtroom experience in both state and federal courts, including complex federal cases. He practices in every county in Iowa and is familiar with many county prosecutors, leading to positive outcomes for his clients. He is a client-focused lawyer, with an emphasis on communication and advocacy tailored to the needs of each case. He is a member of the Iowa Bar Association and Polk County Bar Association.