ADELLAW.COM - Key Persons
Christina Williamson is in charge of the firm's litigation workflow. She works with Matt and Kara. Christina gained experience in larger law firms in Des Moines prior to coming to the firm. Her experience has proven to be invaluable. Christina's strengths are in assisting in the preparation of litigation documents, the facilitation of discovery documents, and managing the firm's EDMS filings. She is also an important part of the firm's receptionist and general supplies management duties.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Family Law Attorney / Family Law Mediator
Kara is an attorney who focuses on family law, including divorces and custody actions, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate planning.
In her family law practice, Kara has the unique ability to fill a variety of roles. She can assist family law clients in collaborative cases, as a "traditional" attorney, or in a limited representation role. Kara also serves in child representation roles, such as a child's attorney, Guardian ad Litem, or Child & Family Reporter. She has certifications as a family law mediator, collaborative law practitioner, and parenting coordinator.
Kara is active in the Dallas County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, and Central Iowa Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Kara is a member of the Jack D. Levin Family Law Inn of Court (American Inns of Court) in central Iowa.
In her free time, Kara loves to be with her family, spend time outside, and run.
Educational background:
J.D. from University of Iowa College of Law, 2005
B.S. from Iowa State university, 2002
Kara is licensed to practice in:
State of Iowa
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
Kara McClure is in charge of the firms' family law department. She began practicing in a firm in Des Moines, Iowa. She came to Adel to take control over her family law practice and be part of the development of innovative family law practices and techniques. Kara is one of the original Iowa lawyers advancing "collaborative family law," the concept of completing divorce cases in a non-adversarial way. She is a founding member of the Central Iowa Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She is a family law mediator. She also serves other roles in the family law arena such as being a child's attorney or advocate, guardian ad litem and a child and family reporter. One of Kara's strengths in family law practice is understanding the different techniques available in family law, especially those that give the parties the opportunity to complete a divorce in as much of a non-adversarial, cost-effective and efficient manner as possible all while keeping the best interests of children in mind.
Kara also has developed a niche in representing farm clients. She grew up on a farm and she and her husband and their family farm in the Dallas Center, Iowa area raising livestock and growing row crops.
The greatest strength of the office, however, is its staff. Becky Anderson is a familiar voice to many of the firm's long-time clients. As the lead receptionist, she recognizes many clients by voice and has taken care of clients of the firm for many, many years. Becky has been with the firm since its inception and has worked with Jamie since he came back to Iowa. Becky is an important part of the firm's real estate and business work.
Kara Ladd has 30 years of legal assistant experience. She previously worked for a small-town private practitioner and is proficient in real estate and business matters. Kara's expertise in probate practice and her friendly and business-like demeanor is a tremendous asset to the firm. Kara is the point person for all of the firm's probate matters. There is no substitute for her experience and expertise.
Katrina Christianson is the firm's real estate division team lead and the officer manager. Katrina has been around real estate all of her life. Her father was in the construction business. She had various positions in real estate prior to working for the firm. She worked as a property manager and has taken and passed the real estate agent license exam. She has a great depth of knowledge in the area of real estate. She understands the documents, the possible pitfalls and how to manage workflow in an efficient manner. Her strengths do not end with real estate. She also has become the firm's officer manager due to her ability to take charge and get things done.