BELIN MCCORMICK, P.C. - Key Persons

Aaron works with his clients turn their goals into realities by taking a holistic approach to problem-solving. With a strong finance and marketing background, he specializes in mergers & acquisitions and intellectual property matters, helping clients navigate complex transactions and develop and protect their intellectual property. Aaron practices in the firm's Corporate and Commercial group, with a primary focus on matters relating to Mergers & Acquisitions and Intellectual Property matters. He provides expert advice and guidance to companies on formation, corporate governance, compliance, contract drafting and negotiation, and asset and stock transactions. Aaron also has extensive experience in trademark and copyright registration, licensing, and transactions, applying a comprehensive approach to clients' intellectual property needs. After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 2019, Aaron joined Belin McCormick, P.C. During his time at law school, he was the Senior Editor for the Michigan Law Review and served on the board of directors of the Entrepreneurship Law Association. Aaron's commitment to community service is an important part of his life. He is a dedicated social entrepreneur who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him. In law school, he volunteered for the Unemployment Insurance Clinic, helping individuals collect and defend their right to unemployment insurance. Additionally, he founded the Maize & Blue Cupboard, a food pantry that has provided vital assistance to thousands of families in Southeast Michigan. Aaron is deeply committed to promoting legal education and advocacy to Iowa's youth. To accomplish this, he currently serves as co-chair of the mock trial program for the Iowa State Bar Association. Going forward, Aaron is eager to continue using his education and experience to protect and support the community.

Job Titles:

• Nebraska Chapter ( Member AILA )

Publications and Presentations First Substantive Update to the Iowa Rules of Evidence, February 2022 (co-presenter) Recent Development in Employment Caselaw: This week in the world of Baseball! September 2022

When a person dies, settling their affairs can be difficult and complex. Amelia (Ame) Mapes works to help carry out their estate planning and testamentary wishes. She knows personal and thoughtful guidance are of the utmost importance for family members, individuals, and fiduciaries tasked with gathering and distributing the legacies built by those who have passed on.

Brad leverages his management background with his government, in-house and private practice experience to understand his clients' goals and works with his clients to develop winning strategies. Practice Areas Brad joined Belin McCormick's litigation practice group after gaining valuable experience in a variety of legal settings. He defended Arizona state environmental laws, clerked for the Arizona Court of Appeals, and provided advice as in-house counsel for a national bank's mortgage division. Brad also spent three years as a commercial litigation associate at Snell & Wilmer, LLP in Phoenix, Arizona where he represented corporate clients of all sizes on a diverse range of complex litigation issues, including contract disputes, insurance litigation, and financial services litigation. Prior to his legal practice, Brad worked in the financial services industry gaining a broad range of experience in banking, commercial lending, and mortgage lending. Brad's legal practice brought him back to the financial services industry in both private practice and as in-house counsel where he advised and litigated issues related to privacy; FCRA; UCC; UFA; RESPA; TCPA; CAN-SPAM Act; UDAAP; fair lending; wrongful foreclosure; fraud; and garnishments. Brad leverages his legal experience with his first-hand knowledge of banking and lending practices to assist his clients in the financial industry and beyond. Brad's insurance litigation experience includes representing insureds in connection with coverage disputes involving property loss, bodily injury, D&O claims, and long-tail environmental claims. He also has experience defending insurers in connection with coverage disputes and defending employers against ERISA related claims. Brad's environmental experience includes advice and litigation in Arizona related to the Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; Underground Injection Control program; Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; 401 Certifications; Arizona aquifer protection programs; and underground storage tanks. Brad's employment practice includes representing clients in litigation related to noncompete agreements, discrimination claims. He also advises clients concerning employment law questions related to severance agreements, employee handbooks, and other general employment questions that arise in the normal course of operating a business. Personal Brad is a native Arizonan who, on two occasions, fled the hot and dry weather for Iowa's four wonderful seasons and the nicest people on earth. When not working, Brad enjoys taking his family on new adventures, home improvement projects, and watching baseball. And sometimes he combines all three. As an example, he once took his wife, five kids, and three dogs on a yearlong RV adventure around the country where they attended multiple baseball games and tackled several RV-style "home" improvement projects while on the road. The adventures continue now that he is back in Iowa. As Brad regularly asks: Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa.

Job Titles:

• Trust Ex Rel. Campbell V. Howe, 720 N.W.2d 195 ( Iowa 2006 )

Christopher was born and raised in the Des Moines area. He spent his undergraduate years in Vermillion, South Dakota at the University of South Dakota, where he was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and graduated summa cum laude with a double major in journalism and criminal justice. He returned home to Des Moines to attend Drake University Law School. At Drake, Christopher was the research editor for the Drake Law Review, a teaching assistant for the legal research and writing courses, and a research assistant for one of Drake Law's professors. Christopher also worked as a summer associate at two different Des Moines law firms. Christopher graduated from Drake with highest honors. After graduation, he served as the judicial clerk for the Honorable Christopher McDonald of the Iowa Court of Appeals.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

David Charles is a Shareholder in the Litigation Department. His practice focuses on civil jury trial work, both plaintiff and defense, with types of cases including lender liability claims, general commercial disputes of all types, personal injury, product liability, employment, trade secrets, Lanham Act, medical and other professional malpractice, various types of estate disputes, real estate litigation and condemnation matters. David has also had experience in cases involving the oil and gas industry and in appellate work of all types. David graduated with High Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1974 after receiving a political science degree in 1972, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa. He was Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in 1986 and held that status until 2020 when he elected not to renew his membership in the organization. After practicing law in Iowa for 30 years, he passed the Montana Bar in 2003, joined the Crowley Fleck law firm in Billings in March of 2005 and maintained a practice in both Montana and Iowa. In January, 2019, he opened his own office in Billings which he maintained until he rejoined the Belin McCormick firm in 2020. He continues to practice in both states. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was one of 11 Montana lawyers listed by the Mountain States Super Lawyers in the top 100 attorneys in the Mountain States Region in 2016. He has been named in the Best Lawyers in America in multiple litigation categories from 2003 through 2023 and included in Mountain States Super Lawyers from 2010 until 2021.

Job Titles:

• Real Estate

David is a partner in the real estate department. He has experience advising and representing clients in a broad range of real estate transactions, with a primary focus on the sale, acquisition, development, and leasing of various types of commercial and industrial real estate properties. In addition, David advises clients in corporate transactions involving real estate assets. Personal David is a central Iowa native who was born in the Des Moines area. David enjoys jogging, biking, football and baseball and spending time with his wife, sons and two dogs.

Garth works to help his clients address and solve challenges arising during transactions and in corporate situations. His nearly thirty years of experience as a lawyer, background in law firms in both Des Moines and New York City, and knowledge base developed while passing the CPA Exam all help him when assisting clients. Garth has served two terms as President of the Management Committee of the Firm. Practice Areas Garth's practice emphasizes business transactions involving starting, buying, selling and financing business ventures, and providing general business law counsel to select clients. He has been recognized by Chambers and Partners, Super Lawyers and by Best Lawyers in America for his transactional practice. Personal Garth grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, attending Valley High School. Garth graduated from Drake University, where he majored in History and Political Science and obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration. During his time at Drake, Garth took additional coursework to qualify to sit for the CPA exam, which he passed. Shortly after graduating from Drake, Garth and his wife Cheryl moved to New York City where Garth attended Columbia Law School and worked at Cravath Swaine & Moore LLP for several years after graduation. When not working, Garth enjoys spending time with his family in various activities and being outdoors as much as possible.

Joseph practices in the firm's corporate and real estate departments. In his corporate practice, Joseph assists companies with formation, governance and compliance, contract drafting and negotiation, and asset and stock transactions. He has a particular interest in U.S. data privacy and is qualified as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. In his real estate practice, Joseph assists clients in the drafting and negotiation of commercial leases, including for office, retail and industrial properties. While in law school, Joseph served as an Articles Editor of the Washington University Law Review. He also interned with the Office of the Iowa Attorney General, the City of St. Louis Counselor's Office, and the Hon. Raymond W. Gruender, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Following law school, he clerked for the Hon. Leonard T. Strand, United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.

Kelsey believes a lawyer's job is to prevent and solve problems consistent with a business's mission, philosophy and needs. Legal solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Whether it is day-to-day legal advice or litigation, Kelsey works with you to understand your unique needs and find a solution.

Laura understands that tax law can be perplexing, and brings to her practice the ability to communicate clearly the intricacies of tax law to her clients. She values her clients' time, and believes that every client deserves a legal representative who is prepared, informed, and efficient. With an LL.M. in taxation she brings specialized knowledge to her practice in taxation, trusts and estates, and charitable giving.

Job Titles:

• Co - Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Young Lawyers Division

Mariah sees herself as a problem-solver above all else. Mariah utilizes a holistic approach to tailor her advice and strategy to each issue or case according to the client's needs and goals. Mariah has emerged as a trusted advisor and advocate across diverse industries, utilizing both her expertise and intellectual curiosity to advise clients at all stages of representation. Mariah practices in Belin McCormick's Litigation group where she regularly assists clients in every stage of litigation, from initial investigations to appeals. Whether representing employers, individuals, or businesses, Mariah approaches each case with vigor. Mariah has represented clients in a variety of disputes, including breach of contract cases, disputes over wills and trusts, wrongful termination, and others. Mariah also has experience in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, to negotiate settlements outside of court. Mariah is dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive legal representation, risk management advice, and strategic guidance as they navigate labor and employment matters. In her labor and employment law practice, Mariah regularly assists clients in several employee relations issues, including maintaining compliance with employment regulations, advising on discipline/discharge decisions, and drafting and enforcing company policies, handbooks, and contracts. Mariah has also played a pivotal role in defending employers in cases involving allegations of wage and hour violations, retaliation, discrimination, harassment, constructive discharge, and wrongful termination. Additionally, Mariah routinely represents clients in responding to civil rights complaints before Iowa's Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Mariah has similarly developed a strong foundation in family law, focusing on serving clients during what is often one of the most personal and emotional legal challenge they will face. Mariah has helped clients navigate divorce, child custody disputes, adoptions, and other related issues. Mariah's strong communication skills allow her to reach amicable solutions for her clients through negotiation and mediation while vigorously protecting her clients' interests in court when necessary. Mariah joined Belin's Litigation group after clerking for the Honorable Justice Thomas Waterman on the Iowa Supreme Court. While at the University of Chicago Law School, Mariah was a member of the Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic, where she collaborated with students, professors, and practitioners on United States Supreme Court appellate litigation to research and write merits briefs, amicus curiae briefs, and petitions for certiorari. Mariah's small group within the clinic also successfully developed case strategy, researched and wrote briefs, and conducted a moot argument for a successful direct appeal to the Seventh Circuit. As the Executive Comments Editor of the University of Chicago Law School's Legal Forum, Mariah oversaw the professional development of twenty students' scholarly writing, managed the Comments Editors, and provided extensive feedback on the substance and legal arguments of each student's Comment.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder
• Immigration Counsel

"Marina Grabchuk is a respected immigration lawyer who is often called upon her advice on employment-based visa matters." - Chambers & Partners USA Marina is a Shareholder and leads the Immigration Department at Belin McCormick, P.C. Her practice focuses on business immigration and I-9 compliance. As a Ukrainian immigrant trained by national legal experts in Seattle and San Francisco, Marina brings over a decade of unparalleled experience to her corporate clients in Iowa and beyond and has earned a reputation for resolving complex issues and delivering results. Marina serves as outside immigration counsel to large corporations, mid-size businesses, major universities, and medical centers, handling their immigration matters. She provides counsel to corporate clients on recruitment, retention, and global mobility solutions for U.S. foreign national talent, advises on employment-based visas (L-1, O-1, H-1B, TN) and permanent residence (EB-1, PERM) sponsorship options for multinational executives and managers, research scientists, J-1 physicians, and professionals with specialized knowledge and extraordinary or exceptional ability in their field.

When you choose a lawyer, Mike understands you typically bring that lawyer your most serious problems of the moment. He also understands there are thousands of lawyers from whom you can choose. If you select him, it is an expression of faith that cannot be disappointed. Legal representation is an exceptional responsibility and Mike treats it that way. If you have problems that keep you up at night, they will keep him up at night until a solution is found.

Job Titles:

• Member of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys

Nate is a member of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys and in 2021 was named Iowa Lawyer of the Year by U.S. News' Best Lawyers for Real Estate.

Paxton is a former non-profit executive who brings a keen attention to detail to all client matters. As an Assistant Iowa Attorney General for eight years, Paxton prosecuted and defended a wide array of lawsuits of various complexity, with particular focus on individual income, sales/use, property, and corporate tax matters on behalf of the Iowa Department of Revenue. Additionally, he engaged in diligent enforcement matters related to the 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and prosecuted cigarette and tobacco compliance check failures on behalf of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. Paxton completed the National Attorneys General Training & Research Institute (NAGTRI) Trial Advocacy Course and the NAGTRI Writing Seminar. He has experience providing counsel to administrative agencies and agency directors on draft legislation, rules formulation, and policy implementation. As an attorney and from his time in non-profit management and various volunteer leadership roles, Paxton has experience reviewing and negotiating contracts and addressing myriad contractual matters. Personal Paxton's work as an attorney is further informed by his study of public policy at the University of Michigan and health care management and policy at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, where he studied under the auspices of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. While in law school, he was a member of the University of Chicago Legal Forum. A strong proponent of the arts and humanities, Paxton, who currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, was associate producer on the Iowa PBS documentary George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life. Paxton is a proud graduate of Iowa State University. Paxton is licensed to practice in the state courts of Iowa and Illinois and the United States District Courts for the Northern District and Southern District of Iowa.

What Wayne Reames does requires trust. By working closely and thoughtfully with clients on their most important family and business legacies, he has built a rare confidence as people plan the future of their estates and closely-held businesses. Wayne fully understands his area of legal expertise touches a client's most personal priorities-planning for the future. Practice Areas Wayne's practice emphasizes taxation, tax controversy, trusts and estates, nonprofit organizations and charitable giving, and corporate law. Wayne advises clients regarding their business transactions, estate planning, tax planning, and ERISA. Wayne's goal is to integrate estate planning into the client's personal and business planning, taking into consideration special assets such as closely-held businesses, partnerships, limited liability companies, real estate (including special use valuation for agricultural property) life insurance, among other holdings. With a background in economics and accounting, Wayne brings a multidisciplinary approach to the practice of law. Wayne is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Iowa.