GRL LAW - Key Persons
Recognized as a Great Plains Super Lawyer by Thompson Reuters and a Top Attorney by Avvo (10/10), Colin Murphy is a criminal defense trial lawyer who has tried dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases to a jury over the last decade with numerous acquittals. He has also obtained dismissals of more than 130 other drug and OWI charges, including driver's license revocations, through successful pre-trial rulings during the same period.
Colin focuses primarily on defending those accused of possessing, delivering, cultivating or manufacturing marijuana and other narcotics. He also helps individuals recover property that has been unlawfully seized through civil forfeiture, which allows Iowa law enforcement agencies to profit from large amounts of cash, firearms, vehicles and other property taken from innocent persons.
Colin also represents those charged with alcohol and drug-impaired offenses, ranging from public intoxication to OWI to vehicular homicide. He is twice published in the area of OWI defense. In 2014, he co-authored the first edition one of the few practice-specific treatises in the state, Iowa OWI Defense: The Law and Practice, published by Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company. He also wrote a chapter focusing on the use of independent forensic investigations, including crash data and blood alcohol analysis, in Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases, 2013 ed. by Aspatore Books.
Colin takes a keen interest in developing and litigating issues in traffic stops and other search and seizure contexts to expand the rights of the accused. Most recently, his efforts to overturn a search warrant based on information gathered during warrantless nighttime trash rips led to a landmark Iowa Supreme Court decision in State v. Wright, 961 N.W.2d 396 (Iowa 2021). The decision was the first to recognize the rejuvenated trespass doctrine in Iowa and find an expectation of privacy in garbage. In doing so, the Iowa Supreme Court overturned a police tactic responsible for untold numbers of convictions during the past four decades.
Colin has since worked diligently to expand the scope of the trespass doctrine to K9 searches, the deployment of recording devices by confidential informants under the one-party consent rule in Iowa and other areas that have typically been analyzed under an expectation of privacy approach.
As trial counsel in State v. Pals, 805 N.W.2d 767 (Iowa 2011), he challenged the voluntariness of a detained driver's consent to search his vehicle under the Iowa Constitution. The Pals decision is now one of the seminal cases on the issue of warrantless consent searches.
Colin's knack for understanding and simply explaining complex scientific concepts such as infrared spectrophotometry in breath testing, headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection in blood and urine testing, statistical analysis and measurement uncertainty is well known throughout the Iowa state criminal defense bar. The same can be said for his work in exposing drug K9 "alerts" that were either false positives or otherwise cued by the handler. He is one of a few attorneys in the state who have successfully challenged a vehicle search based on these highly questionable "alerts."
As an appellate lawyer, Colin has briefed and argued issues of constitutional and statutory importance before the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals. In 2012, he won Mitchell County v. Zimmerman, 810 N.W.2d 1 (Iowa 2012), in which a unanimous Iowa Supreme Court struck down a local road-protection ordinance as unconstitutional under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.
Over the past three years, his cannabis law practice has grown to include counseling Iowa growers and businesses by providing legal planning, regulatory support, corporate guidance and compliance strategies to help navigate the rapidly evolving hemp and CBD space.
Another practice area that continues to grow is the protection of the right to acquire, possess and carry firearms in Iowa. Colin is a member of the USCCA, the premier concealed carry association in the United States, and a strong advocate for the fundamental right to self defense and defense of others. He is also a member of the Iowa Critical Response Team that assists and counsels those involved in the exercise of self-defense with firearms.
Colin serves as the Executive Director of Iowa NORML.
For the fifth time since joining GRL Law in 2018, Colin Murphy was once again named to the Great Plains Super Lawyers list in 2022, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Managing Partner
- Member of the Central Iowa
In the last 6 years alone, Mr. Gourley has obtained verdicts from Iowa juries totaling over 132 million dollars, and those are just the cases that went to trial. Including settlements, he has recovered tens of millions more for Iowans and other injured clients. Mr. Gourley obtained what appears to be the biggest verdict in the history of Iowa for one family in February of 2017. He also has won many of the highest verdicts in the state for parents of children who were injured or killed due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. There are simply not other trial attorneys in Iowa that can claim the same results in Iowa, particularly in the last decade.
Mr. Gourley is a founding and managing member of GRL Law and manages the firm's wrongful death and traumatic injury division. He was selected as a rising star by Super Lawyers in 2013, 2014, and 2015, which is an award limited to 2.5 percent of the lawyers in his practice area in the state. He was selected as a Super Lawyers in 2016 and 2017. He was also selected as one of the state's 40 best trial attorneys under the age of 40 in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Mr. Gourley is an active member in the Iowa Association for Justice, the largest association for trial lawyers in the state, where he serves on the Board of Governors which is the governing body of the association. In 2017, he was nominated and selected as a fellow in the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers which is widely regarded as the preeminent association of the best trial attorneys in the state.
Previously, Mr. Gourley graduated with honors from the University of Kansas School of Business. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from Drake University. He is currently admitted to practice in all Courts in the State of Iowa, both the Southern and Northern Districts of the United States District Court, and the Eight Circuit for the United States Court of Appeals. He also litigates cases in other jurisdictions throughout the Midwest.
Outside of the office, Mr. Gourley is an active member of the central Iowa community. He participates in various charitable organizations. He is on the board of directors of the Family Crisis Center which is the largest victim services nonprofit in the state. In 2018, he was nominated as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man of the Year which was awarded in May of 2018. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, parents, in-laws, and other family and friends. He also enjoys traveling, golf, skiing, a beer with his buddies and a glass of wine with his wife.
Job Titles:
- Junior Partner / Attorney
Aggressive representation, excellent communication, and a genuine concern for clients are what you can expect from Mr. Gangestad.
Mr. Gangestad was selected to the Super Lawyers list for the seventh straight year in 2021, and has been named Avvo's Client Choice and Top Attorney for DUI defense with a Superb rating of 10.0 out of a possible 10.0. Mr. Gangestad is a member of the National College of DUI Defense, the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, the Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Criminal Defense Core Group for the Iowa Association for Justice.
Mr. Gangestad has distinguished himself as a strong legal advocate, having had great success in both criminal and civil matters. He has tried numerous cases to verdict. He has also argued and won multiple appellate cases in front of both the Iowa Court of Appeals and Iowa Supreme Court. Whether it be an operating while intoxicated charge, criminal charges, or a personal injury accident, Mr. Gangestad is committed to providing the highest quality legal representation for his clients. He endeavors to thoroughly research and examine every client's case, making sure that no stone goes unturned in securing the best possible resolution for his clients. He embraces the attitude of aggressive representation and zealous advocacy that is shared by all the attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper, & Lindholm PLC, and prides himself on getting results for his clients.
Mr. Gangestad is an Iowa born and raised attorney with a practice primarily focused on criminal defense (OWI/DUI, boating while intoxicated, drug charges), personal injury, and simple estate planning (wills, trusts, living wills, powers of attorney). Mr. Gangestad grew up in Clarion, Iowa, where he graduated from Clarion-Goldfield High School as the Salutatorian of his class. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and obtained a bachelor of arts in Political Science and a minor in Politics and Law. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he attended Drake University Law School, receiving his Juris Doctorate and graduating with honors. While at Drake Law, Mr. Gangestad successfully completed the Neal & Bea Smith Law Center's Clinic in Criminal Defense and Advanced Clinic in Criminal Defense. Mr. Gangestad was also Student Dean of Delta Theta Phi law fraternity. Mr. Gangestad clerked for Gourley, Rehkemper, & Lindholm PLC for two years before joining the firm as an attorney and was recently named the firm's newest partner. In his spare time, Mr. Gangestad enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing.
Greenfield, Adair County, Iowa. For the second time this year, a Judge ruled that an Adair County Deputy's stop of a motorist was constitutionally invalid when he followed
Job Titles:
- Junior Partner / Attorney
What is best for the client? Many attorneys throw this phrase around to make it seem like they actually care about the clients they represent. For Mr. Sayre, this couldn't be closer to the truth. Mr. Sayre advocates for every client, no matter what, because that is the right thing to do.
Mr. Sayre grew up in Des Moines and is a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School, in West Des Moines, Iowa. He then went on to attend Marquette University, in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He was a part of the Men's Golf Team and a member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, serving as the president in his senior year. While at Marquette, Mr. Sayre received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communications. After Marquette, Mr. Sayre went on to attend Drake University Law School, in Des Moines, Iowa, receiving his Juris Doctorate in just over two (2) years, graduating a semester early. While at Drake Law, Mr. Sayre successfully completed the Neal & Bea Smith Law Center's Clinic in Criminal Defense, Family Law, and Elder Law. In his spare time, Mr. Sayre enjoys spending time with his wife/children and playing golf with friends and family.
Mr. Sayre has established himself as an extremely strong transactional attorney whose focus is not only on his clients, but conducting himself and his representations in the utmost ethical manner possible. Mr. Sayre has been in private practice for twenty (20) years and has maintained what would be considered a "general civil practice," but his focus is more intense in the areas of Probate, Wills, Trusts, Estate, Real Estate, Business Law and Family Law. As with the other attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm, PLC, he prides himself on focused representation, zealously advocating for his clients all while keeping the highest standard of professionalism.
Mr. Lindholm was selected to the Super Lawyers list for the eight straight year in 2020. He has also repeatedly been named Avvo's Client Choice and Top Attorney for DUI defense with a Superb rating of 10.0 out of a possible 10.0. Mr. Lindholm has been certified in field sobriety testing, is a founding member of DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and is a member of the National College of Drunk Driving Defense. He is an acting Board Member of the Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well as a Board Member of the Iowa Association for Justice (formerly known as Iowa Trial Lawyers Association) where he was designated as a Key Person for his legislative efforts in 2014. Mr. Lindholm is recognized state-wide for his expertise in the field of criminal defense work and has been prioritized as a top speaker and presenter for public education events and continuing education seminars.
Mr. Lindholm is most widely known for his defense of drunk driving related charges but handles a vast array of criminal defense matters including drug charges, assaults, and sex offenses, and appellate work. A review of testimonials from Mr. Lindholm's clients indicate that empathy for his clients and aggression towards the State as the backbone to his approach which leads to outstanding results for his clients. Clients have also found that jurors respond well to him in trial which is evidenced by his impressive list of "not guilty" verdicts.
Matt was an amazing attorney/partner in my case. He was continuously keeping me in the loop and working hard on my case. My case was fairly unique in the fact that i had 3 criminal READ MORE Wednesday March 16, 2022
Mr. Rehkemper was selected to the Super Lawyers list for the eighth straight year in 2020, and has repeatedly been named Avvo's Client Choice and Top Attorney for DUI defense with a Superb rating of 10.0 out of a possible 10.0. Mr. Rehkemper is the State of Iowa Delegate for the National College of DUI Defense, a founding member of DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and is also a Board Member for the Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Criminal Defense Core Group for the Iowa Association for Justice. A frequent speaker at attorney education seminars, Mr. Rehkemper has distinguished himself as a premier defense attorney in the state of Iowa for drunk driving and vehicular homicide charges. Mr. Rehkemper's aggressive and thorough investigation of each case, coupled with his meticulous preparation for hearings, arguments and trials, has resulted in an impressive list of representative cases that speaks for itself.
While known state-wide for his defense of drunk driving and related offenses, Mr. Rehkemper does not limit his practice to one particular area of criminal defense. He applies the pre-trial and trial skills he has developed in defense of DUI/OWI charges to aggressively defending all criminal charges in both State and Federal Courts. Mr. Rehkemper has experienced tremendous success in the defense of sexual assault accusations as well as illegal search and seizures in narcotics investigations.
Job Titles:
- JUNIOR PARTNER / ATTORNEY
- Lawyer That I Hired for My Case. I Appreciated the Updates Throughout the Case, Always Letting Me Now What the Situation Was and How He Recommends How It Shou
Mr. Michels grew up in Osage, Iowa where he graduated from Osage High School in 2000. He then attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa where he graduated, magna cum laude, in December 2003 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminology and Psychology. At UIU, Mr. Michels also achieved Academic All-American and Academic All-Conference honors in wrestling. Following his success at Upper Iowa University, Mr. Michels received his law degree from Drake University School of Law in 2007, earning special certificates in Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Constitutional Law and Civil Rights. As part of his law school education, Mr. Michels also successfully completed the Neal & Bea Smith Law Center, Drake Law School, Clinic in Criminal Defense.
Mr. Michels has distinguished himself in his young career as an attorney who is a zealous advocate for his clients being satisfied with nothing less then the best possible outcome on each and every case. Whether it's a court appointed case or a private client, Mr. Michels goes the extra mile, does the necessary factual and legal research and shows up to court ready and prepared for a good fight. Mr. Michels possesses the attitude and mindset associated with all of the attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm and has already seen his hard work produce a number of victories for his clients. The National Trial Lawyers has recognized Mr. Michels as a "Top 40 Under 40" attorney.
Scott went above and beyond helping me to be removed from the SOR. Being female it is a little bit trickier and not as clear cut. He made sure to gather all the necessary informati
Scott Michels was the lawyer that I hired for my case. I appreciated the updates throughout the case, always letting me now what the situation was and how he recommends how it shou
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.