IOWA COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE - Key Persons
Andrea is an Iowa native and currently resides in Pleasant Hill. She grew up on the family farm in Runnells, Iowa. Andrea graduated from the University of Iowa with a Major in Psychology, Minor in Spanish and Certificate in Nonprofit Management. She then attended Drake Law School where she volunteered with the Juvenile Delinquency Clinic and Children's Rights Clinic. Upon graduation from Drake Law School, Andrea hit the ground running, opening her own general practice firm, McGinn Law, PLLC, in Van Meter.
Andrea's practice is focused mainly on family law. She thoroughly enjoys working with families and helping them navigate the unknown waters of divorce, custody, support, adoption and other complex family law issues. She truly cares for her clients and knows a compassionate, collaborative practice is the best way to ensure her clients' long-range interests are addressed and to make sure they are ready for life after divorce. Andrea's collaborative practice methods follow her philosophy that a client should be the captain of his or her own ship. In other words, you and your spouse know your own situation the best and the two of you can work with your lawyers to develop solutions that are best for your family. From the house, the kids, the pets, the finances to everything in between, you and your spouse should be the primary decision makers in your own case (with your lawyer by your side for guidance, of course).
When she's not in the office, Andrea is usually enjoying her time with her husband, Nick, and their two dogs (fur children), Zoey and Leo. They are welcoming their first child into the family in September 2016 and could not be more excited. Andrea loves her job and her clients. She wants what is best for you and your family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Business Appraiser and Financial Specialist / HDH Advisors, LLC
- Director With HDH Advisors
Mr. Crotty is a Director with HDH Advisors, LLC with over ten years of experience specializing in providing Business Appraisals and Litigation Support for marital dissolutions. Having gone through his own divorce, Brian started his career working for a family law firm in Iowa City and has developed a passion for helping business owners and individuals properly navigate through financial questions and complications that arise through dissolution proceedings. Mr. Crotty has testified as an expert witness on many occasions for various court proceedings. Mr. Crotty was the first business appraisal expert in the state of Iowa trained in Collaborative Law and is trained in Mediation (5th District) and court appointed as Special Master for Forensic Accounting and Business Appraisals for the Iowa Business Specialty Court Pilot Project.
Job Titles:
- Attorney and Mediator / Bott Law Office P.L.L.C.
Bridget M. Bott attended the University of Iowa where she obtained a B.A. in Communications and then Drake University Law School where she received her Juris Doctorate degree, her Dispute Resolution/Mediation Certificate and participated in the General Civil Litigation Clinic Curriculum. After completing law school Bridget began practicing Family, Juvenile and Probate law - including being trained and certified as a Mediator in Family and Probate Law matters, and later as a Collaborative Divorce attorney. Bridget also regularly functions as a Guardian Ad Litem and Child and Family Reporter in family cases involving minor children. Bridget believes that the current landscape of family law is better served by passionate attorneys who desire to navigate clients through the dissolution process with honesty, respect, and dignity, rather than unnecessary conflict and fighting.
Bridget resides in Des Moines, IA, with her husband, and their two youngest children. When not working, or with family, you can find Bridget working with animals. In 2009 Bridget helped form the 501(c)(3) nonprofit breed specific shelter called Iowa Weimaraner Rescue (IWR). She has served on the Rescue's Board, as a Volunteer Coordinator, and she has presented at Animal Welfare Seminars on Navigating Legal Issues as a Rescue. She has fostered over twenty foster dogs and has also helped several rescue chickens. Bridget is an active member of the Holy Trinity Parish and is on the diocesan ‘Third Option' core team, with her husband, where they teach and facilitate classes for married couples working to repair their marriages. Bridget is a member of the Iowa Bar Association, the Central Iowa Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and has been named "Ten Best in Client Satisfaction" by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys several times over the past seven years.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
Married for 25 years and the mother of two boys and one girl, when Debra isn't interacting with clients, attorneys and judges, with whom she has developed lasting professional relationships, she is often hoping for a strike at the bowling alley or cheering for her kid's baseball teams.
A sports memorabilia collector, a passion she shares with her husband, Debra has met and received autographs from baseball greats Ted Williams, George Brett, Steve Garvey and Catfish Hunter, among countless others. An avid traveler, she has enjoyed trips to San Diego, New Orleans, the Grand Canyon, Bahamas and many other destinations. The best trip to date was a family vacation to Disney World. When Debra visits amusement parks-a favorite pastime-she makes a beeline for the rollercoaster. She enjoys movie marathons. Her favorite films include Raiders of the Lost Ark, Silence of the Lambs, The Sound of Music and Forrest Gump.
Hailing from a small town south of Des Moines, complete with one traffic light, a grocery store and laundromat, Debra's family law practice mirrors her homegrown upbringing-family and community come first. Her father was a truck driver and her mother was a homemaker who instilled in her a strong work ethic. Debra was the first college graduate in her family. Her personal motto is: treat others as you would want to be treated yourself. She and her husband were licensed pre-adoptive foster parents for seven years.
In 1993, after graduating law school, Debra began her family law practice. Her philosophy is direct: every client deserves legal representation that is equal parts compassion and straightforwardness. Debra always ensures that her client's needs are heard and respected. Often called a financial bean counter by colleagues due to her thoroughness, Debra is the sole practitioner, which means her clients only work with her. She views her family law practice as a facilitator allowing families to begin the healing process. Debra provides special counsel for divorcing parents to ensure that their children are not adversely affected by the separation.
Trained as a Family Law Mediator (2004) and currently a mediator for the Polk County District Court Mediation Program, Debra understands that clients come to her office during times of emotional turmoil. A firm supporter of Collaborative Law, Debra's goal is to reach client resolution without going to court. She always provides an empathetic, accurate assessment of the facts to ensure each client arrives at the best possible solution.
Receiving her undergraduate degree from Grand View College in Des Moines in 1988, Debra graduated Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1992. She has been a member of the Iowa State Bar Association since 1993. Additionally, she was the co-editor of the Family Law Newsletter for the Iowa State Bar Association from (1997 to 2002), and currently is co-chair of the Polk County Bar Association Solo and Small Practice committee, active in the PCBA Family Law committee and serves as a member of the ISBA Board of Governors since 2013.
Jodie is impassioned about supporting women and others who strive for independence, diversity and recognition. She is highly skilled and successful in helping to empower her clients to find their voice and advocate for themselves. Jodie's training and experience in Collaborative Divorce are unmatched in the Omaha area. Since 2013, she has helped more families than any other attorney in Nebraska reach an amicable, swift and peaceful resolution utilizing the collaborative divorce model. Jodie's mastery of family law and unique understanding of the trauma families experience when tackling a divorce are just a few of the reasons she has had great outcomes for her clients. She guides her clients through every phase of a divorce - helping them to start the healing process in the beginning stages and ultimately restoring them to their full potential!
Jodie founded McGill Law, P.C., L.L.O. in 2011 so that she could build a firm that allowed her to combine her passions, skills and expertise to help more people in our community.
Jodie is an experienced mediator, collaborative, trial, and appellate attorney.
Jodie was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) with a B.S. in Business in 2002. While at UNO, Jodie was the captain of the Swimming & Diving Team, the 2002 Outstanding Student Scholar Athlete of the Year, and president of the Student Athletic Advisory Board. Jodie earned her J.D. Degree from Creighton University School of Law in 2005. Jodie received the 2004-2005 Outstanding Student Award from the Robert M. Spire American Inn of Court and was a CALI award winner while in law school.
Jodie has been a presenter numerous times at Creighton University School of law on civil litigation; family law, collaborative law and starting a solo practice. She has also presented at Nebraska College of Law, Metro Community College, Omaha Bar Association meetings and Nebraska State Bar Association meetings.
Jodie is active in a number of professional organizations that focus on collaborative law and social justice. Jodie is a graduate of the 2014-2015 Nebraska State Bar Leadership Academy and has been recognized as a MBJ 40 Under 40 winner and a Lifetime Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.
Jodie is a trained family law mediator and collaborative professional. She is licensed in Nebraska and Iowa.
Jodie spends her time outside of the firm with her husband and three active children. She loves good food, good wine and good friends
John is a lifelong resident of Iowa. He lives in Des Moines, sharing his home with a new puppy and a rabbit. John grew up on a farm in Polk County. He attended the University of Iowa, receiving a double major in Sociology and Social Work. After graduating, John farmed for 12 years. The farming operation had land in Iowa and Minnesota. John enrolled in law school at Drake University where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1989. At Drake University Law School he received the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellent Achievement in the study of Torts. He is a member of the Polk County Bar Association, the Iowa Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He is licensed to practice law in the Iowa District Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He received the Iowa State Bar Association Pro Bono Award. He received Polk County Bar Association Honors in recognition of Distinguished Service to the Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project.
When younger, John traveled extensively. He has traveled to Ireland, England, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, and South Korea. He has traveled to most states in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. You might pass John on the bike trails training for ragbrai, which he has completed several times. He is an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, and has survived cancer and heart surgery. John has practiced in a small firm on the south side of Des Moines for the last 26 years. He practices with his brother, who has a medical degree to go along with his law degree. The firm handles many areas of the law, including collaborative family law, mediations, personal injury, real estate transactions, probating estates, and drafting Wills and Powers of Attorney.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Treasurer
- Attorney / Bergkamp, Hemphill & McClure
If you're looking for Kara, a good place to start is probably outside. Kara loves to be busy outdoors, which usually means she is busily chasing her children. Kara's family is her priority, and she knows that this is true for her clients too. Kara is a native Iowan and grew up in southwest Iowa. She received her undergraduate degree in journalism at Iowa State University, and then she traveled across the state to obtain her law degree from the University of Iowa.
Kara stays busy serving on the executive board of the CIACP and spreading the word of collaborative practice in central Iowa. She is a member of the Dallas County Bar Association (former President, Treasurer), the Polk County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association and the Young Lawyer's Division, and IOWA. She serves on the Iowa State Bar Association's Family Law Section Council, and the Grievance Commission for the State of Iowa. Kara has been very active for the March of Dimes and is passionate about working toward a goal that one day all babies will be born healthy. She is also active in her local church with a variety of committees. If Kara has any other spare time, she loves to read, run, look at new recipes, and sometimes attempt to create those recipes. After law school, Kara worked in downtown Des Moines for about five years, before returning to her roots in a smaller town and committing herself to family law. Since then, Kara has never looked back, and she now practices primarily in family and collaborative practice, and mediation. She pledges to be a passionate, empathetic professional to guide clients through a family transition in a straightforward, dignified manner, in order to help them build a foundation for the future.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Leadership Team
Laura Lockwood is a collaborative attorney and mediator, practicing primarily in the area of family law. Having received extensive training in the collaborative and mediation processes, Laura believes strongly that peacemaking is an invaluable skill - particularly in family law. In her practice, Laura represents individuals in family law, juvenile law, probate, estate planning, and personal injury matters. Laura is committed to learning her clients' stories and advocating for them through their complex legal matters.
Laura was born and raised in North Liberty, Iowa where her parents still live. She attended K-12 at Clear Creek Amana. At a young age, Laura was drawn to sports and the concept of teamwork. She is a strong believer that we can always do better together, and the Collaborative Process is the perfect forum to put that philosophy to use. Laura graduated valedictorian of Clear Creek Amana High School in 2000 and earned a softball scholarship to the University of Iowa and received Academic All-Big Ten and Academic All-American Honors during her undergrad career with the Hawkeyes. She graduated with High Distinction and Honors, earning a Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Laure attended law school at Drake University Law School from 2005-2008. While in law school, Laura served as the President of Drake Law Women from 2007-2008, clerked for the civil rights law firm of Fiedler and Newkirk from 2007-2008, and practiced in the Drake Law School Criminal Defense Legal Clinic. Laura is an active member of the Iowa State Bar Association and the Polk County Bar Association, a former board member of the ISBA's Young Lawyer's Division and the Polk County Women Attorneys, a member of the Blackstone Inn of Court, and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Central Iowa Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
Laura enjoys golfing, gardening, coaching t-ball, spending time with her family - husband (Philip), son (Parker), daughter (Madison), and boxer (Macey) - and catching up with her large extended family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Therapist and Divorce Coach
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Leadership Team
Penny is a mediator and attorney with a focus in family and juvenile law. When not mediating or participating in collaborative divorce, she serves as GAL, Child & Family Reporter, Attorney and Court Visitor for children and protected persons in family law, juvenile and guardianship matters. She is the current chair of the Child Protection Council/State Citizen Review Panel (Iowa) and is an Executive Team Member with Iowa Collaborative Divorce. Penny has her own firm, Reimer Law & Mediation, PLLC. in Cumming, Iowa. Penny truly cares about professionals as people and encourages colleagues to take vacations, meditate, move your body and do whatever inspires you. Being around collaborative spirits invigorates and motivates Penny and she is truly grateful for collaborative practice and hearts
Job Titles:
- Attorney / LaMarca Law Group
Roman Vald was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1995. His practice includes primarily domestic relations and criminal law. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases, including major felonies. He has managed a number of complex domestic relations cases, including divorce cases involving substantial personal and business assets, complex property division, asset valuation, and custody issues. He has also prepared and argued numerous criminal and civil cases on appeal before the Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
In addition to his criminal law and domestic relations practice, Mr. Vald's administrative law practice includes representing doctors, pharmacists, and nurses in licensure matters before the Iowa Boards of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing. He has also represented numerous clients in actions involving state agencies such as the Iowa Department of Human Services and the Iowa Department of Transportation. He has been repeatedly selected to the National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" in America.
Mr. Vald has earned certification as a mediator through the Polk County Bar Association District Court Mediation Program. As a trained and certified mediator, Mr. Vald has experience in helping parties to resolve difficult divorce and domestic relations issues. He is also one of a select few attorneys in the State of Iowa certified as a Parenting Coordinator trained to resolve complex parenting disputes in high conflict families.
Mr. Vald is an elite competitive cyclist and former triathlete having earned multiple podium finishes and victories in triathlon, competitive running, and cycling.
Susan Austin is an independent CDFA®. Through life's twists and turns, she believes all roads have led to her current CDFA® practice. She is humbled each time she is invited to walk with a couple through one of the most life-changing and difficult transitions most will ever make. Her calm and understanding demeaner, along with rational and realistic financial projections, and most importantly information and education, are peppered with creativity and sometimes "outside-the-box" thinking. She credits this along with the collaborative process (team approach) to the success she's seen with couples in collaborative divorce. Ultimately, her goal is to provide couples the confidence and clarity to make the many emotional, yet necessary, financial decisions needed to get to the other side.
Susan's CDFA® practice includes working as a financial neutral with both spouses together in collaborative divorce. However, when necessary, she will work as an advocate for one party usually in a mediated or litigated divorce process.
She is a board member and frequent financial presenter at Second Saturday® Des Moines monthly workshops. She also teaches introductory courses for the ACA (Angel Capital Association).
Susan's background in Economics, Quantitative Methods and an MBA in Finance have afforded her a wide and varied career which began in corporate finance, transitioned to owning and operating a small business, assisting with the startup of two small non-profits, and later to managing an early-stage private equity group. Here and there she's taken time off to recharge, volunteer, and travel.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, photography, and spending time with her two grown children, one in Colorado and one in D.C.