Practice Areas & Expertise
Get to know Jessica
Phrases I hear in my office from clients on a regular basis: 1) My kids aren’t safe, 2) I just want out, and 3) What do you think? If any of those phrases apply to you, you might want to make an appointment to see me.
Whether you need someone to fight tooth and nail all the way to trial for you, or if you’re ready to get a reasonable deal and pack and go quickly, or even if you really don’t know what to think in your time of confusion, I’m the lawyer for you. I’ve run the gamut of divorces and family law cases: kids, no kids, lots of property, not much property, physical abuse, child abuse, substance abuse, no abuse, premarital property, gifts, inherited property, alimony, temporary hearings, final hearings, child support, medical support, college support (post-secondary education subsidies), DNA tests, paternity, terminations and more. While I always prefer mutual settlements and compromises for my clients over expensive, risky trials in front of unelected judges, rest assured that if you need a pitbull at trial, that’s me. We may go down, but it won’t be without a good fight.
Also, if you’ve been arrested locally, or the police are calling you wanting you to “come talk”, I can probably help you with that, too. Having practiced law for nearly fifteen years now, I’ve come to be very familiar with the criminal law system. Sometimes, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know, and choosing a lawyer who gets along well with others and knows how the process works can help you. Before you throw in the towel, consider a consultation with me.
In addition to being a zealous advocate for my clients, I am also a certified mediator. I’ve mediated big million-dollar divorces on one hand and the division of used Pampered Chef equipment (seriously) on the other. There’s nothing too crazy or big (there probably is a “too petty” limit somewhere…) where we can’t at least try to resolve it by mediation. I’m particularly adept at mediation because prior to lawyering, I spent four years as a high school debater, four more years as a college debater, and then two more years moot-courting in law school. And I won lots of trophies doing it. Having that background, I feel like I can get a bird’s eye view of both parties’ disputes and then help them quickly resolve their disputes. We can also mediate virtually which is especially helpful during the pandemic.
Finally, I also am regularly hired by other lawyers to do legal research or write briefs for them. I used to hate legal writing in law school, but somewhere along the way I grew to absolutely love it. Now brief-writing, legal research, and inventing new legal theories are some of my lawyering passions. So, if you’re an opposing lawyer scoping me out online for a case we have against each other now (I see you!) and you need a brief, then please holler! You won’t regret it.
On a personal level, I am blessed with a beautiful, talented, kind, and hilarious daughter, Breanna, who is the light of my life. We have a Pomeranian named Lola and lots of extra-curricular activities to keep us busy. When we get “free time”, we like to go to the pool, roller skating rink, to play mini-golf, go shopping, or hang out at home together.
Education & Credentials
- J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, 2006
- B.A., Buena Vista University, 2003
- Bar Admissions Iowa, 2006
Professional Associations
- Iowa Association for Justice IAJ, Member 2006-Present
- IAJ Continuing Legal Education Committee
- IAJ Amicus Brief Writing Committee
- Iowa State Bar Association ISBA, Member 2006-2013
- Crawford County Bar Association, Past-President, Current Member
- Board of Adjustment, Denison, IA, Former Chairperson