Do I Need to Buy a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Before I Buy Real Property?

By Ellen Hames | 11.22.2019

Purchasing contaminated real property can potentially bring significant liability upon a buyer. Conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (a “Phase I”) early in the due diligence process can provide a purchaser with a defense to such liability if done right. A Phase I is a relatively minor upfront cost to avoid potentially costly issues... Read More

Planning for the 2019 Year-End and Upcoming Changes in Tax Law

By Christopher Nuss | 11.21.2019

The end of the 2019 taxable year is quickly approaching, which means there are only a few weeks left for certain tax planning. This article discusses potential tax planning strategies for 2019, recaps some of the more significant changes that occurred in 2019, and also addresses upcoming changes you should be aware of for the 2020 taxable year.... Read More

Combat Hunger Food Drive - 2019

By BrownWinick | 11.21.2019

BrownWinick participated in the Combat Hunger Food Drive. This effort to raise food and funds is nothing without the support of community. Combat Hunger is in crucial need of food drive donations to help provide food to over 500 partner agencies in 55 Iowa counties. About Combat Hunger Food Drive Star 102.5 started Combat Hunger more than 25 years... Read More

Don't Let Creditors Crack Your Nest Egg

By BrownWinick | 11.14.2019

As an estate planning attorney, it is my job to provide legal solutions allowing you to plan for tomorrow so you can enjoy life today. With a large federal estate tax exemption ($11.4 million per person in 2019), many clients are shifting their attention to strategies that achieve income tax and creditor protection benefits. All clients,... Read More

Attorney Fees: Does my Opponent Have to Pay if I Win?

By BrownWinick | 11.07.2019

Clients often ask if they can get the other side to pay their attorney fees. The answer is usually no. In courts in the U.S., the general rule is that each party pays their own attorney fees regardless of who wins and who loses. However, there are exceptions. The most common exceptions are:1) a contract between the parties shifts the burden of... Read More

'Cause Breaking Up is Easy To Do - Divisions: A New Way to Spin Off an Entity?

By BrownWinick | 11.07.2019

As we all know, sometimes bigger is not better. For one reason or another, a company might decide to spin off part of its business. For an example, think of DowDuPont Inc.’s recent spin-off of its materials science business (now Dow, Inc.) and its agriculture business, (now Corteva, Inc.). Traditionally, if an entity wants to effectuate a... Read More

Signing a Contract? Let's Chat First!

By BrownWinick | 11.07.2019

I had a prospective client call the other day who was hoping to get out of a purchase agreement for a new car. If you’ve bought a car before, you know how difficult that battle can be without a guaranteed return policy or a promise that you have “48 hours to change your mind.” This purchase agreement had no such language. Fortunately, we were able... Read More

Mike Dee Now Offering Mediation Services

By BrownWinick | 11.07.2019

BrownWinick is pleased to announce that Mike Dee has expanded his practice to include mediation services. Earlier this year, Mike completed Northwestern University’s Mediation Program in Chicago. With more than 30 years of trial work and litigation experience, Mike will focus his mediation services in the areas of commercial, contract, tort,... Read More

McKinney Elected to West Des Moines City Council

By BrownWinick | 11.06.2019

Congratulations to BrownWinick attorney Matthew McKinney for being elected to the West Des Moines City Council in yesterday’s election! He will serve in an at-large seat on the council. BrownWinick is proud of Matthew and the hard work he devotes to both his community and his law practice. Great job, Matt! Read More

BrownWinick Law Firm Ranked in U.S. News - Best Lawyers 2020 "Best Law Firms" List

By BrownWinick | 11.01.2019

BrownWinick has been included in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2020 "Best Law Firms" rankings[i]. The tenth edition of the U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® released the 2020 "Best Law Firms" rankings on November 1, 2019. Firms included in the 2020 "Best Law Firms" list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently... Read More