Areas of Practice
"A practice is built one client at a time and so at NORMAN, FLEMING & NORMAN, we practice as if each and every client is our only priority."
BUSINESS PRACTICE:
Consists of serving as outside general counsel or local counsel for approximately one-hundred eighty corporations and limited liability companies, ranging in size from solo professional practices to multi-national corporations. Professional services range from formation in the first instance through all aspects of business existence, such as contracts negotiation and transactional work, administrative law and governmental relations, intellectual property, due diligence, mergers and acquisitions.
FINANCE PRACTICE:
Consists of representing companies and financial institutions in the negotiation of commercial finance transactions including construction loans, term loans, working capital lines, and real estate, ship and airplane financing, and, in conjunction with SEC counsel, creating and implementing private equity/debt vehicles.
REAL ESTATE PRACTICE:
This area of the practice runs the gamut from residential transactions for individuals to large commercial transactions, residential and commercial subdivisions and developments for business.
ESTATE PLANNING PRACTICE:
This area of the practice involves working with accounting financial and trust banking professionals to optimize income, estate and gift tax planning for business owners and individuals. Estate planning is essential no matter the age or level of wealth of an individual. Estate plans protect the person, the family and the assets, business, health care decisions, both while alive and thereafter. These services include wills, durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney, living wills and trusts.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PRACTICE:
Every year, thousands of hard-working Iowans are injured on the job. Injuries can range from repetitive trauma injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, to death. The Iowa Code provides remedies for injured workers, including medical treatment, temporary total and temporary partial disability, permanent total and permanent partial disability, the right to an independent medical evaluation, the right to seek alternative care, death benefits and, under certain circumstances, a small vocational rehabilitation benefit. Most people are unaware of these rights and do not know how to preserve their claims against the employer and workers’ compensation carrier. Unfortunately, employers and insurance carriers often do not inform injured workers of their rights, and people who have suffered work-related injuries are undercompensated, robbed of medical treatment or left without jobs, insurance, treatment and income. The lawyer’s job, first and foremost, is to ensure that an injured worker receives proper medical care. Second, we protect our clients’ rights and watch to make sure our clients receive all of the benefits to which they are entitled. Third, we ensure that our clients are fully compensated for their injuries. Settlement negotiations, trial and appeal are some of the possible outcomes of this type of claim.
PERSONAL INJURY PRACTICE:
When a person is injured through the negligence of another, that person is entitled to compensation for their injuries. An attorney’s job is to protect and preserve those claims and ensure that our clients are fully compensated. This may include obtaining an expert medical opinion as to the nature and extent of the injury and physical limitations that may result, obtaining expert testimony on the mechanism of injury, consulting an expert in accident reconstruction, taking witness depositions, preparing and trying a case in front of a jury, and appeal. Sometimes, before a lawyer is involved, insurance claims adjusters attempt to settle a claim for less than its value, or unreasonably deny claims that are clearly compensable, with the idea that the injured person will give up and go away. This tactic works surprisingly often, leaving people without recourse or compensation for their injuries and other damages.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE PRACTICE:
When a person is accused of a crime, he or she is entitled to representation by an attorney. If the accused cannot afford an attorney, one may be appointed by the Court at public expense. This type of representation may involve obtaining police records and video, reviewing the criminal statute under which the accused is charged, evaluating whether a violation of the rights of the accused person has occurred, taking the depositions of witnesses, the alleged victim and investigating officers, evaluating claimed restitution, filing pretrial motions to suppress evidence or exclude testimony, minimizing penalties through plea negotiations and protecting the constitutional rights of the accused.
PROBATE PRACTICE:
When a person passes away owning property, it is often necessary to open an estate in the decedent’s county of residence in order to pass that property to the decedent’s legal heirs and the beneficiaries under the Last Will and Testament. This requires following a specific legal process to ensure that the assets are protected, taxes are paid, and heirs and beneficiaries receive any money or property to which they are entitled under the Will or intestacy (when there is no Will) laws of the State of Iowa. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notices that are required by law. This area of practice can sometimes require a very specialized knowledge of probate law.
CIVIL LITIGATION:
While personal injury law is included in this category, not all civil litigation involves personal injuries. A person aggrieved by the acts or omissions of another can seek justice in the courts. Remedies can run the gamut from injunctions to monetary compensation. The task of the attorney in such matters is to zealously advocate for the client in any legally supportable claim. Duties include gathering evidence, interviewing and deposing witnesses and parties, obtaining expert testimony, if necessary, preparing for trial, trying the matter before a judge or a jury, and appeal. Examples include breach of contract cases, landlord tenant cases, both commercial and residential, and mechanic’s liens.
EDUCATION LAW PRACTICE:
Children are entitled under the law to a "free and appropriate public education." If a child has special needs, whether due to behavior problems, physical or mental disability, learning disability or other issue, he or she may be entitled to an "IEP" or Individual Education Plan. Sometimes, a child who does not qualify for an IEP may be entitled to a "504" plan. IEP plans give the greatest protection to a child with special needs, and school districts are required to provide reasonable accommodations for that child. Reasonable accommodations may be as simple as frequent bathroom breaks or as intensive as hiring a paraprofessional to accompany a child to classes to assist with tasks such as reading and writing, or to help manage behavior and provide one-on-one attention to a child with special needs. Often, communication can break down between parents and school administration, leading to frustration for all parties, leaving the child to struggle without accommodations. The task of the attorney in such cases may include requesting and attending IEP and 504 meetings with teachers and administrators, requesting appropriate accommodations, reviewing the IEP or 504 documents and ensuring that the rights of the parents and of the child are protected.
DIVORCE/DISSOLUTION PRACTICE:
When faced with the difficult decision of filing for divorce, having solid guidance and representation is imperative to achieving the most fair and equitable outcome for all involved, particularly children. We take the time to explain each step of the process and to thoroughly address issues of dividing marital property, child custody, alimony and support as well as answer the many questions the client undoubtedly has. Experience, compassion, prompt response and good results can always be expected.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PRACTICE:
Every business owner has intellectual property assets, whether they realize it or not. Our goal is to help our clients recognize and protect those assets. Whether the client is a start-up company or an established business, assets such as trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks are worth attention, protection, and development. Our intellectual property services include obtaining and protecting intellectual property rights from registration to addressing potential infringement, licensing, contracts protecting aspects of creation and use to include work made-for-hire, confidentiality, trade secret, and software development agreements. Every business is it’s own brand and we help our clients to develop their brand, identify and maximize revenue streams from that brand and as a result, grow their businesses and increase their success.