Drew Larson

As a transaction attorney, I believe that my fundamental role is to help you identify and solve the problems that you face every day and to capitalize on opportunities that come your way. I primarily serve as a general counsel role for clients. From businesses raising millions of dollars of financing, setting up an ESOP, or a business owner looking to do transition and estate planning, you need more than just someone to read and analyze the law: you need someone who can explain how the law impacts you and your goals. Having owned a family business and started an investment fund, I know how important it is to find the right balance between formality and practicality when it comes to your legal needs. While every problem is different, the approach remains the same: understand the current situation, understand your goals, and find the most effective path between them.

In 2008, I received a J.D., with distinction, from the University of Iowa and was admitted to the Iowa bar in 2009. I graduated, magna cum laude, in 2006 from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Accounting and Political Science, and a minor in Economics. I spent 17 years practicing at a large Des Moines-based firm where I was active in leadership and business development. I have been ranked in Corporate/M&A Law and a “Band 2” attorney in High Net Worth law by Chambers and Partners. I have also been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® in America in the area of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law.

I am also involved in a number of industry organizations, being an active member of the ESOP Association (National Fiduciary Advisory Committee, Executive Committee for the Iowa/Nebraska Chapter, and numerous state chapters), the National Center for Employee Ownership, the UNI Center for Employee Ownership, the UNI Family Business Center, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (including two terms on the board of directors and alumni of the Leadership Iowa program), and various other associations over the years.

I have also served in a number of roles in the community. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Skold Companies, a 100% ESOP-owned contractor based in Des Moines. I volunteer as a board member for Trivium Life Services, a community services and behavioral health provider based in Council Bluffs. Previously, I served as President of the Board of Directors for Bethany Life Communities, a non-profit long-term care community in Story City, Iowa, and as President of the Board of Directors for Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance of Story County, a non-profit providing emergency food, housing, and utility assistance to our neighbors in need.