Christopher R. Sackett

A business client exploring a key acquisition recently introduced me at a meeting as his “long-time friend, business advisor and lawyer, in that order.” He said I knew his business as well as any member of his management team, and the M&A process far better; and if anyone could get the deal done, I could. He then informed the seller that I would be leading all discussions and negotiations. That's how I want to be viewed and the role I want to play for all of my clients - a key member of the business and advisory team who also happens to be a capable and practical lawyer who understands the need to get the deal done.

My Approach

Some lawyers like to overcomplicate things. I don't. You don't hire me and my team to provide complicated memos and analysis. We're here to provide answers and creative solutions - so that you can stay focused on running and growing your business. Often, the simplest approach, or the path of least resistance/complexity is the best one. In a nutshell - “It doesn't have to be so hard.” And even when it is hard - it's our job to simplify and make it easier for our clients to succeed.

I'm (1) YOUR (2) business (3) attorney - serving 3 roles and in that specific order.  That means I work with you and your company to achieve your business objectives. I list specialties below, but I truly strive to specialize in your company - because every company is different. I want to be your “General Counsel”. To do that effectively, I need to understand your business and industry, your culture and people, and your goals and challenges. Then, I need to tailor my team and legal approach to fit.

It's all about your business, so I always try and remember one thing - the law is generally either a tool or a challenge in accomplishing your business objectives. It is never the objective itself.

More About Me

I've served on the BrownWinick Executive Committee for 18 years, and as the firm's Managing Partner from 2007 through 2022. I'm also on the Board of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, a member of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's International Trade Council, and I serve on the Community Advisory Board for Lincoln Savings Bank.  I've served as an expert panelist for VentureNet Iowa, a strategic advisor to the Iowa Economic Development Authority on the structure and operation of angel investor tax credit programs, and I have twice been appointed to the Iowa Department of Revenue Innovation Fund Tax Credit Advisory Panel.

I've been recognized by Chambers USA® as a leading practitioner in Iowa in corporate/mergers and acquisitions, Best Lawyers® for business organizations, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, securities/capital markets law and venture capital law, and Super Lawyers® for business organization, corporate law and mergers and acquisitions.

I graduated magna cum laude from Central College in 1989, and with distinction from the University of Iowa Law School in 1993.

My Specialties

• Business/Transactional and Corporate
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Venture Capital and Private Equity
• Corporate Finance and Securities
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain
• Dealer/Distributor/Franchise
• Real Estate and Real Estate Development
• Construction
• Energy and Infrastructure