James E. McCarthy

Innovative Solutions 

As your estate planning attorney, I will help you develop innovative solutions to achieve your goals. By clarifying your options, you can make informed and confident decisions. Estate planning can be complex, so meticulous attention to detail is crucial for success. A well-executed estate plan can simplify your life and the lives of your family members. 

My Approach  

I will listen to your concerns, ask the right questions, and explain the legal and tax implications of your decisions. Preparing a diagram of your estate plan will help us visualize how you want it to function. Once you have decided on a course of action, I will provide a fee quote before we begin any work. This predictable fee arrangement means you will not have to worry about the time it takes to make phone calls, ask questions, or discuss your plan in more depth. My talented colleagues at BrownWinick can also assist you with a wide range of legal disciplines beyond estate planning.

More About Me

I grew up on a farm in Washington, Iowa alongside my parents and eleven siblings. Living in small-town Iowa was a wonderful experience; I had a devoted family, many good friends, and learned the value of hard work while having countless unforgettable moments. I currently reside in Clive with my wife, Ann. My daughter Lauren also resides in Clive with her husband and their two daughters. My interests include spending time with my amazing grandchildren, traveling, golfing, coin collecting, and playing bass guitar for my church choir and a classic rock band.  

Before joining BrownWinick Law, I worked as an attorney for the Iowa Farm Bureau and practiced law at the Parker & Geadelmann firm. My areas of expertise include estate planning, business and farm succession, retirement distribution strategies, and trust and estate administration. 

I earned a Finance Degree from the University of Notre Dame (BBA 1972) and a Law degree from Creighton University (JD 1976), where I served as a staff member on the Creighton Law Review. I also hold professional designations from the American College of Financial Services: CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant), and MSFS (Master of Science Financial Services). I am a member of the Agricultural and Probate, Trust, and Estate Planning Sections of the Iowa Bar Association, as well as the Polk County, Nebraska, and American Bar Associations. 

My Specialties

• Estate Planning
• Trusts, Wills, Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney
• Retirement Distribution Strategies
• Farm and Business Succession Planning
• Estate and Gift Taxation
• Probate and Trust Administration
• Charitable Gifting Strategies
•  Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition