profile headshot of William T. Daniel

Specialties

My practice is centered around helping business owners, investors, and founders navigate important decisions with practical, tailored legal advice aimed at simple solutions for complex problems. Whether you are launching a new venture, raising capital, planning for growth, buying or selling a business, or preparing for a transition to the next generation, I work to make the process clear, efficient, and aligned with your long-term goals.

I believe effective legal counsel starts with understanding the bigger picture. Every client and every business is different, so I take the time to learn what matters most to you and to develop solutions around those priorities. My goal is to be a trusted advisor through each stage of the business lifecycle — from selecting the right entity structure, to addressing tax and regulatory considerations, to guiding complex transactions and succession planning strategies.

What I enjoy most about practicing law is helping clients solve meaningful problems and move forward with confidence. Business decisions often involve legal, financial, and personal considerations all at once, and I value the opportunity to help clients work through those issues in a way that is both strategic and practical. I want clients to feel they have an advisor who understands their objectives, communicates clearly, and is invested in their success.

My Approach

My approach is grounded in responsiveness, collaboration, and straightforward advice. I believe clients should not only receive strong legal guidance, but also understand what is happening and why it matters. I focus on breaking down complex issues into practical next steps so clients can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed by the process.

That team-oriented mindset has been a constant throughout my life. As a student-athlete on the basketball team at Truman State University, I learned the value of preparation, communication, and working together toward a common goal. I bring that same perspective to my practice by partnering closely with clients, staying attentive to their priorities, and helping them navigate challenges with clarity and focus.

More About Me

I received my B.S., magna cum laude, in Accounting from Truman State University in 2017 and my J.D., with highest distinction, from Drake University Law School in 2020, where I also received a certificate in Business Law. Upon graduation, I was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and am always interested in finding a good pickup basketball game in the Des Moines area.

My Specialties

  • Alcohol Regulation 
  • Business & Corporate Law
  • Business Succession Planning 
  • Dental Practices
  • Healthcare
  • M&A
  • Startups/Growth Capital
  • Taxation Law
  • Technology

Navigating Iowa’s New Seed Investor Tax Credit: A Strategic Opportunity for Startups and Investors

06-4-2025 Iowa has introduced a significant update to its venture capital incentives with the passage of Senate File 657 in 2025, establishing the Seed Investor Tax Credit. This program aims to stimulate early-stage investment in Iowa-based startups, particularly those in STEM fields. For startups and investors, understanding the nuances of this new...
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Profits Interests - Equity Compensation for Partnerships

08-23-2023 Many people are familiar with stock options and how those operate, but for those businesses organized as an LLC and taxed as a partnership, profits interests are another tool in the toolbox to recruit, retain, and motivate your employees. However, I often need to provide more explanation about profits interests and how they work than stock options...
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Using Equity Compensation to Motivate and Recruit Talent

07-10-2023 Businesses today face many different kinds of challenges, but one that is especially difficult to resolve is securing and motivating talented employees. How do you motivate your employees to think of themselves as an important piece of the puzzle in growing the value of your company? One tried and true method of doing so is through equity...
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How Your M&A Escrow Can Go Wrong

04-3-2023 In the world of M&A transactions, there is always a large debate between buyer and seller on proper security for certain liabilities that the buyer may experience after the closing. A solution very commonly used is to place a certain percentage of the purchase price into escrow with an escrow agent, such as a bank, to hold the money post-closing...
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Iowa's New & Improved Retail Alcohol Licenses: What Changes to Expect

07-21-2022 Iowa recently enacted significant changes to its laws regarding the regulation of retail alcohol sales during the 2022 legislative session by the passing of Senate File 2374. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2023. These changes seek to make the alcohol licensing process more simplified and efficient for manufacturers, retailers, and...
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NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness ("NIL") Policy Brings Opportunities and Legal Challenges for College Athletes

07-26-2021 On July 1, the NCAA announced that college athletes can now benefit from their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”). This drastic shift in NCAA policy brings all sorts of previously unthinkable opportunities for college athletes; however, this new world also brings many areas of concern for athletes, particularly from a legal standpoint. Athletes who...
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IRS Launches Centralized Partnership Audit Website

11-19-2020 The IRS recently launched the website for the Bipartisan Budget Act Centralized Partnership Audit Regime (often referred to as “BBA”). This website is intended to be the location for all information related to BBA, including regulations, electronic submission forms, how to elect out of BBA, and what can generally be expected during a BBA...
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Assistant

Erin Dobelis

515-323-8823

Undergraduate

Truman State University, Kirksville, MO

B.S., magna cum laude, Accounting, 2017

Legal

Drake University Law School

J.D., with highest distinction, 2020

Admitted

Iowa, 2020

 

Memberships & Associations

  • Polk County Bar Association
    Member
  • Iowa State Bar Association
    Member
  • Order of the Coif