During the week of January 31, 2017, Laura Martino successfully defended Ford Motor Company against allegations Ford violated Iowa’s “Lemon” law provisions. At trial, Plaintiff sought damages in the amount he paid for a recently purchased Ford F-150 truck (plus costs and attorney fees) on the grounds that the vehicle sold was a “Lemon.” Specifically, […]
Grefe & Sidney is pleased to announce that Laura Martino has become a member with the firm. Tansha Clarke, Sean Corpstein, Michael Currie, Benjamin Erickson, Jaclyn Zimmerman and Colin Grace have joined Grefe & Sidney as associates in our Des Moines office. Laura N. Martino Laura Martino is a trial attorney in the firm’s litigation […]
The best funeral and resting place is often the one that you plan before you die. Preplanning your funeral is a way to ensure your wishes are met and spares your family the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions. A few questions to consider: 1) Do you want […]
Over the next few newsletters, we will be doing a series on “The Basics” of a variety of things in our practice areas, including Trusts, Residential Real Estate Transactions, Probate, etc. In this Newsletter, we are starting with business structures and how they each differ from one another. Sole Proprietorship – A sole proprietor is […]
What is the Iowa Supreme Court? It is the highest court in the Iowa state court system. It is comprised of 7 justices and is an appellate court—meaning that is reviews cases that have already been heard by a lower level court. Appellate court hearings do not involve witnesses, juries, or new evidence. An appellate […]
Thomas “Tom” Carpenter has been a mainstay at Grefe & Sidney since the firm began in 1971. His sage advice, caring nature, and highest ethical standards have provided an excellent example for all attorneys at the firm and within the Iowa Bar. It is with appreciation and best wishes that we announce that Tom is […]
The Iowa Court of Appeals recently reversed two drug convictions and ordered a new trial for Shannon See, holding that the contraband found during a warrantless search of her person and vehicle should have been suppressed for lack of probable cause. The Court’s opinion relied heavily on the particular factual circumstances. On February 15, […]
Opinion Summary In Bradshaw v. Cedar Rapids Airport Comm’n, No. 16-1639, Plaintiff Bradshaw sued his former employer, the Cedar Rapid Airport Commission, arguing the Commission owed him severance pay pursuant to his employment contract. The contract provided for twelve months’ severance if the Commission involuntarily terminated Bradshaw. Conversely, Bradshaw would receive no severance if […]
In Myers v. R.R. Donnelly & Sons Co., No. 17-0306, the Iowa Court of Appeals ruled that an employee failed to file his claim for worker’s compensation within the statutory two year period, and as a result dismissed his claim. Under Iowa’s Worker’s Compensation laws, injured employees must file a claim within two years […]
As trial lawyers, this is one question we confront frequently. The question is understandable. People often worry about missing work, arranging care for their children, or are uncomfortable serving on a jury. However, serving on a jury is a public service, and can also be a rewarding and interesting experience. The right to a […]
