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John's goal as an attorney is to provide clients with the most value possible, even if that means less business for him. A hallmark of his practice is helping clients come up with unconventional solutions to problems, saving clients time and money and helping them avoid frustration in the process. John’s high-level training and years of experience have given him the tools to be a strong, effective litigator, but his common sense and practicality also allow him to propose useful, outside-the-box alternatives that have made him
very popular with his clients time and time again. John enjoys the opportunity to help his clients understand and navigate the complicated legal concepts they face to obtain the best results possible.
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John practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, probate and trust litigation, and small business law. Prior to joining the firm, John worked as an attorney at Vest & Messerly, P.A. and as an associate in the Tax, Trusts, and Estate Planning Department of Dorsey & Whitney LLP. He has also served as a law clerk to the Honorable James E. Gritzner of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.
John grew up in Iowa and went to Iowa State University where he became a die-hard Cyclones fan. He studied French, Political Science, and International studies, before going to law school at the University of Iowa. He is returning to Iowa after spending twelve years practicing law in the Minneapolis metro area. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and enjoys watching and playing sports, finding new ethnic restaurants, and being a part of his church family. In the summer, John likes to spend time counseling youth at a nonprofit, nondenominational Bible camp in upper Minnesota where he is currently President of the board of directors.
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CONTACT
John Messerly
Direct Dial (515) 868-0215
jmesserly@hgllplaw.com
