Attorneys
The people behind the practice
Judith R. Benson
Probate, estate planning, elder law, tax & real estate
Judith R. Benson concentrates on probate, estate planning, elder law, tax, real estate, and small business matters in her practice as a partner at Correll & Sheerer. She drafts wills and trusts that take tax consequences into account and may provide for asset protection, often for families with children who have special needs. As an elder-law attorney, Judy drafts powers of attorney, establishes guardianships and conservatorships, and counsels about long-term care. For small business clients, she establishes LLCs and corporations, drafts buy-sell agreements, and facilitates succession planning.
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Kevin D. Engels
Trial work, criminal defense, family law & personal injury
Kevin D. Engels has been a partner with the firm since 1997. His practice consists primarily of trial work, with criminal defense cases, family law cases (dissolution of marriage and similar actions), and plaintiff's personal injury cases consuming the vast majority of his time. Kevin's practice takes him to counties throughout northeast and central Iowa.
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Patrick C. Galles
Business entities, commercial transactions & civil litigation
Patrick C. Galles has been a partner at the firm since January 1997. Pat's practice emphasizes the formation of business entities and selecting the correct entity type. He represents a wide variety of business clients — from newly formed entities to established enterprises — counseling them on contract issues and merger or consolidation issues. He also handles civil litigation related to corporate existence, collection matters, and the purchase or sale of businesses, as well as real-estate litigation including construction matters, disclosure disputes, and foreclosure for both individual and corporate clients.
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Lindsey Schmitz Stanley
Associate attorney
Lindsey Schmitz Stanley joined the firm as an associate attorney. A full profile is coming soon — call the office and we'll connect you with her for your matter.
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Founders & Legacy
The firm's founders
In 1976, Dave Correll and Jim Sheerer opened the doors at 411 Main Street. Their dedication to excellence and service still guides how we work with every client today.
David H. Correll
1944–2015
David H. Correll was a founding partner of Correll & Sheerer and a veteran trial attorney. From 1976 to 1982, David served as Black Hawk County Attorney. He had a broad-based civil litigation practice, respected throughout the Cedar Valley for his work in family law and domestic relations, premarital agreements, wills, personal injury cases, and will contests.
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R. James Sheerer
Retired
R. James Sheerer was a founding partner of Correll & Sheerer, with a well-established reputation throughout the Cedar Valley for his real estate expertise. His clients included developers, commercial mortgage lenders, businesses, and individuals; he advised them on matters ranging from platting and subdivision development to helping people buy and sell their homes. Beyond real estate, Jim maintained a general practice including both trial and transactional work such as drafting wills and drawing up contracts for business clients.
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Prefer to talk it over?
Call our front desk — a real person will answer during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Central)). After hours, leave a voicemail and we'll call you back the next business day.