J. Michael Deege
About J. Michael Deege
J. Michael Deege is a lawyer based in West Des Moines, IA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 1997. J. Michael Deege is recognized in the following practice areas:
- West Des Moines, Iowa
- Elder Law
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Wilson Deege Despotovich Riemenschneider & Rittgers PLC
Education: Drake University, J.D., graduated 1968
Location: West Des Moines, IA
It takes just a few minutes to optimize your profile for clients looking to engage and lawyers who are ready to refer.
Activate your profile and highlight why your peers recognized in Best Lawyers today.
Nearby Lawyers
Ben has a business-focused practice specializing in the areas of banking and financial services, commercial finance, real estate and corporate law. He advises a wide array of clients in all phases of institutional lending, including loan structuring, negotiating and drafting credit transaction documentation. Additionally, he regularly advises commercial lenders and borrowers with regard to judicial and non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, UCC enforcement, bankruptcy, and has extensive experi...
Daniel L. Manning, Sr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Litigation - Real Estate. Daniel L., who practices law in West Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Lori A. Brandau is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Lori A., who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lori A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Adam D. Zenor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Adam D., who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal pra...
Jon was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1957. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1980. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Drake University in 1983 and was admitted to the Iowa State Bar that same year. Jon has received the highest possible rating in legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell, earning an AV Preeminent peer review rating. Jon is also included in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Pr...
Todd was born in Storm Lake, Iowa and he has been a resident of the Des Moines area for approximately 40 years. Todd maintains his litigation practice in the areas of transportation, products liability, commercial, premises liability, legal malpractice and property rights. Todd has received defense verdicts in courtrooms throughout all parts of Iowa. Todd is recognized as a leader in Iowa in the defense of railroads and trucking companies. He is one of the only few railroad litigators whose o...
Colleen MacRae practices with the firm's Business, Finance & Real Estate team. She represents both buyers and sellers in the negotiation and closing of mergers, asset purchases, and stock acquisitions. Colleen provides advice to businesses regarding formation, organization, restructuring, and contract negotiation. Colleen also regularly represents real estate developers, purchasers, and sellers in a variety of commercial real estate transactions. She assists landlords and tenants in lease...
Abigail Wallace is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Abigail, who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Abigail is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Theodore W. Craig is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation and Controversy - Tax. Ted, who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Theodore W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Ted handles commercial litigation and related business matters for businesses and i...
Board-certified in both Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, with practice devoted primarily to the representation of debtors, creditors, committees and trustees in bankruptcy and reorganization cases. Practice devoted primarily to Bankruptcy Law.
Explore and Learn
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Can a Green Card Be Revoked?
by Bryan Driscoll
Revocation requires a legal basis, notice and the chance to respond before status can be taken away.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Living Trust?
by Bryan Driscoll
A practical guide to wills, living trusts and how to choose the right plan for your estate.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.
New Texas Family Laws Transform Navigating Divorce, Custody
by Bryan Driscoll
Reforms are sweeping, philosophically distinct and designed to change the way families operate.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.