Thomas J. "Tom" Houser
About Thomas J. Houser
Thomas J. Houser is a lawyer based in West Des Moines, IA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2007. Thomas J. Houser is recognized in the following practice areas:
- West Des Moines, Iowa
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Dentons Davis Brown
Education: The University of Iowa, J.D., graduated 1989 and University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), BA, graduated 1986
Location: West Des Moines, IA
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Regular Speaker and Presenter for Continuing Legal Education on Estates, Trusts, Elder Law, Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning; Faculty for Iowa State Bar Association Bar Review Course On Probate, Estates and Trusts from 2000-Present Adjunct Professor Des Moines Area Community College Legal Assistant Program 1982-1984 Trust officer and bank counsel 1978-1980 Member, Iowa State Bar Association Section on: Probate
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