FONTICONS - Key Persons
As a lifelong resident of eastern Iowa, I'm excited to continue serving Iowans at Arenson Law Group, PC. I'm a third generation Hawkeye and earned my undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of Iowa, then went on to earn my J.D. at the University of Iowa College of Law.
James (Jim) Arenson, Shareholder Attorney at our firm, has extensive experience in both the law and business. When he and our team handle cases, we always deliver personalized and progressive service. No matter what type of legal quagmire you are facing, we will provide the utmost in compassionate and state-of-the-art support. A client praised Attorney Justin D. Riem for his understanding, directness, and honesty. A CEO who has worked with senior attorney James W. Radig for several years praises Jim's cost-effective approach to his company's legal matters.
My grandparents taught me about providing personalized customer service when I worked at their produce business as a boy. I later used those skills to guide me in the automobile business and I continue to use those skills to serve my clients. Each time that I undertake a matter for a client, I understand that the matter is of the utmost importance and I focus my efforts on providing a level of service that I would desire myself. In short, I always strive to do my best for each client with the goal of satisfying the client's needs in a manner that exceeds expectations.
My father was a career military non-commissioned officer. I was born in Waterloo, Iowa and lived in a number of other states. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Overseas School of Rome for all but one year of high school. I have had the opportunity to serve on numerous boards, including various bank boards, Cedar Rapids Opera Board, the State Board of Regents and The Berthel Fisher Company. I use my extensive business experience as a twenty-two year automobile dealer operator and franchise-holder of the Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo franchises as well as my other business experience to counsel my business clients. I graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law, receiving my Juris Doctorate in 1995 with distinction.
Our managing member, James Aaronson, spent 22 years in the automobile industry as a new vehicle dealership owner. With more than three decades of experience in the automobile business and franchise law, his contributions to your business law situation will be invaluable. And he's not the only one of our lawyers to bring real-world experience to the practice. You'll find all the help and wisdom you need here at Arenson Law Group, PC.
Job Titles:
- Our Managing Member
- Our Principal Attorney
, is a 22-year veteran of the auto industry. His extensive experience as a new vehicle dealership owner gives him an insider's perspective on the unique challenges that come with managing an auto business in Iowa. If you're an auto dealer yourself, James understands the issues you face and knows how to help you set your business up for success.
Our managing member, James Arenson, spent 22 years in the automobile industry as a Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Chevrolet new vehicle dealership owner. With more than three decades of experience, we know all the ins-and-outs of the automobile business and the Iowa motor vehicle franchise laws.
You will not find the traditional law office at Arenson Law Group, PC. Instead of wood paneling, you will find sleek brushed aluminum, glass, modern art, state-of-the-art technology, and lots of light. That is who we are: Forward-thinking, open, and progressive attorneys who work hard for your best interests.
Growing up I learned how to serve client interests from my father and grandfather, who are both attorneys in northeast Iowa. They taught me to take a hands-on approach to learn and to work hard to understand the underlying causes of conflict instead of addressing only the immediate problem. I applied that philosophy throughout my academic and professional education by learning the construction industry beginning as a carpenter and then an architectural intern at OPN Architects, SOM, and Kahler Slater Architects. After I earned my Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and my Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa, I took a position as General Counsel with a contractor in eastern Iowa. Those experiences give me a pragmatic legal view based on developing and tailoring solutions to each client's unique problem.
I was born and raised in Oelwein, Iowa. Today, I live in Cedar Rapids with my wife Brooke, two children, and my Great Dane. I traveled extensively throughout my life, including living in and studying architecture in Rome for five months, but Iowa always draws me back. When I am not working or traveling, I spend my free time giving back to my community through volunteer opportunities. I believe my diverse experiences and interests help me better understand my clients' needs and serve each client more effectively.
Unlike many of my law school peers, I didn't always know I wanted to be a lawyer. While attending high school in Minnesota, I was a bit of an entrepreneur, starting and running my own car detailing and lawn care businesses. When I went back to my home state of Wisconsin to start my undergraduate studies at UW-Madison, I followed in my brother's footsteps and initially sought an engineering degree. After a year and a half of studying, however, I realized my true passions lied with the elective courses I took in psychology and social sciences; the classes that challenged me to see the world through different lenses and think creatively to find solutions to difficult problems. I immediately changed my major, pursued a career in the law, and never looked back.
I represent my clients ethically, analytically, and empathetically. I understand when meeting a prospective client, it is often during the worst moments of his or her life, and I don't take that lightly. Trials are rarely the desired answer, but in some cases, they are the only appropriate solution. That is why I focused my attention both during and after law school on litigation, client counseling, and negotiation, to ensure I had the tools necessary to best help my clients achieve their goals. When I moved to Iowa with my wife and our children in 2016, I joined a local general practice firm and continued to cultivate my skills in civil litigation and negotiation, representing clients in a variety of matters, from contempt proceedings to breaches of corporate fiduciary duty claims.
My extensive experience in a wide array of legal areas, together with my practical, real-world knowledge and creative approach, gives my clients the trust that their matters are skillfully handled by a dedicated attorney who not only understands their legal needs, but has their best interests in mind. I know what it means to work hard for the most important things in your life. I feel quite privileged to use my passion for and knowledge of the law to help local Iowans navigate the confusing, emotionally charged, and often-adversarial legal system to get the justice they want and deserve.