Laura understands that tax law can be perplexing, and brings to her practice the ability to communicate clearly the intricacies of tax law to her clients. She values her clients' time, and believes that every client deserves a legal representative who is prepared, informed, and efficient. With an LL.M. in taxation she brings specialized knowledge to her practice in taxation, trusts and estates, and charitable giving.
Tax
Laura joined the tax department at Belin McCormick in 2015 after graduating from New York University School of Law with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in taxation. In her time at Belin McCormick, Laura has helped clients with a variety of tax matters from corporate restructuring to executive compensation to federal and state tax audits. Prior to law school, she spent two years working for the Internal Revenue Service's Office of Chief Counsel.
Trusts & Estates
Laura devotes a significant portion of her practice to helping individuals and families as they plan for the future. Laura works diligently to prepare wills and trusts tailored to the client's individual needs, be they business succession or providing for future generations, all while minimizing taxes. Additionally, Laura assists clients with disputes related to will and trust administration.
Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Giving
Laura also assists nonprofit organizations in all stages, from formation to applying for a tax exemption to advising organizations on their continued business activities. Laura recognizes that the rules applicable to nonprofit organizations can provide a distinct challenge, and works with clients to ensure that their activities are in full compliance.
Honors and Accomplishments
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates (2020-2022), Corporate Law (2022), and Litigaton and Controversy - Tax (2022)
Chambers and Partners: Recognition in Private Wealth Law (Up and Coming)
Heart of America Fellowship Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Inaugural Class (2019)
Community & Professional Activities
American Bar Association (2016-present)
- Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section (2016-present)
- Taxation Section (2016-present)
Iowa State Bar Association (2016-present)
- Probate Trust & Estate Planning Section (2016-present)
- Taxation Section (2016-present)
Des Moines Estate Planners (2019-present)
Iowa Academy of Trust and Estate Counsel (2021-present)
Living History Farms
- Board of Directors (2020-present)
- Vice Chairperson (2023)
- Chair of Nominating and Governance Committee (2023)
- Chair of Strategic Planning Committee (2022)
Des Moines Playhouse
- Director (2022-present)
- Co-Chair of Governance Committee (2022-present)
Thursday Tax Forum (2015-present)
Publications
Section 2032A - Special Use Valuation, (BNA Portfolio Series) 833-4th T.M., with Steven E. Zumbach and Wayne E. Reames, 2022
Presentations
Expert Testimony in front of the Iowa House Committee on HSB712, February 16, 2022
Expert Testimony in front of the Iowa Senate Committee on SSB 3111, February 10, 2022
(SF2232), Des Moines Estate Planners, October 5, 2020
"The Secure Act," Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting, May 20, 2020
"The Secure Act," Iowa Trust and Estate Counsel Webinar, January 22, 2020
"Proposed Revisions to the Iowa Trust Code," Iowa State Bar Association Probate, Trust and Estate Planning Section Meeting, October 18, 2019