Atty. James E. McCarthy
James E. McCarthy is a lawyer practicing real estate, probate, trust law and 3 other areas of law.
Probate & More Attorney · Serving West Des Moines, IA · 50+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James E. McCarthy at a Glance
James E. McCarthy is a Member based in West Des Moines, Iowa, practicing at Parker, Simons & McNeill, P.L.C.. They have 50+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1976. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, real estate, and insurance. Admitted to practice in Iowa (1976) and Nebraska (1976). Educated at Creighton University (J.D., 1976) and University of Notre Dame (B.B.A., 1972). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Polk County, Iowa State, Nebraska State and American Bar Associations. Serves clients in West Des Moines, IA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James E. McCarthy
- James E. McCarthy is a lawyer practicing real estate, probate, trust law and 3 other areas of law
- James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years
- James practices at Parker, Simons & McNeill, P.L.C. in West Des Moines, IA
Practice Areas Explained
James E. McCarthy's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James E. McCarthy handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in West Des Moines.
Trusts in West Des Moines
James E. McCarthy is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Iowa →
Probate in West Des Moines
James E. McCarthy is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Iowa →
Estate Planning & Probate in West Des Moines
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
James E. McCarthy is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Iowa →
Real Estate Law in West Des Moines
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
James E. McCarthy is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Iowa →
Insurance Law in West Des Moines
Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.
James E. McCarthy is one of 120,903 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Iowa →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in West Des Moines
Practicing law in Iowa. Legal matters in Iowa are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in West Des Moines are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Iowa state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Iowa brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Iowa courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
West Des Moines Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a West Des Moines-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Iowa attorneys? Browse all attorneys in West Des Moines or all attorneys in Iowa.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in West Des Moines Choose James E. McCarthy
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James E. McCarthy's practice in the field of trusts, probate, estate planning, real estate, and insurance.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James E. McCarthy brings 50+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Iowa and Nebraska, James E. McCarthy can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering trusts, probate, and estate planning, James E. McCarthy can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in West Des Moines
A West Des Moines-based practice means James E. McCarthy attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues James E. McCarthy Handles in West Des Moines
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James E. McCarthy has experience with under Iowa law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James E. McCarthy directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find James E. McCarthy Online
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James E. McCarthy's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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