Atty. James Michael Heckmann

Atty. James Michael Heckmann

Atty. James Michael Heckmann is a lawyer practicing corporate law, litigation, probate and 2 other areas of law.

Des Moines Des Moines 44 yrs experience 44 year
Call (515) 561-5173 Book Appointment

Corporate Law & More Attorney · Serving Des Moines, IA · 44+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James Michael Heckmann at a Glance

James Michael Heckmann is a probate, estate planning, business, workers comp, and litigation attorney based in Des Moines, Iowa. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Admitted to practice in Missouri (1982), Illinois (1983), Iowa (1984), and Wisconsin (1987). Educated at University of Iowa (J.D., 1982) and Claremont Men's College (B.A. Literature, 1976). Serves clients in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About James Michael Heckmann

  • Atty. James Michael Heckmann is a lawyer practicing corporate law, litigation, probate and 2 other areas of law
  • James received a B.A. degree from Claremont Men's College in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years
  • James practices in Des Moines, IA

Practice Areas Explained

James Michael Heckmann's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Michael Heckmann handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Des Moines.

Probate in Des Moines

James Michael Heckmann is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Iowa →

Estate Planning & Probate in 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 Michael Heckmann is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Iowa →

Business & Corporate Law in Des Moines

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James Michael Heckmann is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Iowa →

Workers Compensation in Des Moines

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

James Michael Heckmann is one of 54,932 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Iowa →

Civil Litigation in Des Moines

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

James Michael Heckmann is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Iowa →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in 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 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.

Des Moines Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a 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 Des Moines or all attorneys in Iowa.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James Michael Heckmann

Where is James Michael Heckmann's law office located?
James Michael Heckmann's law practice is located in Des Moines, Iowa. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Michael Heckmann handle?
James Michael Heckmann focuses on probate, estate planning, business, workers comp, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Iowa.
How long has James Michael Heckmann practiced law?
James Michael Heckmann has 44+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1982.
Where did James Michael Heckmann go to law school?
James Michael Heckmann earned their education at (J.D., 1982); (B.A. Literature, 1976).
How can I contact James Michael Heckmann for a consultation?
You can contact James Michael Heckmann directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Des Moines Choose James Michael Heckmann

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 Michael Heckmann's practice in the field of probate, estate planning, business, workers comp, and litigation.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James Michael Heckmann brings 44+ 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 Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, James Michael Heckmann can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering probate, estate planning, and business, James Michael Heckmann can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Des Moines

A Des Moines-based practice means James Michael Heckmann 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 Michael Heckmann Handles in Des Moines

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Michael Heckmann 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.

Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business
Work-related injury claims
Workers Comp
Occupational disease benefits
Workers Comp
Employer retaliation
Workers Comp
Disability rating disputes
Workers Comp

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James Michael Heckmann directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find James Michael Heckmann Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Des Moines commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Michael Heckmann.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Michael Heckmann directly.

James Michael Heckmann's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Iowa
- 1982
B.A. Literature
Claremont Men's College
- 1976

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Missouri
Admitted: 1982
Illinois
Admitted: 1983
Iowa
Admitted: 1984
Wisconsin
Admitted: 1987
U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, U.S. District Court, Eastern District
Admitted: 1987

Client Reviews & Ratings — James Michael Heckmann

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