Firm sponsors hole at local charity event
Partner Rene Lapierre, member of Morningside Lodge 615, speaks about the importance of the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser at Latham Park.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Hundreds of folks started their independence day with a little breakfast at Latham Park. ---- Read More
Partner Rene Lapierre speaks about Latham Park fundraiser
Residents are stepping up to help after property at Latham Park was damaged during a pursuit earlier in the year.
The Morningside Masonic Lodge 615 held a fundraiser to help fix a damaged fence. The fence was damaged after a March high-speed chase when a pickup drove into it.
Hundreds of the community came out to support the fundraiser at the park.
Lodge member Rene Lapierre told KCAU 9 why the event was important.
“As you look around, it really is a beautiful, scenic, and majestic little area inside the city. You can come here for anything you need, for some peace, for some rest, and just gaze at the beautiful flowers and trees,” Lapierre said.
Latham Park is a private, non-profit park funded by events like these and community donations.
Partner gives Memorial Day Message
Rene Lapierre, commander of Morningside American Legion Post 397 speaks during Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. - KCAU
Julia C. Adams has become a Partner at the Klass Law Firm, LLP
The Klass Law Firm announced that Julia C. Adams was named partner at the firm effective January 1, 2023. Adams was previously an associate attorney with the firm. Adams received her undergraduate degree from University of Nebraska – Lincoln and her law degree from Creighton University School of Law. Adams worked for Klass Law Firm as a clerk during law school and started full-time as an associate after graduation. She is licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. She is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Adams maintains a practice focused on family law, estate planning and administration, business law, employment law, and insurance and workers’ compensation defense.
Klass Law Firm was pleased to be a sponsor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland's Annual Bowl For Kids' Sake fundraiser to help raise funds for mentoring programs in our community.
Rene Lapierre speaks to Siouxland Business Spotlight host Blake Meacham about what the American Legion does in Siouxland... KTV
Partner Rene Lapierre gave the Memorial Day Remembrance Commemoration to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
Veteran organization place flags on graves for Memorial Day
Partner Rene Lapierre spearheaded the placement of over 4,000 flags on graves of veterans in remembrance of Memorial Day. ,,,. Click KMEG story
Klass Law Firm helps sponsor local arena volleyball team
Chris C. White has become a Partner at the Klass Law Firm, LLP
The Klass Law Firm L.L.P. has announced that Chris C. White became a partner on Jan. 1, 2022. He had been an associate with the firm.
White received his undergraduate degree from the University of Sioux Falls in 2006 and his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2010. He began his legal career at a civil litigation law firm in Aberdeen, South Dakota, before becoming a Deputy State’s Attorney in Brown County, South Dakota in 2013. In 2016, White was elected as the Brown County State’s Attorney.
In 2020 White joined the Klass Law Firm after moving his family to the Siouxland area where he was born and raised. He is licensed to practice law in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. He is also licensed to practice law in the United States District Court, District of South Dakota and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. He maintains a civil litigation practice with a focus on insurance defense, employment law, and governmental entity representation.
First Annual Mayfair Center Tree of Love
Williams & Company, P.C. and Klass Law Firm LLP have joined together to adopt families from Boys Town – Iowa this Christmas. Stars were placed on the tree with the Christmas wishes of the families. The staff of Williams & Company and Klass Law Firm purchased gifts for the deserving families. The invite to purchase gifts was extended to the businesses in the Mayfair Center and they very generously did not disappoint. A big thank you to all who participated in touching the lives of others this holiday season.
Klass Law Firm Attorney Coaches Youth Tackle Football
Chris White, an attorney with the Klass Law Firm, is serving as one of the coaches for his son Lincoln’s 5th grade tackle football team. Lincoln plays for Ponca, Nebraska. Ponca participates in a Siouxland tackle football league made up of 5th grade teams in the Tristate Area.
Klass Law Firm Supports Alzheimer's Association Fundraiser
The Klass Law Firm was pleased once again to sponsor The Siouxland, Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association's Wine & Chocolate Fundraiser. Pictured here are Partner, Tim Clausen, and his wife, Paula, at the event for which they have previously served as chairpersons. This year's fundraiser raised over $175,000. The Klass Law Firm is proud of their support for the research, care and education to combat this terrible disease with which a person is diagnosed every 12 minutes, and for which we hope a cure is soon to come.
Firm Sponsors the 6th Annual Ride for Miracles
Klass Law Firm is pleased to be a part of the 6th Annual Ride for Miracles. The Siouxland Miracle Riders will be venturing out for a two week trip to raise money and help make a difference in the lives of Siouxland children. This year's ride will benefit premature babies and their families.
Partner joins Board of Directors
Partner Rene Lapierre has joined the Board of Directors of the Siouxland Freedom Park, a 55-acre park located south of South Sioux City, NE, overlooking the Missouri River. The park is home to the ONLY exact half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
The park is opened 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Attorneys Coach Little League Baseball
Clif Kephart and Chris White are serving as coaches for Ponca’s little league baseball teams. Clif coaches his son Brooks on the Ponca 12U team and Chris coaches his son Lincoln on the Ponca 10U team. Both teams are having a fun and successful season.
Partner is the featured speaker at the Annual Memorial Day ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 697
"They remembered how important today was," said Rene LaPierre, Commander of Past 697. "They weren't concerned about doing a backyard barbecue, finding the latest sale at any store. They understood about service and sacrifice and remembering and they were here with us today, so we were very very pleased."
Klass Law Firm announces Sioux Center office
Sioux City-based Klass Law Firm announced a merger with Winterfeld Law in Sioux Center, which began Jan. 1.
This merger brings Jenny Winterfeld into the fold at Klass Law Firm as a partner, with her Sioux Center office to remain at 20 Third Street NE.
Winterfeld Law began in 2016. Before that, it was Klay Law Office.
“We saw Winterfeld Law as a significant and attractive way to get into the Sioux Center and Sioux County community, which is something we’ve been looking to do for a period of time,” Klass Law Firm managing partner Tim Clausen said.
This office will be more than just a satellite office for the company, Clausen said, adding, “We firmly want to be a part of the community and intend to do so.”
Before the merger, Winterfeld Law specialized in business, probate and divorce matters.
Those services will remain and will add to the legal services offered by Klass, which mainly deals with employment law and litigation, general litigation, workers’ compensation and municipality law, Clausen said.
Klass Law Firm helps sponsor local arena volleyball team
Attorneys Coach Indoor Soccer
Clif Kephart and Chris White serve as coaches for a 4-5 year old team in the Mites Indoor Soccer League through the YMCA. Clif’s son, Canyon, plays on the team along with Chris’s daughter, Drew.
The Klass Law Firm in Sioux Center, Iowa
The Klass Law Firm is pleased to announce that it now has an office in Sioux Center, Iowa. The office is located at 20 3rd St. Ne and can be reached by calling 712-722-3210 . The firm is excited to be a member of the Sioux Center business community.
The Klass Law Firm has announced that Jenny L. Winterfeld has joined the firm as Partner effective January, 1 2021.
Winterfeld earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Northwestern College in Orange City Iowa, in 2005. She continued her formal education at the University Of South Dakota School Of Law, in Vermillion, South Dakota, where she received her Juris Doctor in 2010. She is licensed to practice in Iowa and is a member of the Sioux County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association and the Northwest Iowa Collaborative Law.
The Klass Law Firm has announced that Zachary Clausen and Clifton Kephart are partners of the Sioux City firm, effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Clausen received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and his law degree from the Drake University School of Law, graduating with Highest Honors in 2018. He worked for the Klass Law Firm as a clerk during law school, and started full time after graduation. He is licensed to practice law in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa and United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. He maintains a litigation practice with a focus on civil, commercial, workers’ compensation, and employment law.
Kephart received a Bachelor's Degree from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota, and a Master’s Degree from the University of South Dakota. Kephart is a 2018 Sterling Honor graduate of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. He started working for the Klass Law Firm after graduation. He is licensed to practice law in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. He maintains a civil litigation practice with a focus on insurance and workers’ compensation defense. /p>
Attorney Coaches Youth Tackle Football
Chris White, an attorney with the Klass Law Firm, is serving as one of the coaches for his son Lincoln’s 4th-6th grade tackle football team. Lincoln, a 4th grader, plays football for the Ponca, Nebraska football team. Ponca’s 4th-6th grade football team is made up of 32 players from Ponca Elementary School. Chris looks forward to coaching football every season because it provides children with the benefit of learning skills, being part of a team, and getting exercise outside. Chris believes football provides young children with an opportunity to gain friendships, learn life lessons, and learn discipline and hard work.
Alzheimer's Association virtual Wine & Chocolate Festival
The Alzheimer's Association raised over $150,00 in its first ever virtual Wine & Chocolate Festival. Klass Law Firm is proud to partner with the Alzheimer's Association and dedicated to responding to the crisis of dementia with the hope of working towards the goal of effective treatments and one day, a cure. ....Sponsors
Partner Elected President of Iowa's Largest Workers' Compensation Organization
Partner, Tim Clausen, has been elected this year’s President of the Iowa Association of Workers' Compensation Lawyers, Inc. (IAWC) IAWC is an association of attorneys actively engaged in the area of workers' compensation law on behalf of employers, insurance carriers, and injured workers. Membership to the organization is by invitation. The group seeks to find bi-partisan ways to support and improve the Iowa Workers’ Compensation system for all users through rule modification, statutory changes, and education.
Firm Sponsors Local Alzheimer's Chapter
The Klass Law Firm is once again a sponsor of Siouxland’s Chapter of the Alzheimer Association’s Wine and Chocolate annual fundraiser held August 13, 2020. Like most events, this year’s fundraiser has gone virtual. Nevertheless, in spite of the scaled back version, we continue to be proud benefactors of this worthy organization and this great affair. Partner, Tim Clausen, and his wife, Paula, are past Co-Chairs of the event. Our Firm continues to support the great work that the Association does in assisting with the needs of those inflicted with this terrible disease. There is no greater human insult than to be robbed of one’s lifelong cherished memories, friends and family. We look forward to the day where dementia itself is a memory of the past.
Partner's reelection as Commander
Rene Lapierre, Partner, was reelected Commander, American Legion Post 697. Rene feels privileged and honored to be a member of the Veteran Community in Sioux City.
Klass Law Firm Attorneys named ‘Super Lawyers’, “Rising Star’
The 2020 Great Plains Super Lawyers list was announced this week with 3 attorneys from Klass Law Firm being recognized.
Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
Attorney Doug Phillips was selected to Super Lawyers for 2020. Phillips represents clients with Personal Injury - General: Defense issues in Iowa. He also represents clients with Employment & Labor issues.
Barbara Orzechowski was selected to Super Lawyers for 2007, 2009 – 2020. Orzechowski represents clients with Estate Planning & Probate issues. Additional legal issues represented include Business / Corporate and Real Estate: Consumer.
No more than 5% in each state are selected as being a Super Lawyer.
Anthony Lamb was selected to Rising Stars for 2017 - 2020. Lamb represents clients with Business / Corporate issues. Additional legal issues represented include Estate Planning & Probate, Real Estate: Business, Business Litigation, and Employment & Labor: Employer and Estate & Trust Litigation.
The Rising Stars list is an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. No more than 2.5 % of attorneys in Great Plains receive this distinction.
Klass Law Firm Sponsors The St. Luke's Children's Miracle Network Ride for Miracles
The Klass Law Firm is a sponsor for this year’s upcoming 5th Ride for Miracles, Unity Point Health-St. Luke’s Children’s Miracle Network. This year the funds from the Miracle Ride will benefit the St. Luke’s COVID 19 Crisis Fund and the kids, families, and healthcare teams who have been affected by the pandemic.
Attorney Coaches Little League
Clif Kephart, an attorney with the Klass Law Firm, is serving as one of the coaches for his son Brooks’ baseball team. Brooks plays baseball for the Ponca, Nebraska 10U little league team. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, several of the teams in Ponca’s league were unable to field a team, so Ponca is picking up games with other northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota teams. Ponca’s 10U team is currently 2-1 and has additional games scheduled throughout the month of July. Ponca’s 10U baseball team is made up of 15 players from Ponca and the surrounding area who are 10 years old and under.
Rene Lapierre,Commander of American Legion Post 697, participated in a memorial service
Rene Lapierre, a partner in the firm, as Commander of American Legion Post 697, participated in a memorial service at a local skilled care facility to honor Veterans at the facility who were unable to participate in any Memorial Day events or activities. Some of those in attendance were WWII and Korean War Veterans who welcomed the ceremony to honor not only them but those who went before them. According to Rene, it was a honor and privilege to participate in the memorial service.
Rene Lapierre, a partner in the firm, as Commander of American Legion Post 697, organized a drive by commemoration of Memorial Day at Memorial Park Cemetery to honor all past, current and future veterans
Klass Law Firm Supports “Empty Bowls” Fundraiser for Siouxland Food Bank
On February 7, 2020 members of the Klass Law Firm attended the Empty Bowls Dinner and Auction to support the Siouxland Food Bank at the Convention Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The Siouxland Food Bank provides food by the case to over 100 member food agencies with food pantries and feeding programs for the needy. Members of the firm were surprised to learn that every dollar donated can buy 13 pounds of food! While the fight against hunger is far from over, this was certainly a step in the right direction toward ending hunger in Siouxland and the members of the Klass Law firm are happy to play their part.
Partner Named as Fellow in Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers
The Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers has invited Brian Yung to join the organization as a new fellow. Membership is limited to 250 attorneys who have displayed exceptional skills and the highest integrity in the practice of law. Brian was voted in at the 2019 annual meeting and will be ceremonially inducted at the 2020 meeting.
The Academy was established in 1962 to provide a forum for Iowa’s top trial lawyers to exchange information and viewpoints concerning professionalism, trial advocacy and justice. Membership in the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the legal profession.
Partner Accepted as Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates – 2018
Brian Yung has been accepted as an Associate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Membership in ABOTA is by invitation only and requires extensive jury trial experience. ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges who are dedicated to preserving the civil jury trial and educating and training trial lawyers.
Klass Law Firm Sponsors the 2017 Remembrance Run/Walk at Siouxland Freedom Park
The attorneys of Klass Law Firm LLP were pleased to show appreciation to all America’s service men and women and support to Siouxland Freedom Park’s future development. The firm was a sponsor and participant in the 2017 Siouxland Freedom Park walk/run held Friday evening, May 26, 2017 in South Sioux City NE.
Anthony (Tony) P. Lamb has become a Partner at the Klass Law Firm, LLP
The Klass Law Firm, LLP, is pleased to announce that Anthony (Tony) P. Lamb has become a Partner in the Firm effective January 1, 2017. Tony maintains a practice in a variety of areas including, business transactions and formations, probate, estate planning, trusts, wills, guardianships, conservatorships and litigation.
He received his undergraduate degree from Grand View University in Des Moines. He graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2013 with high honors. Prior to going to law school, Tony worked in law enforcement as a police officer with the police department in Lincoln, NE.
Tony is active in the community as a commissioner on the Sgt. Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission and is a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club. His wife, Jen is a physical therapist at Unity Point at Home and they have two children. Tony is licensed to and actively practices in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
He joins current law partners, Timothy A. Clausen, Ryland Deinert, Rene Charles Lapierre, Bill Larson, Doug Phillips, Deena Townley and Brian Yung in the Sioux City based regional law firm.
Partner Honored in the ISBA Iowa Lawyer Magazine
In honor of Veterans Day, René Charles Lapierre will be honored in the Iowa State Bar Association’s, November 2016 issue of the Iowa Lawyer Magazine. He proudly served in the US Air Force from 1988 – 1993.
Partner Goes the Extra Mile
As summer hits, runners hit the pavement more and more. Recently, Deena Townley, had a chance to visit with members of Missouri River Runners (MRR). Read more.
Attorney Rene Lapierre gave a presentation on mediation
Attorney Rene Lapierre gave a presentation on mediation to a group of adjustors and other personnel from a national insurance company during April 2016. The topics included the benefits of mediation, the success rates of mediation, and how to best prepare for mediation. The presentation also included topics related to mediation from the perspective of the mediator.
Attorneys Ryland Deinert and Deena Townley attended annual review
Attorneys Ryland Deinert and Deena Townley attended an annual review during April 2016 with a national insurance carrier. The insurance company was provided with updates on current cases and other information relevant to the carrier.
Attorneys, Staff, Friends and Family of the Klass Law Firm participated in the 1st ever Rib 5k Run/Walk to benefit Camp High Hopes on Saturday May 3, 2014. Team Klass was 31 members strong and was the largest team in the event. In addition, Klass team member Mike Mahanney was the overall winner of the race portion and Sherri Beresford was the first place finisher among women runners. The event raised over $23,000 for Camp High Hopes which is a year-round non-profit camp specifically designed and built to serve youth and adults with diagnosed disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other special needs. The Camp’s specialized programs include experiences in archery, canoeing, and nature education, amongst others, for individuals and groups with Autism, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and other intellectual and physical disabilities. Camp High Hopes provides a true camping encounter for individuals who might otherwise never get to enjoy such an experience. Klass Law Firm Partner, Tim Clausen, is a member of the Camp’s Board of Directors and Executive Board. For more information about Camp High Hopes visit www.camphighhopes.com.
Attorney Presents at Workers’ Compensation Seminar
On October 25, 2013, Deena Townley presented the “Appellate Case Law Update” at the Iowa Association of Workers’ Compensation Lawyer’s 35th Annual Seminar. The Annual Seminar was held in West Des Moines, IA and was attended by attorneys from across the state. Tim Clausen, Brian Yung, and William Larson from our office also attended the annual two day seminar.
Partner Featured in DRI’s Veteran’s Network Quarterly
René Charles Lapierre was featured in this quarter’s Veteran’s Network Interview Questions. René has a passion for Veteran’s issues and has a long history of military service in his family, including a son that is currently serving as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. René is regularly involved in raising funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition to his work with Veterans René is on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Defense Counsel Association serving as the District III representative. DRI is the international membership organization of all lawyers involved in the defense of civil litigation and is the leading organization of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. Iowa Defense Counsel Association consists of over 400 members that are actively engaged in the defense of legal actions. The Interview Questions and Answers that were published are:
What made you join the armed forces?
My father and mother immigrated to this Country from Belgium. My mother passed away when I was 3 yrs. old and my father passed away when I was 13 yrs. old. The one thing I always remember about my father were his words to me and my two older brothers that each of us owes service in some form or fashion for a period of time to this great Country. I was over 30 years old when I went in the military and was in private practice, but left private practice to enter the military—my firm was great “understanding” this choice/mission for me and then I returned to my firm 5 ½ years later and have been here ever since.
Why did you choose the Air Force over the other branches?
My father served with the Flying Tigers during WWII. My oldest brother was career USAF. My middle brother was career Army. I choose the Air Force—the Dean of my law school, The University of South Dakota was a former TJAG.
Where were you first stationed and what was your first job?
Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. I began my assignment in the Civil Law Section of the Base Legal Office and then moved into the Military Justice Section.
What was your favorite assignment? Why?
My favorite assignment was the United States Air Force Academy and the Legal Studies Department. We got to help “train and educate” some of the future leaders of the Armed Forces. It was during this assignment, I got the opportunity to serve our County in Operation Southern Watch where I had the opportunity to see our men and women serve proudly and honorably within a theater of operations in foreign countries.
Who was the toughest commander you served under? What did you learn from him/her?
One of my favorite bosses was my first SJA, Col Henry (Hank) Fowler who was a former F-4 pilot and had been a POW at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Hank was a fantastic boss who really taught us younger guys a bit about life experiences and then living life. I was also blessed during Operation Southern Watch to have a Wing Commander who thought JAGS should know about the “flying” component of the Air Force and “insisted” I go up on missions—tankers and AWAX.
What are some of the lessons learned in the armed forces that have made you a better attorney?
I was blessed to learn many planning and organizational skills that have served me well—there should be very few “seat of your pants decisions.”
What is your best memory from the time you spent in the armed forces?
My best memories are of my fellow JAGs and their families. We were blessed with great assignments and a greater family that watched over my family when I was TDY or serving overseas. I always knew somebody was helping and watching out for them.
If you had to tell someone what the biggest benefit he or she would receive from serving in the armed forces, what would it be?
The goals and values of the military mirror those of lawyers including the ethical obligations of soldiers.
What is your favorite war movie?
A Few Good Men—it showed some the military but it importantly showed that sometimes as an attorney and officer you must “push the envelope” in search of the truth.
Partner Gives Presentation
On May 18, 2011, Tim Clausen gave a presentation on the “Basics of Iowa Workers’ Compensation Laws” to a group of officials at a subsidiary plant of “Fruit of the Loom” located in Jefferson, Iowa. This Plant employs over 70 individuals and among other items, manufacturers Spaulding Basketball systems including those used by the NBA and AIA gymnastics mats, floors and equipment.
Workers’ Compensation
Three members of the firm, Tim Clausen, Doug Phillips and Brian Yung, attended forums on insurance, personal injury and workers’ compensation in Lincoln, Nebraska, Des Moines, Iowa and Luverne, Minnesota.
Partner Elected to Iowa State Bar Association Board of Governors
The Iowa State Bar Association includes lawyers young and old, newly licensed as well as retired, residents and nonresidents (including military), active and inactive, lawyers in practice, and those working for business, government, and in other lines of work. In all, the Association includes approximately 7,800 lawyers and judges in Iowa’s 99 counties and beyond. The Iowa State Bar Association is the oldest voluntary state bar association in the United States, having been formed initially in 1874.
The Iowa State Bar Association is governed by a 46-member Board of Governors elected from each of the state’s fourteen judicial election districts. The Klass Law Firm, LLP, is pleased to announce that Barbara Orzechowski has been elected to a six year term on the Board of Governors.
Employment Law
The Klass Law Firm, LLP is a full service Law firm which includes a long record of assisting employees and employers with a wide range of employment law issues. The Klass Law Firm, LLP was recently retained to provide employment law advice to the Pocahontas County Board of Supervisors.
Employers often have employee handbooks which are allowed to get out of date and inaccurately reflect current law. The Klass Law Firm, LLP is currently helping multiple public and private employers with updates and revisions of their handbooks.
