AJ Skogerson
Collaborative Attorney, Mediator & Consultant
AJ is renowned for her genuine dedication to understanding and valuing the emotions and thoughts of everyone in her circle – including her family, friends, clients, and colleagues. This empathetic approach has nurtured numerous professional relationships into deep friendships, a testament to her commitment to those with whom she interacts.
Her life is a vibrant tapestry of activities; AJ thrives on engaging in creative projects, exploring new experiences and destinations with her husband, Erik, and giving back to her community through volunteer work with various charitable organizations. She is also known for her warmth in hosting gatherings, and her active involvement in professional groups and events aimed at fostering peace and inclusivity within the legal field.
AJ and Erik are blessed with three adult daughters – Megan, Jessica, and Erika-mychael, and their journey has been enriched by experiences of foster care, adoption, and step-parenting, roles that AJ holds dear as a “Bonus Mom.” Their family joy is further amplified by their three grandchildren, Audrey, Abel, and Eilish.
AJ and Erik share a profound affection for Erik’s home state of Idaho, a place that resonates deeply with their adventurous spirits and love for the outdoors. The couple cherishes the rugged beauty and tranquility of camping in the Idaho mountains, exploring the scenic landscapes on their RZR, and the peaceful solitude of fly fishing in pristine rivers. This passion for the mountain life is a cherished aspect of their lives, further enriched by the presence of two of their daughters who reside in Idaho. Although Amy is licensed to practice law in Idaho, she currently focuses her professional efforts in Iowa, yet this connection to the state remains an integral part of their family’s identity, symbolizing a bridge between their professional endeavors and personal passions.
A proud Adel native and resident, AJ cherishes her roots in this vibrant community, famous for the United Brick & Tile and the beloved Sweet Corn Festival. She holds a special connection to Van Meter as well, where she maintains an historic office building and honors her family legacy. Her practice blends her metropolitan expertise with the personal touch characteristic of small-town service.
AJ’s professional journey is shaped by her personal and professional experiences with divorce, infusing her family law practice with empathy and a holistic perspective. She prioritizes understanding the law and case specifics while addressing the emotional and financial toll legal matters can exact on individuals and families.
In recent years, AJ has intentionally chosen to maintain a limited caseload, redirecting her energy and expertise toward nurturing the continuous growth of The Law Shop. This strategic decision allows her to dedicate more time to supporting her team, ensuring that each member has the resources and support they need to deliver superior legal representation to the firm’s clients. AJ leverages her creativity and innovative thinking to spearhead community education initiatives about the benefits of unbundled legal services and other progressive practices. Her efforts are aimed at broadening access to justice, demonstrating a firm belief that effective legal support should be within reach for everyone. Through these endeavors, AJ not only enhances the firm’s operational excellence but also contributes significantly to the larger conversation about making quality legal services more accessible and adaptable to the diverse needs of the community.
PRESENT
Licensed in Iowa and Idaho
International Academy of Collaborative Professional – Board of Directors
Iowa Collaborative Divorce – Leadership Team
Jack D. Levine Family Law Inn of Court – Inaugural Member, Executive Committee
Polk County Bar Association – Mediation Training Team, Co-Program Designer
Southern Iowa Rural Water Association – General Counsel
Drake University Law School – Adjunct Professor of Mediation
Iowa Interactive Court Forms – Iowa Supreme Court Task Force
Iowa State Bar Association – Family & Juvenile Law Section Council
Association of Family & Conciliation Courts
Certified Domestic Relations Mediator
Dallas County Bar Association
Five Fires Foundation – Board of Directors, Board Secretary
Des Moines YMCA Camp – Advisory Board
PAST
Mediate.com – Online Mediation Training Advisory Board
Iowa State Bar Association – Family & Juvenile Law Section Chair, Rural Practice Committee Co-Chair
Drake University Law School – Adjunct Professor of Family Law
Iowa Law Firm Incubator – Board of Directors
Iowa Supreme Court Disciplinary Board – Grievance Commissioner
Iowa State Judicial Nominating Commission
Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team
Iowa Association for Justice f/k/a Iowa Trial Lawyers Association – Board of Governors
Iowa Association of Mediators
District 5B Bar Association
Skogerson Law, PC – Founder + Attorney
Skogerson & Maxwell Leckband, PC – Co-Founder + Attorney
Jungmann & Skogerson, PC – Shareholder + Attorney
Emogine, Inc. d/b/a One Source Event Productions – Co-Owner
Van Meter Community Development Corporation – Vice President
Van Meter Public Safety – Advisory Council
Women in Aviation International, Heartland Chapter – Founding Member
Des Moines YMCA Camp – First Female Chair of Advisory Board, “Cruisin’ for Y Camp” motorcycle benefit ride host and sponsor, Adult Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Couple of the Year
YMCA of Greater Des Moines – Board of Directors
Licensed Foster and Adoptive Parent
Van Meter Community School District – Middle School Mock Trial Coach
Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Community School District – High School Assistant Cheer Coach
Chi Omega, Eta Beta Chapter, Iowa State University – President of House Corporation
Board, Pro Bono Legal Counsel
Wedding Officiant (many times over)
