Andrea McGinn

Collaborative Attorney & Consultant

From the moment you step into her office, Andrea greets you with respect and a smile. She wants to hear your story and guide you through your legal proceedings with compassion and knowledge, so you can come out on the other side feeling heard and ready to take on the next chapter in your life.

Andrea grew up in Runnells, Iowa, on the family farm. She now resides in Pleasant Hill with her husband, Nick, their two sons, Nolan and Nash and their two dogs: Leonidus (Leo), a Bulldog, and Ellie, a Lab mix. When Andrea isn’t in the office, she is enjoying the company of family and friends, traveling, or floating on a boat at their family lake house in Missouri.

Their children keep Andrea and Nick on their toes. Family is Andrea’s number one priority, and she maintains this position in her law practice by staying focused on the long-range best interests of her clients and their children.

Andrea attended the University of Iowa for undergrad and majored in psychology (Go Hawks!). She then moved back home to Des Moines, where she graduated from Drake Law School. Andrea’s attention to detail and knowledge of the law, combined with her empathetic practice style, ensure that you and your family will be in good hands throughout your legal journey. She will do everything she can to help you come out on the other side feeling like your story was told and you received a fair outcome for you and your family.

Andrea enjoys practicing in the areas of family law, including collaborative divorce, traditional divorce, custody, child support, Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Child & Family Reporter (CFR) work, termination of parental rights and adoptions. She also practices child welfare law, assisting families with children in need of assistance involved with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. This includes parent representation, child representation, assisting relatives or individuals seeking placement of a child, and appealing certain DHHS matters. Andrea has a passion for working with children and families and welcomes anyone into her peaceful, warm office space in Van Meter.

Andrea McGinn, Iowa Collaborative Law Family Attorney

PRESENT

Iowa Bar Association – Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section
Dallas and Polk County Bar Associations
Iowa Association for Justice
Iowa Collaborative Divorce
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Iowa Domestic Abuse Death Review Team
Child Protection Council
Safe Babies/Zero to Three Court Team Attorney
Iowa Supreme Court Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force
Board Member, Iowa Law Firm Incubator

PAST

Court Appointed Special Advocate
Owner, McGinn Law, PLLC
Juris Doctor, Drake University Law School
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Spanish University of Iowa

 

I was very nervous and in foreign territory when looking for a divorce lawyer, but when I stepped into The Law Shop and met with Andrea, I felt immediately at ease. I didn't need to spend thousands of dollars for my divorce, they offered a documents only/flat rate option which is all I needed. Andrea took great care of me throughout the whole process and I felt like a priority. In the end, what I thought was going to be a nightmare, was a great experience. I would recommend The Law Shop to anyone going through a divorce. - Allie
“Whenever I find out Amy is on the other side of a case I know we will be operating in integrity and fairness.” - Kimberly J. Stamatelos, Attorney / Author of “The Compassionate Lawyer” / Co-Founder of The Compassionate Alliance
When I got married I never imagined that I would be divorced, but I think that's true of most people. 17 years later, I was a nervous wreck walking into Amy's office. She greeted me with a warm hug. After my nerves were settled, and I had told my story, she took my hand and said that it was time for me to stop taking care of someone who needed to start taking care of himself. I felt safe, and I felt ready. My divorce journey was not as difficult as it could have been, but there were some uphill climbs that I had to take, and Amy was right there with me. Always with advice, always with a kind word, and always with a feeling of positivity. I cannot imagine having anyone else represent me or my family. To work with Amy, is to work with more than just a legal representative. I could provide some small similes in order to really hit home with how pivotal she has been (and to utilize that English Master's degree I'm still paying for) and say: Amy is like a light house during a storm, she is the smell of your favorite cookies baking at your grandma's house , and can be thought of as steaming cup of hot chocolate that awaits you after you've been sledding all day. All true. Simply put, Amy helped my four children and I navigate a very difficult time, and begin our new life as a happy family of five We now live without being afraid, and enjoy every single day that is ahead of us. Amy helped us to get there.” – Kelly
“Amy is a superb advocate for her clients with the experience and skill to achieve the best results.” - Andrew B. Howie, Attorney, West Des Moines, Iowa