Attorneys
Meet Our Team of Attorneys
Each attorney at Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, P.C. has their own area of expertise that allows them to specialize their practice. This ensures each of our clients is receiving the best possible legal counsel from our attorneys. To learn more about each of our attorneys’ specialized areas of practice, please read through the biographies for our partners and associates.
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About Hugh M. Field
Hugh M. Field brings decades of experience to the Beecher Law team. As a practicing attorney for 50 years, Hugh currently specializes in social security law, but also practices in probate, estate planning and corporate law. Hugh is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives and the American and Iowa Academy of Health Care Lawyers.
Hugh served as the City Attorney for Waterloo from 1986 until 1992. He is currently a member of the Schoitz Medical Center Board of Trustees and has also served as Chair of the United Way of Black Hawk County, member of the President’s Council for Rural America, and the Crossroads Rotary Club. Hugh’s interests include golf, reading, fishing, scuba diving and spending time with his wife, Jane, and their four children.
Education
- Northwestern University, B.S., 1966
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1969
Areas of Practice
- Probate Law
- Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts
- Social Security Law
- Corporate Law
Professional Website
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About Richard R. Morris
Since graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1977, Richard R. Morris has helped countless clients with his legal expertise. His areas of practice include real estate law, probate law, corporate law and estate planning. He is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association and Iowa State Bar Association.
Richard was born right here in Waterloo and enjoys giving back to the community he calls home. Richard’s volunteer activities include serving as a board member for the American Cancer Society in Waterloo, past President of the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Club, Board of Directors and as a Board Member on the University of Iowa Scholarship Fund. He is the Past President of the Waterloo Jaycees, a past board member and Past President of the Downtown Waterloo Rotary Club. He is also involved in board and commissions for the Sunnyside Country Club, Waterloo Ambassadors, Cedar Valley Ambassadors, the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and volunteers his time with Junior Achievement.
Richard is married to Debra, and together they have four children. Richard loves spending time with his family and spending time outdoors skiing, golfing, running and boating.
Education
- University of Iowa, B.A., 1974
- University of Iowa, M.B.A., 1977
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1977
Areas of Practice
- Real Estate Law
- Probate Law
- Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts
- Corporate Law
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About Theresa E. Hoffman
As a partner with the firm, Theresa E. Hoffman has been practicing law since 1985. She specializes in estate planning, wills and probate law and also practices in business and real estate law. She is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association, Probate Section Iowa State Bar Association, Black Hawk County Estate Planning Council and the Fee Arbitration Committee.
Theresa is originally from Maquoketa, Iowa and is married with one child. She is also a very active member in the community. Theresa currently serves on the Board of Regents for Loras College, on the advisory board for the Community Foundation of Waterloo & Northeast Iowa, the St. Edwards Parish Finance Committee and the Board of the Waterloo Community Foundation.
Education
- Loras College, B.A. (Magna Cum Laude), 1981
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1985
- Iowa-Nebraska School of Trust, July 1987
- Philip Heckerling Estate Planning Institute, Miami Law School
- Notre Dame Estate Planning Institute
Areas of Practice
- Estate Planning
- Wills & Trust
- Probate Law
- Power of Attorneys
- Guardianship & Conservatorships
- Family Limited Partnerships
- Real Estate Law (Purchase Agreements, Leases, Title Opinions, Deeds, Closings)
- Business Law (Corporations & LLCs)
Professional Recognition
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory
Legal Assistants
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About Eric W. Johnson
Eric joined the firm in 1991 after graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law. He mainly works with clients in areas related to business, real estate, and wills and probate law. Eric is very active in the Cedar Valley community, serving on several boards and commissions.
Away from the office, Eric loves spending time with his wife, Lori, and his two daughters, Olivia and Victoria. He is a proud supporter of his alma mater and loves cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Education
- University of Iowa, B.A. in Psychology and English, 1988
- University of Iowa College of Business, M.B.A., 1991
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D. with High Distinction, 1991
Areas of Practice
- Business: Corporations & LLCs, Business Sales & Transactions, Employment & Shareholder Agreements, Debt Collection & Workouts
- Real Estate: Purchase Agreements, Leases, Title Opinions & Deeds, Closings, Development, Plats & Zoning
- Wills & Probate: Wills & Trusts, Probate
For more information about Eric, please visit his personal website at: www.wcflawyer.com
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About Kevin D. Ahrenholz
Kevin D. Ahrenholz has been a member of the firm’s team since 1999. After attending Cedar Falls High School, he went on to graduate from Wheaton College and Marquette University. Kevin’s areas of practice include commercial litigation, creditor and debtor representation, bankruptcy and family law.
Kevin and his wife, April, have eight children that keep them both busy. Kevin loves cheering for sports teams from Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packers and Marquette Golden Eagles. Kevin has spent time over the years volunteering at Hunger Task Force, Habitat for Humanity, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Exceptional Persons and the United Methodist Church. He is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, the Iowa State Bar Association, the Wisconsin State Bar Association, the United States Tax Court and the United States Court of the Northern & Southern Districts of Iowa.
Education
- Wheaton College, 1990
- Marquette University, J.D. 1993
Areas of Practice
- Bankruptcy Law
- Home Foreclosures & Repossession
- Collections
- Loan Workouts
- Commercial & Fiduciary Litigation
- Bank Representation
- Lender Liability
- Will & Trust Law
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About D. Raymond Walton
D. Raymond Walton graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1982 and has been a valuable member of the team at Beecher Law Firm since 2003. He is currently the only partner on staff who handles criminal litigation and is a member of the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations.
Raymond was born in Cedar Falls. He is married and has three children with his wife, Jacqueline. His interests include reading, camping and helping others understand the law by teaching various courses and seminars.
Education
- University of Northern Iowa, B.A., 1977
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1982
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Litigation
- Wills & Probate
- Family Law
- Personal Injury
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About John J. Wood
John J. Wood is a critical member to the Beecher Law Firm team. Since joining the firm in 1999, John has worked with clients who require his expertise in family law, personal injury law, insurance law, business litigation and civil litigation. He is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association, the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, and the Iowa State Bar Association, where he currently serves on the Board of Governors.
John was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He and his wife, Christie, have four children and he enjoys being outdoors, whether it is golfing, biking, running, or swimming. He is also busy outside of the office volunteering his time for organizations throughout the Cedar Valley. John currently serves or has served on the Board of Directors for the Black Hawk County YMCA, Cedar Valley United Way, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County, Cedar Valley Hospice, the Waterloo Public Library Board of Trustees, Birthright of Black Hawk County, the Grout Museum, and Cedar Valley Catholic Schools.
Education
- Iowa State University, B.B.A. in Finance, Honors Program, 1990
- Insurance Institute of America, A.I.C., 1992
- Drake University, J.D., 1998
Areas of Practice
- Family Law (Dissolution of Marriage, Child Custody/Support Matters, Adoptions)
- Personal Injury Law
- Insurance Law
- Business Litigation
- Civil Litigation
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About Thomas C. Verhulst
Thomas C. Verhulst joined the firm in 2015 to provide another source for clients seeking legal counsel in civil litigation, personal injury, business, real estate and estate planning. He received his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1988 after completing his undergraduate degree at Augustana College in South Dakota. Thomas is a member of the Iowa State and Black Hawk County Bar Associations. He is licensed to practice in the State Courts of Iowa, the Federal Courts of the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa and the United States Supreme Court.
Thomas and his wife Jennifer have three daughters. He is very active in the Cedar Valley as a chairperson of the City of Dike Board of Adjustment and as a council person for Fredsville Lutheran Church in Dike. He has also helped coach youth soccer and high school mock trial teams. Thomas loves cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers.
Education
- Augustana College, B.A. in History and Political Science, 1985
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1988
Areas of Practice
- Civil Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Business Law
- Real Estate Litigation
- Estate Planning
- Agriculture
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About Nathan D. Miller
Nathan D. Miller joined the firm in 2015 after receiving his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law. Nathan’s practice consists primarily of transactional law, including real estate, wills and trusts, guardianships and conservatorships, and probate law. He is a member of the Iowa Bar Association and the Black Hawk County Bar Association.
Away from the office, Nathan enjoys golfing, fishing, spending time with his wife, Kelli, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He volunteers with the Cedar Valley Jaycees and is on the board for the Guardianship Association of Iowa Network and Cedar Valley United Way.
Education
- University of Northern Iowa, B.A. in Economics, 2012
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 2015
Areas of Practice
- Real Estate Law (Purchase Agreements, Installment Contracts, Leases, Title Opinions, Deeds, Closings)
- Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorneys, Living Wills)
- Guardianships and Conservatorships
- Probate Law
Legal Assistants
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About Lynn M. Smith
Lynn M. Smith joined the firm in 2020 as a Partner.
Lynn is currently on the Board of Directors for the Cedar Falls Community Foundation. Lynn has previously served as the Vice President of the Black Hawk County Bar Association and has served on the Iowa Title Guaranty Board, the Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health Center Board, Hawkeye Community College Foundation Board and EPI Board of Directors.
Lynn also teaches Business Law II as an adjunct instructor at Wartburg College and has given many presentations on Employment Law related topics to various organizations.
Education
- Wartburg College, B.A., cum laude 1994
- Drake University Law School, J.D., 1997, with Honors
Areas of Practice
- Employment Law
- Corporate and Business Law
- Real Estate
- Landlord Tenant
- Estates and Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorneys, Living Wills)
- General small business representation
Schedule an appointment:
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About Jordan M. Talsma
After graduating from the University of Iowa in 2012, Jordan received his J.D. degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2015. Jordan primarily practices in civil litigation, personal injury, worker’s compensation, and family law. Jordan is licensed to practice law in both Iowa and Nebraska. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the Iowa Association of Justice, and is the current President of the Black Hawk County Bar Association.
Away from the office, Jordan enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as golfing, hunting, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Education
- University of Iowa, B.A. in History and Political Science, 2012
- University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D., 2015 (with distinction)
Areas of Practice
- Civil Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Worker’s Compensation
- Family Law
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About Kate B. Mitchell
Kate B. Mitchell has practiced law in both New York and Iowa. At Beecher Law Firm, Kate works with clients who need legal counsel in appellate law, social security law, corporate law and estate planning. She is a member of the Black Hawk County and Iowa State Bar Associations.
Kate was born in New York City. She and her husband, Guy, have three children. Kate is also a member of the Hudson Planning & Zoning Commission and works with the Hudson Educational Fund.
Education
- Grinnell College, B.A. with Honors, 1996
- Cornell Law School, J.D., 1999
Areas of Practice
- Appellate Law
- Social Security Law
- Corporate Law
- Estate Planning, Will & Trusts
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About John A. Richter
John primarily practices in the areas of business law, estate planning, probate, and nonprofit law. In these roles, John utilizes his legal, business, and accounting backgrounds to understand and address clients’ unique and broad-ranging needs. John is licensed to practice law in both Iowa and Minnesota.
John currently serves as a member of the Boards of the Waterloo Community Foundation, North Star Community Services, and the Black Hawk County Bar Association. During his time at the University of Iowa College of Law, John served as Editor in Chief of the Iowa Law Review.
John is a devoted Hawkeye, golf fanatic, Waterloo native, and enjoys spending time with family and friends and summer days on the waters of Whitefish Lake (WI). Prior to joining the firm, John practiced with Best & Flanagan LLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Education
- University of Iowa College of Law, 2016, J.D., with Distinction
- University of Iowa, 2013, B.B.A., Accounting
Areas of Practice
- Business Law: Entity Formation, Corporations and LLCs, Business Sale and Purchase Transactions, Shareholder Agreements and Operating Agreements, Stock Purchase and Redemption Agreements, Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements, Dissolutions
- Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills
- Probate
- Nonprofit Law
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About Thomas J. Richter
Tom Joined the firm in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Tom practiced law at the Waterloo Juvenile Public Defender’s Office. He primarily practices in civil litigation, business litigation, family law and juvenile law. He is a member of the Black Hawk County Bar Association and Iowa State Bar Association.
Tom is a native of Waterloo. He loves spending time with his wife, Allie, and his two dogs, Charlie and Teddy. Away from the office, he enjoys walking his dogs, playing golf, watching sports, and officiating hockey games.
Education
- University of Iowa, B.B.A. in Marketing; B.S., Sport and Recreation Management, 2017
- University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 2020
Areas of Practice
- Civil Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
