Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Legal Representation in Iowa & Minnesota
Founded in 1982 by John L. Sandy, our firm has built a legacy of dedicated legal representation across Iowa and Minnesota. With over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation, we prioritize client needs through personalized advocacy. Our attorneys bring both prosecution and defense expertise, handling complex cases in state and federal courts while maintaining 24/7 availability for urgent matters.Specializing in alternative dispute resolution, estate planning, and business law, we combine aggressive litigation skills with compassionate counsel to protect client interests. Our team's deep local roots and commitment to ethical practice have established us as trusted legal advisors in the Iowa Great Lakes region and beyond.
Services
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Civil Litigation
Estate Planning
Business Law
Appellate Litigation
Mediation Services
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined legal experience in Iowa and Minnesota courts
- Our attorneys provide 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters
- We combine prosecution and defense expertise for strategic representation
- We specialize in alternative dispute resolution to minimize litigation costs
- Our team maintains deep local knowledge of Iowa Great Lakes communities
Associations and certifications
- Iowa Public Employment Relations Board
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice handles all levels of charges from misdemeanors to federal crimes. With both prosecution and defense experience, we represent clients in Iowa and Minnesota courts for OWI, assault, drug offenses, and serious felonies. Our 24/7 availability ensures immediate legal support during critical moments.
Family Law
We handle divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and spousal maintenance cases with sensitivity to emotional challenges. Our attorneys specialize in mediation and negotiation while maintaining trial readiness for complex family law matters involving property division and business interests.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, and business transition plans designed to minimize tax burdens. We help clients establish medical directives and power of attorney arrangements while providing probate administration support for efficient estate settlement.
Business Law
We assist businesses with entity formation, contract drafting, and dispute resolution. Our services cover mergers, acquisitions, business succession planning, and tax considerations. We represent clients in commercial litigation while offering proactive legal counsel for ongoing operations.
Appellate Litigation
Our appellate practice focuses on preserving favorable trial outcomes and correcting legal errors. We handle appeals in tort liability, criminal cases, and employment law matters before state and federal appellate courts with a track record of successful precedent-setting arguments.
People
John L. Sandy
Founder/Attorney
With over 40 years of legal experience, John founded the firm in 1982 after serving as Dickinson County Attorney. He specializes in criminal defense and civil litigation, combining prosecution insights with defense strategies for effective client representation.
Shannon Sandy
Attorney
Joining the firm in 1991, Shannon brings unique perspective from her social work background and child protection experience. She focuses on family law and criminal defense, advocating for clients with both legal expertise and compassionate understanding.
Christopher D. Sandy
Attorney
Specializing in civil litigation, Christopher represents plaintiffs in contract disputes, personal injury claims, and employment discrimination cases. His practice combines aggressive advocacy with strategic settlement negotiations to achieve favorable outcomes.
Michael L. Sandy
Attorney
Michael handles family law, estate planning, and criminal defense matters. Since joining in 2015, he has developed a reputation for thorough case preparation and client-focused solutions in both litigation and transactional contexts.
Tyler Alger
Attorney
With prior judicial clerkship experience, Tyler practices in civil litigation, criminal defense, and estate planning. He brings fresh perspective to personal injury claims and contract disputes while maintaining strong courtroom advocacy skills.
Questions
What areas of law does Sandy Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, estate planning, business law, appellate litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.
Do you handle cases in both Iowa and Minnesota?
Yes, our attorneys are experienced in representing clients across Iowa and Minnesota state courts as well as federal jurisdictions.
How quickly can I get legal assistance for an urgent matter?
Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day for emergency legal situations, including criminal defense and protective orders.
What makes your firm different from other law practices?
We combine decades of local legal experience with diverse practice areas, offering personalized representation from attorneys who understand both prosecution and defense perspectives.
Do you offer alternative dispute resolution options?
Yes, we provide mediation and arbitration services to help clients resolve conflicts efficiently while avoiding prolonged litigation when appropriate.
