Garth works to help his clients address and solve challenges arising during transactions and in corporate situations. His nearly thirty years of experience as a lawyer, background in law firms in both Des Moines and New York City, and knowledge base developed while passing the CPA Exam all help him when assisting clients. Garth has served two terms as President of the Management Committee of the Firm.
Practice Areas
Garth's practice emphasizes business transactions involving starting, buying, selling and financing business ventures, and providing general business law counsel to select clients. He has been recognized by Chambers and Partners, Super Lawyers and by Best Lawyers in America for his transactional practice.
Personal
Garth grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, attending Valley High School. Garth graduated from Drake University, where he majored in History and Political Science and obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration. During his time at Drake, Garth took additional coursework to qualify to sit for the CPA exam, which he passed. Shortly after graduating from Drake, Garth and his wife Cheryl moved to New York City where Garth attended Columbia Law School and worked at Cravath Swaine & Moore LLP for several years after graduation. When not working, Garth enjoys spending time with his family in various activities and being outdoors as much as possible.
Honors and Accomplishments
AV ® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as one of the "Top Rated Lawyers in Mergers & Acquisitions" in State of Iowa
Recognized in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners for his corporate practice/M&A
Recognized as Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer of the Year in 2014 byThe Best Lawyers in America ®
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Recognized in Super Lawyers in Mergers & Acquisitions
Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, International Fellow, Columbia University School of Law
Community & Professional Activities
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Board Member, Second Vice President
Chair, Des Moines, YMCA Camp Board of Directors
Head Coach, Holiday Park Baseball, 2008-2015
Head Coach, West Des Moines Soccer Club, 2006-2008
Member, National Advisory Committee, Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute,Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute
Statewide Campaign Manager, State of Iowa Attorney General Campaign, 2003-2004
Iowa State Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Polk County Bar Association, Member
Representative Work
Garth has completed dozens of sell-side engagements involving a wide variety of industries throughout the State of Iowa.
Garth has completed dozens of buy-side engagements for strategic buyers in the construction, insurance, banking, insurance, and other industries as well as assisting private equity buyers on multiple assignments.
Garth has assisted in many venture capital transactions, with experience as both issuer counsel and investor counsel.
Garth provides regular counsel to a group of select clients in industries ranging from manufacturing, technology development, construction, health care and financial services.