Attorneys
SCOTT A. MICHELS
Partner/Attorney
Mr. Michels grew up in Osage, Iowa where he graduated from Osage High School in 2000. He then attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa where he graduated, magna cum laude, in December 2003 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminology and Psychology. At UIU, Mr. Michels also achieved Academic All-American and Academic All-Conference honors in wrestling. Following his success at Upper Iowa University, Mr. Michels received his law degree from Drake University School of Law in 2007, earning special certificates in Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Constitutional Law and Civil Rights. As part of his law school education, Mr. Michels also successfully completed the Neal & Bea Smith Law Center, Drake Law School, Clinic in Criminal Defense.
Mr. Michels has distinguished himself in his young career as an attorney who is a zealous advocate for his clients being satisfied with nothing less then the best possible outcome on each and every case. Whether it’s a court appointed case or a private client, Mr. Michels goes the extra mile, does the necessary factual and legal research and shows up to court ready and prepared for a good fight. Mr. Michels possesses the attitude and mindset associated with all of the attorneys at Gourley, Rehkemper & Lindholm and has already seen his hard work produce a number of victories for his clients. The National Trial Lawyers has recognized Mr. Michels as a “Top 40 Under 40” attorney.
SEND SCOTT A MESSAGE
SCOTT’S PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Iowa Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Polk County Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Associations
EDUCATION
Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, 2007, J. D.
Special Certification, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Constitutional Law, Civil Rights
-Neal & Bea Smith Law Center, Drake Law School, Clinic in Criminal Defense
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa, B. A.
-Honors: Magna Cum Laude, Academic All-American, Academic All-Conference
-Major: Criminology, Psychology
BAR ADMISSIONS
Iowa, 2007
U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa
U.S. District Court Southern District of Iowa
What Clients Are Saying About Scott
“Best Lawyer I could have ever found”
“Scott Michels is the best attorney that I have ever had representing me. He always staid five steps ahead and thought everything out thoroughly. Anytime I went into court prepared for a certain outcome he always amazed me by presenting me with an even better outcome then I expected. Mr. Michels always made sure I was updated and kept informed as to the status of my case. I came to learn that he is well known and very respected in the community. I can honestly say that I am a semi difficult client as my anxiety level runs pretty high but yet Mr. Michels was always able to make my worries, his worries, and put me at ease. Without a doubt I would strongly recommend Mr. Michels to represent anyone who may need his service. He works hard and always puts his client’s needs before his own. I couldn’t be more thankful. I’ve had a rough road and still on it but he has made it possible for me to start getting my life back in order. I will forever be grateful for him.”
“Wouldn’t think twice about recommended him to someone else in my situation”
“Scott Michels was the lawyer that I hired for my case. I appreciated the updates throughout the case, always letting me now what the situation was and how he recommends how it should proceed. Pretty impressed by the way everything was handled with him looking over the videos presented and figuring out the best wag to go forward. Very knowledgeable with cases like mine and wouldn’t think twice about recommended him to someone else in my situation. Even though the case didn’t go exactly my way I am pleased with the amount of effort put in to it.”
“Fantastic Lawyer”
“I couldn’t have asked for better service. Scott helped me out on two separate occasions and each were not simple but Scott was able to get the best result possible. I received an OWI in the fall. I had recently just moved to Iowa and had previously had a DUI in another state so I was looking at a 2nd offense. Scott was able to get this knocked down to a 1st offense and I avoided any jail time. Fast forward 6 months and low and behold I get another OWI. I obviously didn’t learn my lesson (I have now, believe me). So now I’m looking at a 3rd which is pretty serious. My anxiety was at an all time high. Scott and his assistant were always there to answer questions. They helped calm me down and kept me informed with everything going on. Scott was able to keep this at a 2nd offense which I know wasn’t easy since I got these back to back like this. His knowledge of the law and willingness to go above and beyond for his clients is why I would recommend him to anybody. I will forever be grateful to Scott and one of the best sections I ever made was hiring him.”
“Scott Was A Huge Stress Reliever”
“In an unfortunate situation, I have never been more happy with the decision on who I hired as my attorney. In 2016, I was injured at work and ultimately wound up getting an OWI throughout the process. Luckily, my lawyer had great experience and was able to handle both of cases. The ability for Scott to handle both of these in my time of need was a huge stress reliever. Scott was always available for me whenever I needed him. He was able to answer all of my questions that I had. I can say with certainty I am not sure where I would be in life without him today. He gave me some of the best advice a person can give, along with positive results! I am truly grateful for him.”
“Great lawyer!!”
“I hired Scott Michels to represent me on a traffic matter. I was always given information upfront and he kept me informed about what the next step was at all times. He tried to get things settled out of court and was able to get my license back for me and get my charges changed from an OWI to a lesser charge. I would recommend him to anyone. He is down to earth, friendly and upfront. Overall if you’re looking for someone in the Surrounding Des Moines area- he is a great choice.”
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
SCOTT’S SPECIALTIES
Attorneys . Criminal Defense . Assaults . Domestic Assault . Burglary . Drug Charges . Distribution . Drugs in Vehicles – Interdiction . Possession . Minor in Possession of Alcohol . Other Public Offenses . OWI . Public Intoxication . Sexual Abuse/Rape . Theft/Embezzlement . Vehicular Homicide/Serious Injury . Weapon Offenses . Sex Offender Registry Modification . Sex Offender Registry Modification . Injuries on Property . Work Injuries . Injured at Work – Compensation . Injured at Work Basics
