Justin D. Riem, Associate
Phone: (319) 363-8199
Email address:jriem@arensonlaw.com
Unlike many of my law school peers, I didn’t always know I wanted to be a lawyer. While attending high school in Minnesota, I was a bit of an entrepreneur, starting and running my own car detailing and lawn care businesses. When I went back to my home state of Wisconsin to start my undergraduate studies at UW-Madison, I followed in my brother’s footsteps and initially sought an engineering degree. After a year and a half of studying, however, I realized my true passions lied with the elective courses I took in psychology and social sciences; the classes that challenged me to see the world through different lenses and think creatively to find solutions to difficult problems. I immediately changed my major, pursued a career in the law, and never looked back.
I represent my clients ethically, analytically, and empathetically. I understand when meeting a prospective client, it is often during the worst moments of his or her life, and I don’t take that lightly. Trials are rarely the desired answer, but in some cases, they are the only appropriate solution. That is why I focused my attention both during and after law school on litigation, client counseling, and negotiation, to ensure I had the tools necessary to best help my clients achieve their goals. When I moved to Iowa with my wife and our children in 2016, I joined a local general practice firm and continued to cultivate my skills in civil litigation and negotiation, representing clients in a variety of matters, from contempt proceedings to breaches of corporate fiduciary duty claims.
My extensive experience in a wide array of legal areas, together with my practical, real-world knowledge and creative approach, gives my clients the trust that their matters are skillfully handled by a dedicated attorney who not only understands their legal needs, but has their best interests in mind. I know what it means to work hard for the most important things in your life. I feel quite privileged to use my passion for and knowledge of the law to help local Iowans navigate the confusing, emotionally charged, and often-adversarial legal system to get the justice they want and deserve.
Justin was my attorney for about a year and a half. The whole process was very comfortable, professional and easy to understand. He walked me through every step of the way, and answered all questions via phone or email in a timely manner. He modified my original custody agreement and legally put a new, much better agreement into place. He also helped propose a settlement offer which wrapped up my case sooner. Justin is an attentive listener, great communicator, honest, very knowledgeable and timely efficient. His hourly rates are extremely reasonable in the world today. He confidently knows every aspect of family law. He always put the minor child and clients??? best interest first. Do not hesitate to hire Justin, his reviews speak honest volumes about him.
-Anonymous
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
- Adoption
- Appeals
- Dissolution of Marriage
- Separation
- Alimony
- Child support
- Custody and parenting time
- Visitation
- Contempt in child custody cases
- Mediation and arbitration
- Property division
- Paternity
- Pre-nuptial agreement
- Grandparents’ rights
- Spousal abuse
- Restraining and protective orders
- Guardianship
- Termination of parental rights
- Divorce
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Modifications to Child Custody Agreements
- Visitation
- Premarital Agreements
- Contempt in Child Custody Cases
- Show Cause Cases
- Grandparent Visitation
- Paternity
- Domestic Abuse
Admitted to Practice
- Iowa, 2017
- Minnesota, 2013*
- *Inactive – effective 2023
Education
- University of St. Thomas School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2013
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelors of Science in Psychology, 2009
Professional Memberships
- Iowa State Bar Association
- Linn County Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
Articles
- What Happens to Custody and Visitation when a Parent Moves?
- How Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income Can Affect Child Support
- How do I establish, contest, or disestablish paternity?
- What is the process for getting a name change?
- What is Domestic Abuse?
Testimonial
My experience with Justin Riem helped to restore my faith in the legal system. Justin was able to recoup a large deposit I have given a contractor as well as the associated fees. He was determined and stayed with it, all the while keeping me informed as to where things stood. I would certainly recommend Justin’s services to anyone seeking legal advice and will definitely contact him in the future should the need arise.
