James Lee Johnson, Business Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatK. L. Smith, P.C.
West Des Moines, IA
Practicing business in West Des Moines since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James Lee Johnson?
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Quick answer
James Lee Johnson is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K. L. Smith, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- West Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from West Des Moines, IA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Lee Johnson: James Lee Johnson is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K. L. Smith, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Lee Johnson
James concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Tax
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Business cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
James takes business matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
James takes estate planning matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
James takes probate matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
James takes tax matters in West Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James Lee Johnson — Over 39 years of Iowa business experience
James Lee Johnson is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K. L. Smith, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Lee Johnson is a lawyer practicing income tax, probate, small business and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices at K. L. Smith, P.C. in West Des Moines, IA.
James's approach to business cases
James Lee Johnson is a lawyer practicing income tax, probate, small business and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1984, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices at K. L. Smith, P.C. in West Des Moines, IA.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in West Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
James Lee Johnson's legal education and bar admissions
University of Iowa
J.D. · 1987
University of Iowa
B.A. · 1984
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Iowa
1987 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Lee Johnson
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Lee Johnson's office in West Des Moines
James's primary office is at 6601 Westown Parkway, Ste. 240, West Des Moines, IA, 50266. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
K. L. Smith, P.C.
6601 Westown Parkway, Ste. 240
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Lee Johnson — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in West Des Moines.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Lee Johnson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Lee Johnson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Lee Johnson
How much does it cost to hire James for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside West Des Moines?
James is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new business clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving West Des Moines, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
James handles business matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Iowa
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in West Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





