John Howard Root, Real Estate Attorney in Urbandale, Iowa
Over 43 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatJohn H. Root
Urbandale, IA
Practicing real estate in Urbandale since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 8
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John Howard Root?
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Quick answer
John Howard Root is a member based in Urbandale, IA. The practice focuses on Real Estate. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John H. Root. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Urbandale, IA
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Urbandale, IA.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About John Howard Root: John Howard Root is a member based in Urbandale, IA. The practice focuses on Real Estate. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John H. Root. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Urbandale
John concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Urbandale, Iowa
John takes real estate matters in Urbandale, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John Howard Root, real estate attorney serving Urbandale
John Howard Root is a member based in Urbandale, IA. The practice focuses on Real Estate. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John H. Root. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Urbandale, Iowa and takes on real estate matters across the region.
Mr. John Howard Root is a lawyer practicing real estate, commercial and real estate finance law. John received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 1977, and has been licensed for 43 years. John practices at John H. Root in Urbandale, IA.
How John handles real estate matters
Mr. John Howard Root is a lawyer practicing real estate, commercial and real estate finance law. John received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 1977, and has been licensed for 43 years. John practices at John H. Root in Urbandale, IA.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Urbandale and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
New York University
J.D. · 1983
Brown University
A.B. · 1977
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
New York
2000 · ACTIVE
Colorado
1999 · ACTIVE
California
1998 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1997 · ACTIVE
Texas
1997 · ACTIVE
Rhode Island
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1983 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in New York University and A.B. in Brown University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in New York University and A.B. in Brown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Rhode Island, Massachusetts and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
John Howard Root's office in Urbandale
John's primary office is at 15012 Wilden Dr., Urbandale, IA, 50323-2091. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Howard Root — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing real estate attorneys in Urbandale.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Howard Root claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Howard Root — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Urbandale, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Howard Root
How much does it cost to hire John for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple real estate 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Urbandale?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new real estate clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Urbandale, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
John handles real estate matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated real estate attorneys in Iowa
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Urbandale handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





