
Terry J. Abernathy, Insurance Attorney in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Insurance and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratPickens, Barnes & Abernathy
Cedar Rapids, IA
Practicing insurance in Cedar Rapids since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Terry J. Abernathy?
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Quick answer
Terry J. Abernathy is a partner based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The practice focuses on Insurance and Litigation. Terry has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Insurance · Litigation
- Handles Insurance and Litigation matters from Cedar Rapids, IA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Terry J. Abernathy: Terry J. Abernathy is a partner based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The practice focuses on Insurance and Litigation. Terry has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Terry takes on
Terry concentrates on insurance and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Terry handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Insurance cases in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Terry takes insurance matters in Cedar Rapids, 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 Terry agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Terry takes litigation matters in Cedar Rapids, 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 Terry agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Terry J. Abernathy — insurance lawyer in Cedar Rapids
Terry J. Abernathy is a partner based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The practice focuses on Insurance and Litigation. Terry has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Terry J. Abernathy is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, civil litigation. Terry received a B.A. degree from Coe College in 1970, and has been licensed for 54 years. Terry practices at Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Terry's approach to insurance cases
Terry J. Abernathy is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, civil litigation. Terry received a B.A. degree from Coe College in 1970, and has been licensed for 54 years. Terry practices at Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Clients Terry works with
Terry reviews new inquiries case-by-case for insurance and litigation matters in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Iowa
J.D. · 1973
Coe College
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
Terry's state bar admissions
Iowa
1973 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1973 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1972 · ACTIVE
Terry studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in Coe College.
Law school and academic background
Terry completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.A. in Coe College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Terry runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Terry has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Terry's professional memberships and bar associations
Linn County (President, 1996-1997), Iowa State (Member, Litigation Section) and American Bar Associations
membership
American College of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
American Board of Trial Advocates
bar_fellowship
International Association of Defense Counsel
bar_fellowship
Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Defense Research Institute
bar_fellowship
Iowa Defense Counsel Association (Director, 1998-2003)
bar_fellowship
Dean Mason Ladd Inn of Court
bar_fellowship
Locations
Terry J. Abernathy's office in Cedar Rapids
Terry's primary office is at 1800 First Avenue NE, Suite 200, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pickens, Barnes & Abernathy
1800 First Avenue NE, Suite 200
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Terry J. Abernathy — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Terry. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing insurance attorneys in Cedar Rapids.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Terry J. Abernathy claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Terry J. Abernathy — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new insurance attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Terry usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Terry charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terry'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; Terry will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a insurance attorney in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many insurance 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 Terry
Terry discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in insurance practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every insurance 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. Terry confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Terry's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many insurance practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Terry J. Abernathy
How much does it cost to hire Terry for a insurance case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Terry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Terry offer a free consultation?
Terry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terry's office. Some insurance attorneys offer free consults — check Terry's current terms during booking.
How long do insurance cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple insurance 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. Terry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Terry take my case if I'm outside Cedar Rapids?
Terry 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 — Terry 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 Terry?
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. Terry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Terry accepting new insurance clients right now?
Terry's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Insurance attorneys serving Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and West Des Moines in Iowa
Terry handles insurance matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified insurance attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated insurance attorneys in Iowa
If Terry's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these insurance attorneys in Cedar Rapids handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





