Lane & Waterman has once again been recognized as one of Iowa’s premier law firms in 2024. The firm has received accolades from Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, for its excellence in several practice areas: corporate law/mergers and acquisitions (Band 2 ranking), labor and employment law (Band 2 ranking), general commercial litigation (Band 1 ranking and Band 4 Ranking), and real estate law (Band 3 ranking). The rankings and accolades are a testament to the expertise, skill, and dedication of the firm.

Additionally, Chambers and Partners have honored seven Lane & Waterman attorneys for their exceptional work in specific practice areas. The following lawyers have been recognized:

Corporate/M&A – Band 2

• C. Dana Waterman III – Senior Statesperson
• Scott Van Vooren – Senior Statesperson

Labor & Employment  – Band 2

• Judith Herrmann – Band 2
• Mikkie Schiltz – Band 2

Litigation: General Commercial – Band 1

• Robert V.P. Waterman Jr. – Band 1
• Jason O’Rourke – Band 4

Real Estate – Band 3

• Richard A Davidson – Band 3

Rankings Explained

Bands 1-6
A ranking from Chambers shows that a firm has stood out in the most rigorous, independent and in-depth research process of any legal directory on the market, and has emerged as one of the best in its field. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest). Being ranked in any band is a significant achievement. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include:

• Technical legal ability
• Professional conduct
• Client service
• Commercial astuteness
• Diligence
• Commitment
• Other qualities most valued by the client (for further description of these please see methodology above)

Senior Statesperson
There are further categories in which lawyers can be ranked as exceptional individuals: 

• Senior Statesperson: a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same intensity but who, by virtue of close links with major clients, remains pivotal to the firm’s success

About Chambers USA

Chambers USA is the leading legal directory, ranking top lawyers and law firms across the USA. These legal rankings are based on in-depth market analysis and independent research, all of which is conducted by a dedicated team of researchers. The Chambers USA team continues to work with law firms of all sizes, from boutique to global, to ensure all aspects of the US legal market for clients of all sizes and requirements are covered. The rankings and editorial comments concerning the attorneys are independent and objective. Inclusion in the guide is based solely on the research team’s findings. Chambers is widely viewed among the most highly respected publications in the world with regards to rating lawyers, in part because inclusion cannot be purchased.