Wade H.
Schut

“I have a practical approach to my work and ways of getting deals done while protecting and advancing my clients’ interests to the greatest extent possible.”

Growing up on a farm in northwest Iowa, Wade Schut learned the value of hard work, the issues facing a small business, and that there were usually options to try to address those issues. Wade enjoyed the business side of the family farm, making business decisions, analyzing contracts, putting together deals, and setting and reaching business goals. Using that background and his experience as a lawyer, Wade helps clients think through their issues and options in order to assist them in being successful in their businesses.

 

During his 30-plus years with the firm, Wade has regularly practiced in many areas of corporate and business law, with a focus on contracts and transactional work, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, public and private placements of securities, and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 matters. He also regularly practices in corporate governance, debt and equity financing, reorganizations, franchising, and technology development and licensing. Wade assists many clients in a capacity similar to an in-house general counsel and advises boards of directors and other governing boards.

 

Wade has developed a diverse client base, ranging from large multinational corporations to small start-ups who need to be guided through all stages of organization and development. A sample of the industries he represents includes manufacturing, technology, renewable fuels, shipping and logistics, advertising, software, agriculture, real estate and various types of intellectual property.

 

Diligent, detailed-oriented, conscientious, and thorough, Wade approaches his work with a practicality that comes only with experience. “Viewing things from both a legal and a business perspective is crucial,” Wade says. “They need to be viewed in unison to find the best mix and the best outcome.”

 

Wade thinks through as many issues and approaches as possible, so clients can make informed, conscious decisions on how best to respond or address the transaction or matter at hand.

 

In his personal time, Wade has directed his efforts to supporting education. He has served on Iowa Christian Academy’s school board and the Northwestern College board of trustees. “I enjoy working with and investing in kids,” he says. “I hope to give them opportunities to make choices that help them advance in the future.” Wade also has mentored kids in school and church and has coached many sports.

 

The Best Lawyers in America®
2009–2025

  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law

 

The Best Lawyers in America®

  • Lawyer of the Year, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Des Moines, 2019, 2021
  • Lawyer of the Year, Business Organizations, Des Moines, 2018
  • Lawyer of the Year, Business Organizations, Des Moines, 2015

 

Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished

 

Order of the Coif

 

American Bar Association

 

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Polk County Bar Association

 

Northwestern College
Board of Trustees, 2016–present

 

Iowa Christian Academy
Board of Directors, 2006–2012

 

OVERVIEW

Growing up on a farm in northwest Iowa, Wade Schut learned the value of hard work, the issues facing a small business, and that there were usually options to try to address those issues. Wade enjoyed the business side of the family farm, making business decisions, analyzing contracts, putting together deals, and setting and reaching business goals. Using that background and his experience as a lawyer, Wade helps clients think through their issues and options in order to assist them in being successful in their businesses.

 

During his 30-plus years with the firm, Wade has regularly practiced in many areas of corporate and business law, with a focus on contracts and transactional work, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, public and private placements of securities, and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 matters. He also regularly practices in corporate governance, debt and equity financing, reorganizations, franchising, and technology development and licensing. Wade assists many clients in a capacity similar to an in-house general counsel and advises boards of directors and other governing boards.

 

Wade has developed a diverse client base, ranging from large multinational corporations to small start-ups who need to be guided through all stages of organization and development. A sample of the industries he represents includes manufacturing, technology, renewable fuels, shipping and logistics, advertising, software, agriculture, real estate and various types of intellectual property.

 

Diligent, detailed-oriented, conscientious, and thorough, Wade approaches his work with a practicality that comes only with experience. “Viewing things from both a legal and a business perspective is crucial,” Wade says. “They need to be viewed in unison to find the best mix and the best outcome.”

 

Wade thinks through as many issues and approaches as possible, so clients can make informed, conscious decisions on how best to respond or address the transaction or matter at hand.

 

In his personal time, Wade has directed his efforts to supporting education. He has served on Iowa Christian Academy’s school board and the Northwestern College board of trustees. “I enjoy working with and investing in kids,” he says. “I hope to give them opportunities to make choices that help them advance in the future.” Wade also has mentored kids in school and church and has coached many sports.

 

RECOGNITION

The Best Lawyers in America®
2009–2025

  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law

 

The Best Lawyers in America®

  • Lawyer of the Year, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Des Moines, 2019, 2021
  • Lawyer of the Year, Business Organizations, Des Moines, 2018
  • Lawyer of the Year, Business Organizations, Des Moines, 2015

 

Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished

 

Order of the Coif

 

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

American Bar Association

 

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Polk County Bar Association

 

Northwestern College
Board of Trustees, 2016–present

 

Iowa Christian Academy
Board of Directors, 2006–2012