Brian M.
Shust

“The practice of law is about service, which means determining a client’s intent and creatively solving problems to meet that intent.”

Teamwork and service are central tenets of Brian Shust’s law practice, starting with his 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. “Being part of something bigger than myself and serving others for a greater good is what drives me,” Brian says. “My passion is supporting forward-thinking teams, big or small.”

 

In his combined transactional and litigation practice, Brian applies his service-minded approach and unique experience to client advocacy and business counseling. As a JAG officer, he provided legal advice during every facet of the government contracting life cycle. He counseled on soliciting, awarding, and administering contracts, including ensuring regulatory compliance. He led the JAG Corps acquisition integrity office, overseeing over 125 fraud attorneys and advising federal investigators on the legal issues surrounding procurement fraud and corruption. His diverse contracts experience allows him to identify what it means to be a successful business and how to win contracts.

 

Brian has extensive litigation and investigation experience, which helps him negotiate practical solutions to protect client interests. He defended the Air Force against contract protests and claims in federal courts and boards, and he was military prosecutor for several years. He values a big-picture approach coupled with zealous advocacy.

 

Now, in his private practice, Brian maintains the values of teamwork and service that have guided his life. “The people I’m working with and working for inspire me,” he says. He enjoys the challenge of helping clients unpack the nuances to achieve their goals. “Lawyers exist to solve problems. Thinking strategically is vital to finding creative solutions.”

 

With two small children, Brian values the time he devotes to being a husband and father. His new Iowa roots also bring him closer to his extended family. “My family has been blessed to experience different parts of the country for the past 10 years,” Brian says. “Now, I am thrilled to raise my family in one place and instill the amazing values of Iowans.”

Air Force General Counsel’s Acquisition Integrity Award, 2024

 

American Bar Association Keithe E. Nelson Distinguished Service Award (Writing), 2023

 

Rated top Major in Air Force JAG Corps' acquisition, fiscal law, and litigation division, 2021 and 2022

 

Rated top company grade staff officer in special operations wing, 2018 and 2019

 

Legal office company grade Attorney of the Year, 2015 and 2016

 

Distinguished Graduate at Commissioned Officer Training, 2014

 

Iowa Law Review

Student Writer

 

Wake Forest University Baseball Team (athletic scholarship)

“Government Contracts for Business Lawyers”
Iowa State Bar Association Business Law Seminar, September 2024 (presentation)

 

“Government Contracts Basics”
Iowa State Bar Association, November 2024 (presentation)

 

“Acquisition Integrity First,” The JAG Reporter, 2023

 

“Noon on the 20th Day of January—A Legal Advisor’s Perspective on the 59th Presidential Inauguration,” Lieutenant Colonel Micah W. Elggren, Major Brian M. Shust, and Captain Ravi R. Doshi; 6 The Army Lawyer 20, 2022

OVERVIEW

Teamwork and service are central tenets of Brian Shust’s law practice, starting with his 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. “Being part of something bigger than myself and serving others for a greater good is what drives me,” Brian says. “My passion is supporting forward-thinking teams, big or small.”

 

In his combined transactional and litigation practice, Brian applies his service-minded approach and unique experience to client advocacy and business counseling. As a JAG officer, he provided legal advice during every facet of the government contracting life cycle. He counseled on soliciting, awarding, and administering contracts, including ensuring regulatory compliance. He led the JAG Corps acquisition integrity office, overseeing over 125 fraud attorneys and advising federal investigators on the legal issues surrounding procurement fraud and corruption. His diverse contracts experience allows him to identify what it means to be a successful business and how to win contracts.

 

Brian has extensive litigation and investigation experience, which helps him negotiate practical solutions to protect client interests. He defended the Air Force against contract protests and claims in federal courts and boards, and he was military prosecutor for several years. He values a big-picture approach coupled with zealous advocacy.

 

Now, in his private practice, Brian maintains the values of teamwork and service that have guided his life. “The people I’m working with and working for inspire me,” he says. He enjoys the challenge of helping clients unpack the nuances to achieve their goals. “Lawyers exist to solve problems. Thinking strategically is vital to finding creative solutions.”

 

With two small children, Brian values the time he devotes to being a husband and father. His new Iowa roots also bring him closer to his extended family. “My family has been blessed to experience different parts of the country for the past 10 years,” Brian says. “Now, I am thrilled to raise my family in one place and instill the amazing values of Iowans.”

RECOGNITION

Air Force General Counsel’s Acquisition Integrity Award, 2024

 

American Bar Association Keithe E. Nelson Distinguished Service Award (Writing), 2023

 

Rated top Major in Air Force JAG Corps' acquisition, fiscal law, and litigation division, 2021 and 2022

 

Rated top company grade staff officer in special operations wing, 2018 and 2019

 

Legal office company grade Attorney of the Year, 2015 and 2016

 

Distinguished Graduate at Commissioned Officer Training, 2014

 

Iowa Law Review

Student Writer

 

Wake Forest University Baseball Team (athletic scholarship)

SPEECHES AND PUBLICATIONS

“Government Contracts for Business Lawyers”
Iowa State Bar Association Business Law Seminar, September 2024 (presentation)

 

“Government Contracts Basics”
Iowa State Bar Association, November 2024 (presentation)

 

“Acquisition Integrity First,” The JAG Reporter, 2023

 

“Noon on the 20th Day of January—A Legal Advisor’s Perspective on the 59th Presidential Inauguration,” Lieutenant Colonel Micah W. Elggren, Major Brian M. Shust, and Captain Ravi R. Doshi; 6 The Army Lawyer 20, 2022