Eric J.
Eide

“People want a lawyer who is approachable, hardworking, responsive, and honest— so that‘s what I strive to be.”

As a former solo practitioner, Eric Eide understands what it takes to be a successful lawyer. Before joining Nyemaster in its Ames office, Eric ran his own practice in Fort Dodge, where he specialized in business law, real estate, and estate planning. He also developed niche areas in private and public drainage law, municipal law, and cooperative law. “It takes a special skill set to manage a solo business-oriented practice. I was in charge of marketing, billing, and also the one doing the work.”

 

Eric’s skill set blended perfectly with the Ames market, where he continues his specialties and also offers clients the resources found in the Des Moines office.

 

As a transactional lawyer, Eric approaches his work in ways that make sure his clients’ current needs are addressed and also that problems don’t crop up later on. “Good estate plans, or contracts, or any corporate action must anticipate, and address, problems that might crop up well into the future,” he says. “That is one reason experience counts with a lawyer. I have seen a lot of problems that could have been avoided with a little more thought up front in the drafting of documents. Clients don’t like surprises when they thought everything was taken care of.”

 

He doesn’t hesitate to tell a client when he thinks they are wrong or approaching an issue the wrong way. “I see my role as a counselor first and foremost. People look to me to tell them what they should do in a particular situation—and this is where I can draw not only on my knowledge of the law, but also on my experiences with a lot of real-life situations.”

 

Most important to Eric is that his clients aren’t afraid to reach out to him. “I have told my clients—and I sincerely believe—that a good lawyer will save a client money over the course of his or her representation. And a lot of times the secret to this is getting your lawyer involved early so problems can be avoided before they arise. I stress the importance of not being reluctant to call me—and I often recite the old Midas Muffler ad: ‘You can pay me now or (usually more) later,’ Eric says.

 

“My clients don’t have any problem reaching out to me—whether outside the office, at home, wherever,” he says. “Mine has never been a 9-to-5 job, and I like knowing that clients feel comfortable contacting me whenever.”

 

Allen v. Webster Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors, 2008 WL 782811, 752 N.W.2d 34 (Iowa Ct. App. 2008).

 

Webster Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors v. Showers, 2006 WL 2706191 (Iowa Ct. App. 2006).

 

Woodin v. Pocahontas Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors, 2005 WL 1521515, 705 N.W.2d 106 (Iowa Ct. App. 2005).

 

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Webster County Bar Association

 

Iowa Institute of Cooperatives’
Director Certification Program, lecturer

 

Order of the Coif

 

OVERVIEW

As a former solo practitioner, Eric Eide understands what it takes to be a successful lawyer. Before joining Nyemaster in its Ames office, Eric ran his own practice in Fort Dodge, where he specialized in business law, real estate, and estate planning. He also developed niche areas in private and public drainage law, municipal law, and cooperative law. “It takes a special skill set to manage a solo business-oriented practice. I was in charge of marketing, billing, and also the one doing the work.”

 

Eric’s skill set blended perfectly with the Ames market, where he continues his specialties and also offers clients the resources found in the Des Moines office.

 

As a transactional lawyer, Eric approaches his work in ways that make sure his clients’ current needs are addressed and also that problems don’t crop up later on. “Good estate plans, or contracts, or any corporate action must anticipate, and address, problems that might crop up well into the future,” he says. “That is one reason experience counts with a lawyer. I have seen a lot of problems that could have been avoided with a little more thought up front in the drafting of documents. Clients don’t like surprises when they thought everything was taken care of.”

 

He doesn’t hesitate to tell a client when he thinks they are wrong or approaching an issue the wrong way. “I see my role as a counselor first and foremost. People look to me to tell them what they should do in a particular situation—and this is where I can draw not only on my knowledge of the law, but also on my experiences with a lot of real-life situations.”

 

Most important to Eric is that his clients aren’t afraid to reach out to him. “I have told my clients—and I sincerely believe—that a good lawyer will save a client money over the course of his or her representation. And a lot of times the secret to this is getting your lawyer involved early so problems can be avoided before they arise. I stress the importance of not being reluctant to call me—and I often recite the old Midas Muffler ad: ‘You can pay me now or (usually more) later,’ Eric says.

 

“My clients don’t have any problem reaching out to me—whether outside the office, at home, wherever,” he says. “Mine has never been a 9-to-5 job, and I like knowing that clients feel comfortable contacting me whenever.”

 

SIGNIFICANT CASES

Allen v. Webster Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors, 2008 WL 782811, 752 N.W.2d 34 (Iowa Ct. App. 2008).

 

Webster Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors v. Showers, 2006 WL 2706191 (Iowa Ct. App. 2006).

 

Woodin v. Pocahontas Cnty. Bd. of Supervisors, 2005 WL 1521515, 705 N.W.2d 106 (Iowa Ct. App. 2005).

 

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Webster County Bar Association

 

Iowa Institute of Cooperatives’
Director Certification Program, lecturer

 

Order of the Coif