Cynthia Letsch

Attorney, J.D.

Attorney Cynthia Letsch is an Iowa native who obtained her undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Drake University Law School, in 1995, graduating from both universities with honors. Her legal career includes private practice, eight years of teaching at the university level, and serving as corporate counsel. Her current office opened in 2013, and the practice is limited to Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate/Trust Administration. She is a frequent speaker on topics of Estate Planning and asset preservation: Medicaid for the Elderly; Medicaid Financial Risk Management for Care Facilities, and Fiduciary Responsibilities of Agents under Powers of Attorney, Guardians, Conservators, and Trustees. Speaking engagements include: Alzheimer’s Association Brain Works Conference, Parkinson’s Foundation workshops; Iowa Association of Long Term Care Social Workers; workshops for both attorneys and licensed insurance providers qualifying for continuing education credit according to standards set by the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Insurance Commission (in addition to workshops facilitated by various senior housing and assisted living communities, and workshops offered directly through the firm. Admitted to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and the Federal Southern District of Iowa and Federal District of Nebraska, she is a member of the Iowa Bar Association Probate and Trust Section and Elder Law Section; Missouri Bar Association Probate and Trust Section, Elder Law Section, Nebraska Bar Association Probate and Trust Section, Elder Law Section, the Dallas County Bar Association; National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys; Elder Counsel; and Wealth Counsel. Cynthia is also a VA accredited attorney.

Older mother and daughter laughing together while sitting outdoors.
Education

Political Science, B.A.,Southern Methodist University, Cum Laude, 1992

Drake University Law School, with honors, 1995

Admitted to Practice
  • State of Iowa
  • State of Nebraska
  • Federal SouthernDistrict of Iowa
Professional Background
  • Corporate Counsel - Health Care Organization
  • Employment and Labor Law Defense Counsel
  • Business Law Professor
  • Labor and Employment Law Professor
  • Human Resource Professor
  • Ethics Professor
  • MBA Leadership Professor
  • Workers Compensation Adjuster
Areas of Special Focus
  • Probate
  • Elder Law
  • Guardianships
  • Conservatorships
  • Estate Planning
  • Wills
  • Trusts
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Medicaid Benefits for Seniors
  • Special Needs Trusts
  • Post Death Trust Administration
Associations
Certifications

Corporate Governance, 2007; SPHR 2002, 2008, and 2011

Veterans Administration Accreditation Aid and Attendance 2014

Memberships
  • Iowa Bar Association (business, real estate, probate, and elder law sections)
  • Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association
  • Polk County Bar Association
  • Grimes Chamber of Commerce (membership chair)
  • Polk City Chamber of Commerce
  • Johnston Chamber of Commerce
  • Grimes/West Polk Rotary
  • BNI
  • Polk and Dallas County Health Provider Network
  • Elder Counsel
  • National Association of Women Business Owners
  • Phi Beta Kappa
Activities
Board Services

Board of Adjustments: Grimes, IA

FireflyCreek Ranch, Director: Non-Profit, Guthrie Center, IA

Speaker

Cynthia Letsch is a frequent speaker on a variety of topics for various professional groups including the Parkinson’s Association, Alzheimer’s Association, LongTerm Care Social Workers Association, and providing CEU training for financial advisors and CLE training for attorneys.