About the attorney

What Makes Attorney Samuel Marks Uniquely Qualified To Represent You?

Sam is originally from Des Moines, Iowa and has been living in the area his whole life. Sam Graduated from University of Iowa in 1997 with a degree in Chemistry and then graduated from Drake Law School in 1999. Sam has been practicing law for over 20 years and has extensive experience with bankruptcies, foreclosure, consumer protection cases, divorces, and estates.

Education

• J.D – Drake University – (1999)
• B.A – University Of Iowa – (1997)

License

• IA – Licensed for 20 Years

Bar Admission

• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa

Practice Areas

• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
• Uncontested Divorce
• Consumer Protection

What Drew Me To The Field Of Bankruptcy Law

Looking back on my life, moving toward bankruptcy law has been a natural progression for me, deeply rooted in my family’s legacy. My grandfather began practicing law in Des Moines in 1938, and except for his service during World War II, a Marks has practiced here ever since. My father was sworn in in 1969 and joined the firm after serving in Vietnam, alongside my uncle. When I entered the profession, I initially wanted to focus on litigation, I was passionate and eager to represent clients in court. However, my father’s passing shortly after I became licensed led me to take over his practice.

I discovered that bankruptcy law offered a unique blend of disciplines, allowing me to address family law, tax law, probate, and debtor-creditor issues all within one practice area. This convergence of legal challenges not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my connection to clients, as bankruptcy often touches on many aspects of their lives. While my career path wasn’t what I initially envisioned, it has allowed me to carry forward my family’s tradition while developing a rewarding practice.

A Career-Defining Moment

A defining moment in my career came shortly after I earned my license when my father, my mentor, passed away unexpectedly. Just three months and 17 days into my practice, I was left to manage his unfinished work and legacy. It was a challenging time, to say the least, and if I had known then what I know now, I might have approached things very differently. However, this experience pushed me into transactional areas like real estate and probate, shaping the direction of my career in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Ironically, my father’s absence allowed me to discover a passion for the type of work he championed. He was a general practitioner, and the broad exposure I gained by stepping into his shoes gave me a foundation across various parts of the legal world. Reflecting on this, I realize I likely would have continued to resist his guidance had he been around, insisting on focusing solely on litigation. But through this unexpected turn of events, I found a path that has not only enriched my experience but also allowed me to honor and build upon my father’s legacy.