Our Team
Tyler M. Smith
AttorneyTyler is a highly experienced legal advocate. He received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Iowa on scholarship and with academic honors. After law school, he was a law clerk for the Iowa Judicial Branch, followed by six years of private practice and seven years of public service at the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. His experience includes chairing numerous bench and jury trials, appearing before state and federal district and appellate courts, and representing individuals and institutions in a wide range of matters..
Over his career, Tyler has won bench trials and jury verdicts for both the defense and plaintiffs in matters totaling over $100,000,000. He also co-chaired the criminal prosecution of a murder 1 case resulting in a guilty verdict and life in prison. He attributes his success to his collaborative approach with clients, witnesses, and attorneys, his down-to-earth personality, and his strong work ethic..
Mason Burkhart
AttorneyMason is an experienced attorney whose practice focuses on estate planning and probate matters. He helps individuals and families prepare wills, trusts, and related planning documents, and he guides clients through probate proceedings and estate administration with an emphasis on clarity, efficiency, and practical solutions. Mason earned his B.A. in Public Relations and Political Science from Simpson College and graduated from Drake University Law School.
Since 2020, Mason has worked on probate and estate planning matters, developing practical, hands-on experience with the issues families face both before and after a loss. His work routinely involves advising personal representatives and beneficiaries, addressing creditor and asset issues, and assisting clients through the procedural and reporting requirements of Iowa probate.
Dillon Malone
Of CounselDillon is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in property law, civil litigation, business formations/transactions, legal writing, and strategic legal counsel. He graduated with Highest Honors from Drake University Law School, earning certificates in Business Law and Legislative Practice and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Drake Law Review. Since admission to the Iowa Bar, he has focused his practice on real estate transactions, estate planning and administration, contract law, and regulatory compliance, with a reputation for aligning legal strategy with organizational goals.
Frank Smith
Of CounselFrank Smith has practiced law for forty-nine (49) years. He graduated from Drake University with his B.A. in public administration in 1972. He interned at the Des Moines City Manager’s Office and worked as an analyst for the City of Des Moines Finance Department. In 1976 Frank graduated from Drake University Law School. He is admitted to practice before the Iowa Supreme Court and all inferior Iowa courts. Frank is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Frank has practiced extensively in the area of probate and trust matters having settled nearly 1,000 estates and trusts over the last 49 years. He also served for many years as general counsel for Iowa regional rural water utilities such as Iowa Regional Water Association, Xenia Rural Water District, Wapello Rural Water Association and Warren Rural Water District. Frank has also practiced extensively in real estate law and was named among Best Lawyers in America in the area of Eminent Domain for many years. Finally, for 30+ years Frank represented citizens’ groups as well as cities - large and small - throughout Iowa in regard to municipal annexation matters.
Besides being actively involved in various eastern Polk County community organizations for 50+ years, Frank served as a member / chairman of the Polk County Board of Adjustment from 1982 to 1990 and as a member / president of the Southeast Polk School Board from 1990-1999. He has served as a member of the Polk County Examining Board since 1998.
Frank joined Smith Law Firm team as Of Counsel upon merging his firm with Smith Law Firm January 1, 2024.
Angie Zimmer
ParalegalAngie has 20 years of experience working in the legal field focusing in the areas of
probate administration, wills and trusts, and real estate. She grew up in Jesup
(northeast Iowa) and has a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in Business
Administration. She and her husband, Dave, have four daughters -- and are also new
grandparents. She enjoys hiking, biking, traveling and spending time with family.
Roxann Crabb
Legal Assistant
Meg Coleman
ParalegalAn Iowa native, Meg is a dedicated paralegal who prioritizes meticulous attention to detail and clear communication in every matter she handles. She is committed to providing organized support to ensure that every client’s needs are met with care and professionalism. She focuses on being a reliable point of contact and helping the legal team keep every case moving forward efficiently. In her free time, Meg enjoys long camping trips with her family, relaxing at the lake, catching the latest movies, and spending quality time with her puppy who always keeps things interesting.
Jerold Lawler
ParalegalJerold grew up in the Sacramento, California area and joined the U.S. Army in 2006, serving until 2010. After completing his service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and spent several years living and working in South Korea. In mid-2019 he returned to the United States and began his career as a paralegal. Outside of work, Jerold enjoys playing ice hockey, both as a skater and goalie, fishing, and maintaining his fruit and vegetable garden.