Benjamin D. Bruner

SHAREHOLDER
Benjamin D. Bruner
Tel/Direct 1:
515.246.4510
Tel/Main 1:
515.244.2600
Location
801 Grand Ave.
Suite 3700
Des Moines, IA 50309
Support Team
RENE NELSON: (LEGAL ASSISTANT)

rnelson@dickinsonbradshaw.com
515.246.5856

bbruner@dickinsonbradshaw.com Download vCard LinkedIn Blog Full Bio Summary

Introduction

Ben has a business-focused practice specializing in the areas of banking and financial services, commercial finance, real estate and corporate law. He advises a wide array of clients in all phases of institutional lending, including loan structuring, negotiating and drafting credit transaction documentation. Additionally, he regularly advises commercial lenders and borrowers with regard to judicial and non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, UCC enforcement, bankruptcy, and has extensive experience with modification and workout agreements, loan restructuring, and forbearance agreements. He advises businesses and individuals concerning all aspects related to the management, development, ownership and financing of commercial real estate and assists in the acquisition, sale and associated financing of commercial real estate. Further, he provides advice to a variety of business clients regarding general corporate transactions, including organizational, development, funding and start-up issues, board of directors operations and duties, and general contract drafting and negotiation. 

Practice Areas

Education & Background

  • J.D., Mitchell-Hamline School of Law (Study Abroad at the University of Oslo)
  • B.B.A. in Accounting, University of Iowa

Honors & Awards

Chambers USA

  • Selected for inclusion in the 2018 and 2019 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as an “Up and Coming” leader in the area of Real Estate Law in the state of Iowa.
  • Selected as a "Leading Individual" in the 2020-2024 editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of Real Estate Law in Iowa.
  • Ben has drawn the following published commentary from the editors of Chambers USA:
    • 2022: "Bruner handles real estate secured financing, securitization, debt collection and collateral enforcement. Peers recognize that "he does a very good job" and point out he is rising through the ranks. Clients state "he is very knowledgeable, responsive and client-oriented."
    • 2023: "Bruner serves as co-chair of the firm's real estate group and advises clients on transactions involving commercial and mixed-use developments. He frequently assists with acquisitions and sale-leaseback transactions, as well as commercial leasing and both private and public financing matters."
    • 2024: "He's a solid real estate attorney." "Ben is a very confident attorney; he's good to work with and he represents his clients well."

Best Lawyers

  • Selected for inclusion in the 2019-2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Real Estate Law.
  • Selected for inclusion in the 2021-2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law.
  • Selected for inclusion in the 2022-2025 editions of  The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Banking & Finance Law, 
  • Selected for inclusion in the 2023-2025 editions of  The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Commercial Transactions / USS Law and Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law.

Other

  • Featured in DSM Magazine’s Fall 2019 “Top Attorneys Under 40”

Jurisdictions

Admitted to practice in the following states:

  • Iowa
  • Minnesota

Admitted to practice before the following federal courts:

  • U.S. Tax Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa

Reported Cases and Representative Matters

  • Assist clients in all facets of commercial and residential real estate acquisitions, sales, land development, lease arrangements, land use issues, and conventional and tax credit financing (including but not limited to contract drafting review / negotiation, due diligence, title review / remediation, and closing services).
  • Facilitate and negotiate pre-litigation workouts related to financially challenged real estate properties and projects and assist in the enforcement and litigation of real estate financing and leasing obligations.
  • Provide tax and estate planning advice and services to individuals, large and small businesses, and nonprofit organizations concerning a broad range of wealth transfer planning, tax planning and advisory services (including but not limited to drafting last wills, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, and trust agreements).
  • Handle the probate of large and small estates from opening to close, assist in the administration of trusts, and provide advisory services to estate and trust fiduciaries.
  • Advise clients on the tax aspects of various corporate transactions, including incorporations, and represent clients with respect to tax matters involving the use of pass-through entities such as partnerships, limited liability companies, and s corporations.

Memberships & Activities

  • Iowa State Bar Association
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Polk County Bar Association

Articles, Presentations, and Publications

Blog Articles

Best Practices in Commercial Real Estate: Commitment Letter
The Disappearing Right of First Refusal and Potentially Other Property Interests
Foreclosing banks and attorneys beware!
Business loans and funding for start-ups: You have options!
An unwanted benefit and bill: A recent special assessment case