About Colby Merlound

Colby Merlound Lessmann is a managing partner at Tigges, Bottaro & Lessmann, LLP in Sioux City, Iowa. He has been a member of the Iowa State Bar since 1999 and is also licensed in South Dakota. The firm specializes in personal injury, estate planning, probate, real estate law, collections, elder law, and landlord-tenant issues. Colby has built a diverse practice that addresses the needs of individuals and families across various legal matters. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1999, following a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the same university in 1996. His academic background provides him with a solid foundation for understanding complex legal and business issues.

Colby began his legal career as a clerk in 1999, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the legal system. He transitioned to an associate role in 2000 and has been a managing partner since 2010, demonstrating his commitment to the firm and its clients. Most of Colby's work involves personal injury cases, where he advocates for clients who have suffered due to negligence or wrongful conduct. He also handles estate planning and probate matters, guiding clients through the details of wills, trusts, and estate administration. His experience extends to real estate law, where he assists clients with transactions and disputes, ensuring their interests are protected. In addition to his primary practice areas, Colby is recognized as an Accredited Estate Planner.

This certification shows his expertise in estate planning and his dedication to providing comprehensive services to clients. He is actively involved in several professional associations, including the Iowa Trust & Estate Council and the Iowa Association for Justice, which reflect his commitment to staying informed about developments in the law. Colby practices in multiple jurisdictions, including Iowa, South Dakota, and various federal courts, such as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa and the U.S. Supreme Court. This broad range of practice allows him to represent clients in diverse legal matters, ensuring they receive knowledgeable and effective representation.

His experience and dedication to his clients make him a respected figure in the legal community. Outside of his legal practice, Colby is involved in local initiatives and community service, further demonstrating his commitment to the Sioux City area. He believes in giving back to the community and supporting those in need. This dedication is reflected in his approach to law, where he aims to make a positive impact in the lives of his clients and the community as a whole.

Education

University of South Dakota School of Law

J.D. (1999)

1996

University of South Dakota

B.S. (1996) | Business Administration

1994

Languages

English (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Managing Partner

Tigges, Bottaro, & Lessmann, LLP
2023

Managing Partner

Vriezelaar, Tigges, Edgington, Bottaro, Boden & Lessmann, L.L.P.
2010

Associate

Munger, Reinschmidt, & Denne, L.L.P.
2000

Clerk

South Dakota Supreme Court
1999

Accepted Jurisdictions

Iowa
South Dakota
United States District Court - Nebraska
United States District Court - Northern District of Iowa
United States Court of Federal Claims
United States District Court - South Dakota
8th Circuit
Nebraska
U.S. Supreme Court

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa U.S. District Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota U.S. District Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

Personal Injury Estate Planning Probate Real Estate Law Collections Elder Law Landlord Tenant

Legal Services Scope

Initial Consultation Negotiation Litigation Settlement Appeal

Certifications & Awards

Accredited Estate Planner

National Association of Estate Planners & Councils

Professional Associations

Iowa State Bar

has membership Current

South Dakota State Bar

has membership Current

Iowa Trust & Estate Council

has membership Current

Iowa Association for Justice (formerly Iowa Trial Lawyers Association)

has membership Current

Iowa State Bar Association - Probate Section Committee

has membership Current

Woodbury County, Iowa Bar Association

has membership Current

Siouxland Estate Planning Counsel

has membership 2020 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 613 Pierce Street Sioux City IA 51101

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15-0334 Bass v. J.C. Penney Co., Inc., January 20, 2016
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15-0334 Bass v. J.C. Penney Co., Inc., January 20, 2016