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Michael W. Mahaffey
Founding Partner
Michael graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. He was the Vice President of the college Republicans on campus and baritone in the Old Gold Singers. He then graduated from Kansas University Law School in 1975 where he served as the SBA President. Upon graduation, he and his wife, Patti, moved back to Iowa.
Michael became a member of the Iowa Bar Association in 1975 and started practicing with Rodger Sunleaf in Montezuma. After a few years, Michael began as a solo practitioner. In 1991, he moved the office to its current location. Michael was the Poweshiek County Attorney for 32 years.
Michael served as Chairman of the Iowa GOP from 1987-1989. He ran against Congressman Leonard Boswell in 1996 for United States House of Representatives. He remains active in politics, and still periodically appears on WHO for elections.
He serves on the Iowa Board of Governors for the Iowa State Bar Association. He received the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF) Connie Marshall Spirit of Giving Award for a lifelong commitment to volunteering his time and talent and making a significant impact on charitable organizations in Poweshiek County.
He and Patti have lived in Montezuma since 1975 and have three children and eight grandchildren. Michael has long enjoyed Patti's wonderful cooking, non-fiction books, thoughtful political discourse, Christian theology, Cardinals baseball, Jayhawks basketball, Packers football, and Christmas music.
Donald L. Schild
Founder of Schild Law Office
Attorney at Law
Don was born and raised on a farm in Belle Plaine, Iowa, on land that had been farmed by his great-great-great grandfather. He is the proud son of Dick and Mildred Schild.
Following college, law school, and an Iowa Supreme Court clerkship, Don spent two years in the Army and was promoted to captain during his year in Vietnam.
In 1973 Don began practicing law in Grinnell. While his skills learned in the Army did not directly carry over to the practice of law, the skills of planning ahead, organizing, and leading people have been quite helpful in managing his law practice.
In recent years Don's practice has primarily focused on real estate, estate planning, probate, and transactional law. With over 50 years of experience serving the residents of Grinnell, Iowa, and the surrounding region, Don offers clients an unparalleled level of service and care.
Don and his wife Jeananne are long-time residents of Grinnell with a deep history of public service to the community. Don's sense of humor and hearty laugh are recognizable by Grinnellians throughout the downtown district.
Don partnered with Mike and P.J. in 2023 with the goal of creating a path for his clients and staff to have trusted legal representation in Grinnell for decades to come.
When Don isn't spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, he is likely reading about U.S. History especially the U.S. Presidency, watching his beloved Hawkeyes, or serving his community. Don is a member of the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Grinnell UCC Church, Grinnell Human Rights Commission, and numerous other community organizations.
Patrick J. Mahaffey
Managing Partner
P.J. is a Montezuma High School graduate. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Grinnell College and earned his juris doctorate from Drake University Law School.
While at Drake he interned for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the Iowa State House of Representatives. P.J. passed the bar in 2015 and moved back to Poweshiek County.
P.J. was named partner in 2019. He primarily works in the areas of civil litigation, family law, real estate, agricultural law, estate planning, business associations, contracts, and criminal law. In his first civil jury trial, the jury returned a verdict of $360,000 for his client.
He is a member of the 8A District Judicial Nominating Commission, Iowa State Bar Association, Mahaska County Bar Association, and St. John's Lutheran Church (ELCA).
In his spare time, P.J. serves as a board member for the Grinnell School of Music, Grinnell Lions Club, and Mayflower Homes. He is a graduate of the Poweshiek County Leadership Program and a member of the Grinnell Private Investment Company and Sons of the American Legion. He enjoys cooking, skiing, basketball, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and spending time with his wife and children.