Jacob A. M. VanCleaf

Jacob A. M. VanCleaf

3.8
Rating: 3.7

Licensed for 15 years

Family Lawyer at Des Moines, IA
Practice Areas: Family, Workers Compensation, Employment & Labor ... +2 more

118 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA

About Jacob

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 45%

16 years

45%
Juvenile Law 5%

16 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 150-175 per hour

Contingency

33%-45%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Iowa for 15 years

State: Iowa

Acquired: 2010

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023

Location

Vancleaf and Mccormack Law Firm, Llp

118 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA, 50309-4802

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The Avvo Rating explained

Jacob A. M. VanCleaf's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.8 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (6) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | General Knowledge

Posted by Nick | October 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

It was a huge mistake hiring this firm

Had a disappointing experience with Jacob Van Cleaf that cost me $1400. Communication and diligence left so much to be desired. Very unorganized in every way possible. Without notice he went missing before scheduled meetings. He took my mediation meeting while driving in his car with road noise and u...nable to look at documentation provided by the other side. He missed deadlines along the way that caused excessive delay and a financial penalty I have to pay the court system. Some of the advice I received was extremely inaccurate. I was informed that the mediator of my divorce mediation suggested to the other party that he shouldn't be practicing law based on our session. along with the opposing attorney. They were making fun of my legal representation while I was struggling to get a fair deal. This firm dropped the ball in nearly every way possible. After moving to a new lawyer it has been a night and day difference. Constant communication about what is happening and what I need to be doing. Not disappearing for scheduled meetings. Lots of guidance through the process. The things you should expect of a lawyer.

See All Client Reviews

Jacob A. M. VanCleaf's Lawyer Endorsements

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Experience

Rating:  3.7 (Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.

Reprimand issued in IA, 2023

updated on 11/02/2023

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Partner, Van Cleaf & McCormack Law Firm, LLP

Associations

2010 - Present

Iowa State Bar Association

Education

2010

Drake Law School

Juris Doctorate

2007

Simpson College

Bachelor of the Arts

Languages

English

French

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution