John F. Fatino

Iowa

Whitfield & Eddy, P.L.C.
699 Walnut Street
Suite 2000
Des Moines, IA 50309

Tel: 515-288-6041

Email: fatino@whitfieldlaw.com
Web: www.whitfieldlaw.com

John serves as a trusted business advisor for midsize and small businesses which are not publicly traded in matters such as contract negotiation, employment, and real estate. He understands that businesses require fast, personalized attention, in order to run their day-to-day operations. John strives to meet the unique demands of each business and offer effective solutions.

As a nationally-recognized attorney in the surety law area, he actively represents construction and surety clients and is a frequent author and presenter on topics including contract disputes, mechanic’s liens, and surety obligations.

John counsels his financial cooperative clients in proactive measures and risk avoidance. This close attention includes providing client education through regular updates and presentations to board members and senior management regarding corporate governance and employment matters.

He also advises trucking and transportation clients in regulatory, business, and employment matters. As chair of the firm’s transportation and trucking practice group, he coordinates delivery of updates, education, and training to sharpen the skills of attorneys and clients while staying on top of the ever-changing regulatory landscape in the industry.

Arbitration can expedite the legal process and reduce cost. John can serve as a neutral to help parties resolve their legal problems instead of going to court.

Considered to be “the lawyer’s lawyer,” John has served as President of the Lincoln Inne of Court and regularly presents on standards of conduct for attorneys. John has served on the Iowa Supreme Court’s Grievance Commission. John is also an Appointed Member of the Iowa Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure. John is a regular presenter at bar and industry meetings, resulting in a dense catalogue of presentations given and articles published.

Education
  • Drake University Law School, J.D., 1991
    • Region XIV Finalist, National Moot Court Competition, 1991
    • Recipient: Rodney L. Hudson Senior Advocacy Award, 1991
  • Concordia College, B.A., 1987, cum laude
    • Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
Admissions
  • Iowa
  • U.S. District Court – Southern District of Iowa
  • U.S. District Court – Northern District of Iowa
  • Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals – Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals – Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Whitfield & Eddy offers clients a wealth of experience in appellate advocacy. Our lawyers are licensed to practice before a variety of appellate courts in multiple states and at the federal level, including the United States Supreme Court. Our Appellate services include:

  • Amicus curiae briefs
  • Appellate advocacy
  • State and federal court

Our attorneys have handled a significant number of precedent-setting cases in Iowa and other jurisdictions. These achievements are the result of our unwavering dedication to advancing our clients’ interests at the appellate level. Additionally, we are available to assist or replace original trial counsel when a case is appealed in order to lend our expertise to existing cases.

The attorneys at Whitfield & Eddy are trusted for our ability to provide carefully crafted, practical, and effective solutions to complex legal challenges. We are steady, knowledgeable, and experienced and take a proactive approach that yields positive outcomes, both in and out of court.

We have extensive experience in a wide range of industries and a reach that extends throughout the Midwest and nationally. Whitfield & Eddy offers a full range of legal services including business, banking, litigation, employment and labor, real estate, transportation, construction, family law, and wills, trusts & estate planning.

In addition to partnering with businesses, we work closely with individuals and families. Combining sensitivity, legal knowledge, and strong advocacy, our attorneys have comprehensive experience handling complex and sophisticated issues.

Recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Chambers USA, and Best Lawyers among other publications and honors, our attorneys are highly respected in the legal community and hold leadership positions with state and local bar associations, legal societies, and numerous community charitable boards. Our team of more than 40 attorneys is known for its depth of experience, tenacity, and personal commitment. We work collaboratively with colleagues across practices and disciplines to provide the innovative counsel clients expect.