Drew J. Gentsch

Through his representation of construction and surety clients in complex litigation matters, Drew’s work includes disputes involving land use, breach of contract, negligent design and implementation, and mechanic’s liens. In the surety realm, Drew frequently resolves payment, performance, and indemnification issues arising between the owner, the contractor, the surety, and its indemnitors. He is recognized for his experience, and is frequently invited to both regional and national seminars to speak on legal issues that impact the industry.

Complex estate, wills, and trusts litigator

He litigates complex matters within the Estates, Wills, and Trusts arena and has consulted on guardianships, conservatorships, large estates, closely held businesses, derivative actions, and multi-million dollar disputes.

Commmercial and construction industry

Drew regularly counsels clients on a variety of commercial transactions, from drafting forms to negotiating multi-million dollar projects. Industries represented include surety, construction, wind power, and heavy construction equipment suppliers.

Community service

In addition to his work with clients, Drew enjoys developing his community through various professional and non-profit organizations. He is an officer of the Blackstone Inn of Court, as well as a member of the ABA-TIPS Fidelity Surety Law committee, National Bond Claims Association, and Polk Bench Bar Committee. Drew regularly volunteers as a mentor and reader with Everybody Wins! Iowa. He was recognized by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for Excellence in Mentoring in July 2022 for his dedication to Everybody Wins! Iowa.

Contact Drew today or call 515-288-6041 for more information. 

Honors & Recognitions

• Notable® Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell 
• Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Insurance (2021—2025) 
• Excellence in Mentoring Award, Everybody Wins! Iowa, April 2017, June 2022
• Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project: recognized for 50 or more pro bono work hours in 2011—2012

Cases Presentations & Publications

Published Cases

• Bland v. Verizon and Reid, 538 F.3d 893 (8th Cir. 2008)
• Estate of Ballard v. Hazel’s Blue Sky, 653 N.W.2d 609 (Iowa 2002)

Selected Publications, Presentations and Teaching Appointments

• Moderator, "Iowa Judicial Application Process," Polk County Bar Association, November 2023
• Co-Author, The Electronic Payment Bond Deskbook, American Bar Association, May 2023
• Speaker, “Considerations in Tendering Indemnity to the Principal,” NAS Surety Continuing Education, January 2022
• Speaker, National Bond Claims Association Seminar, October, 2021
• Speaker, American Bar Association Fidelity and Surety Law Committee Mid-Winter Virtual Meeting, February 2021
• Panelist, "Lightning Round Q&A," Whitfield & Eddy Virtual Client Seminar, May 2021
• Co-Presenter, "Civil Rights Update, Retaliation Claims," Whitfield & Eddy Virtual Client Seminar, May 2021
• Co-Author, Surety Aspects of Bankruptcy Law and Practice Compendium, American Bar Association, April 2021
• Presenter, “Bad Contract Documentation,” American Bar Association, Fidelity Surety Law Committee Midwinter virtual meeting, February 2021
• Author, "Payment Bond or a Disguised Performance Bond Claim," Fidelity & Surety Law Committee Newsletter (of ABA-TIPS), Winter/January 2019
• Co-presenter (with Jason T. Farley, Merchants Bonding), “Arbitration Venue and the Interplay of Home Rule Statutes with the Federal Arbitration Act,” 2018 National Bond Claims Seminar, Pinehurst, NC, October, 2018
• Co-author (with Bryce D. Holzer), "Public or Private: When Does a Private Claim Become a Public Improvement Payment Bond Claim," Fidelity & Surety Law Committee Newsletter (of ABA-TIPS), Fall 2017
• Presenter, "Recent Successful Caselaw on Collateral Deposit," The Surety's Application to Compel the Deposit of Collateral Under the General Indemnity Agreement ABA-TIPS Webinar, June 2017
• Co-author (with Sara James), "Employment Law Update," Iowa chapter, ALFA International Employment Law Compendium, 2017 Edition
• Co-author (with Danya Keller), "Overview of Public Bonding in Iowa," Iowa Defense Counsel Association Update Vol. XVIII, No. 1, Winter 2016
• Presenter, "Detangling Indemnification and Shifting Liability" National Business Institute Seminar, December 9, 2015
• Co-author (with Danya Keller), "The Use of Confession in Judgment Clauses Within Indemnity Agreements," Fidelity & Surety Law Committee Newsletter (of ABA-TIPS), Fall 2015.
• Presenter, "Texas Indemnity Defenses," Cashin Spinelli & Ferretti, LLC, Schaumburg, IL, May 20, 2015
• Presenter, "Visual Artists Rights Act and the Copyright Act," Iowa Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), September 18, 2014
• Panelist, "Defenses Available to Principals and Indemnitors," American Bar Association Fidelity and Surety Law Midwinter Program, January 2014
• Presenter, “Indemnity Defenses in the Surety Context,” January 2014
• Presenter, "Texas Indemnity Defenses," September 2014
• Contributor, Iowa chapter, ALFA International Insurance Law Compendium: Nationwide Desk Reference of Life, Accident and Health Insurance Law, 2004 Edition