Allen E. Brennecke
Attorney at Law (Of Counsel)
Moore, McKibben, Goodman & Lorenz, LLP
Clemons, IA, USA
Industry: Law
Field: Business, Tax and Estate Planning

In 1959, Allen E. Brennecke was not only the first of his family to enter the field of law, but was also the first to finish college. Graduating from The University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he went on to receive a JD from The University of Iowa College of Law in 1961. Throughout the course of his career, he learned that nothing could truly get in his way; he never saw anything as an obstacle. After serving for nearly 40 years as an attorney at law, Mr. Brennecke retired from the Moore Law Firm. While there, many of his days were spent speaking to other lawyers at continuing legal education meetings and at business meetings for farmers and farm owners.

Now retired, he considers being honored as the president of the Iowa State Bar Association and chair of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association to be the highlights of his career. He is currently a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. In 1989, he was presented with the Award of Merit by the Iowa State Bar Association.

As a man who considers family top priority, Mr. Brennecke attributes his success to being blessed with a wonderful wife, five children and their spouses, 19 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, as well as good friends, and blessings from the Lord. A religious man, he also joined a men’s ministry called Promise Keepers approximately 15 years ago, which he describes as being “a great positive learning experience.” Looking toward the future, he hopes to continue to dabble in law.

Conversation with Allen E. Brennecke

Worldwide Publishing: On what topic(s) do you consider yourself to be an expert?

Allen E. Brennecke: Tax, business, and estate and trust planning. I have also spoken at several farm and agricultural tax seminars.

What motivates you?

I don’t want to be left behind; I want to be out in front.

Did you ever consider pursuing a different career path or another profession?

I was the first person to enter the field of law in my family. Neither my parents nor my grandparents graduated from college.

What lessons have you learned as a professional in your field?

I have learned that nothing can take the place of persistence.

What is the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?

I try not to let obstacles get in my way.

What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?

Knowing how to respond to the demand for same-sex marriage.

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your profession?

You have a continuing opportunity every day to help other people.

What is your favorite or least favorite work-related task to do and why?

One of my favorite things is having a new client come in the door and want to talk to me.

What advice can you offer fellow members or others aspiring to work in your industry?

Things are not always going to go your way, but don’t let that get you down.

Who have been your mentors or people who have greatly influenced you?

Arley Wilson, my senior partner when I first started in practice, along with Bill Welp and Roger Harrison, and U.S. District Judge Roy Stephenson who I clerked for my first year out of law school. I would say that these men were very important.

Have you contributed to any publications or to research in your field?

When I was in law school, I wrote two different notes that were published in the Iowa Law Review. Over the years, I wrote a monthly article for Professional Farmers of America in a magazine called Management Monthly. I also wrote an article that was published in the December 1971 issue of Notre Dame Lawyer. Over many years, I spoke several times at Continuing Legal Education programs for lawyers and wrote outlines of my remarks.

What changes have you observed in your industry/field since you started?

I have seen a slight decline in professionalism.

How do you see these changes affecting the future of your industry?

I am concerned that the decline will continue.

What short-term and long-term career goals are you currently pursuing?

I plan to help my former partners in the practice of law.