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Randal J. Scholer

Randal J. Scholer Member

Contact Information

(319) 896-4054 (319) 366-1917 rscholer@spmblaw.com Cedar Rapids, IA
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Cathy McAllister

Cathy McAllister

Legal Assistant

(319) 896-4111 cmcallister@spmblaw.com

Practice Area

Bar Admissions

  • State of Iowa

Education

  • University of Iowa College of Law, JD, with distinction
    • Editor Moot Court Board
  • University of Iowa, BBA

Randy Scholer represents a diverse group of clients on matters relating to business transactions and counseling, mergers, acquisitions, real estate development, municipal law,  wealth transfers, and trusts and estates. Mr. Scholer efficiently and effectively serves his clients by developing practical solutions to legal and business matters. He has lead complex transactions, served on the firm's board of directors and guided the negotiations and merger of Simmons Perrine PLC and Moyer & Bergman, PLC.

Mr. Scholer has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in Cedar Rapids by Best Lawyers® nine times: Land Use and Zoning Law (2015 & 2024); Mergers and Acquisitions (2017 & 2023); Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law (2019 & 2022); Business Organizations (2018 & 2021); and Corporate Law (2015). He has been designated by Chambers USA® as one of America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions practice. Mr. Scholer is recognized as a Great Plains Super Lawyer and holds an AV Preeminent rating for legal ethics and ability with Martindale-Hubbell®.

Business Transactions and Counseling. Mr. Scholer assists his clients with business transactions and operational matters, often serving in the role as general counsel. He has negotiated and finalized disputes amongst business owners and divided businesses amongst owners who no longer desire to do business together.

Mergers and Acquisitions. Mr. Scholer leads mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and reorganizations for his clients in a wide range of industries. His involvement in these transactions includes strategically negotiating the transaction, due diligence investigation, document drafting and finalization, coordination of the closing and addressing post-closing issues and liabilities.

Real Estate. Mr. Scholer represents real estate developers and clients with land use and regulation issues, such as development, annexation, zoning, subdivision and building code issues.

Municipal Law. Mr. Scholer serves as City Attorney, providing advice on the issues and operations that face city councils, administrative boards and commissions. He also assists businesses and individuals with city, county and state governmental issues. 

Wealth Transfer, Trusts and Estates. Mr. Scholer assists his clients in the areas of wealth preservation, estate and tax planning and succession planning for closely-held businesses.

-- Chambers USA 2024

Designated as Leading Lawyer in Chambers USA, 2010-2024, Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Randy Scholer is highly respected for representing clients in corporate transactions. "He thinks every situation through and plans strategy for the best outcome." Clients also report that Scholer is "very good at explaining what the options are in each individual situation,” and add: “He is the attorney to call if a situation seems out of control or helpless."
  • "Randy is incredibly easy to work with. He is very thoughtful when working with his clients to discern what are the important elements of a deal to them and how to achieve results."
  • "Randy is an excellent attorney. He serves clients very well and brings a ton of knowledge and expertise."
  • "He provides not only solid legal advice, but it is tempered with sound business judgment as well."​​​​​​

-- Martindale-Hubbell®

AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®

  • Randy is recognized by members of the bar as one of the finest lawyers who deal with corporate transactions, business counseling, and business mergers.
  • Randy is an excellent transactional attorney. I would highly recommend him.

Included in Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" list

  • Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" list, 2015 & 2024
    • Land Use and Zoning Law
  •  Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" list, 2017 & 2023
    • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" list, 2019 & 2022
    • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" list, 2018, 2021 & 2025
    • Business Organizations (including LLCs & Partnerships)

Included in Best Lawyers in America® list, 2025

  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law

Included in Great Plains Super Lawyers list, 2014-2020, 2022-2024

  • EVO Transportation & Energy Services Acquires West Side Transport (Link)
  • CRST Acquires BCB Transport (Link)
  • R/B Sales Corporation Joins Forward Solutions (Link) 
  • Savant Wealth Management Acquires World Trend Financial and Terry Lockridge & Dunn (Link) (Link) 
  • CRST International, Inc. Acquires NAL Group (Link)
  • Forward Air Corporation Acquires Linn Star “LSHI” for $57.2 Million (Link)
  • CEC Acquires Sound Services Inc. of Milwaukee (Link)
  • Hillcrest Holdings Acquires Southgate Companies (Link)
  • Wendling Quarries, Inc, Purchases Iowa Assets of Coots Materials Company (CMC)

Professional Memberships

  • American Bar Association
    • Business Law - Mergers and Acquisitions Section
  • Iowa State Bar Association
    • Business Law Section
    • Corporate Counsel Section
    • Taxation Section
  • Fellow, Iowa State Bar Foundation
  • Linn County Bar Association
    • Former LCBA Board of Governors
  • Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association

Previous Community Involvement / Board Positions

  • American Heart Association
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Xavier Foundation
  • YMCA
  • All Saints Church