Tara Elcock
Shop Attorney & Mediator
Tara lives and works through a motto, a quote by Albert Einstein, “only a life lived for others is a life worth living.” Life is too short to live in fear, in pain, and in uncertainty. Having to work through a legal matter will likely bring some fear, pain and uncertainty. A guarantee that Tara brings to the table is a certainty that no matter what, you will be guided through a troubling process with an understanding of your rights, a calming voice, and a plan to ensure that a difficult time is made easier with her help. You will be in good and protective hands when in Tara’s care.
Tara began her law practice in 2003. She owned and operated her own law firm from 2005 until joining TLS in mid-2022, helping people in many subject areas. Tara’s practice includes family and juvenile law, probate, mediation, guardian ad litem work, and child and family reporter services. She also handles personal injury matters, appellate work (including two oral arguments before the Iowa Court of Appeals) and basic estate planning. Tara is certified in mediation as well as Collaborative Practice for family law matters.
Tara was raised in Marshalltown, Iowa with two sisters. She attended Iowa State University where she was on the track team and graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Tara subsequently entered the joint degree program at Drake University, earning her Jurisdoctorate degree in May 2002 and her Masters in Public Administration in December 2002. She also carries a Legislative Practice Certificate from Drake University Law School. Though Tara had initially thought she would practice as a corporate attorney, her experiences at the Drake Legal Clinic during law school caused her to fall in love with helping families and individuals on a more personal basis. She has stayed true to this passion ever since.
While at Iowa State, Tara met her husband of 21 years, Marc. Together they have two teenage sons, Noah and Myls. The family currently resides in Warren County with their three dogs (Lucy, Luca and Loki), two cats (Lily and Charlie) , a bearded dragon (Hulk) and some hermit crabs. The Elcocks enjoy doing things as a family, traveling near and far, and following the boys around doing sports. Spending time with family is a highlight for Tara.
PRESENT
Professional Affiliations
Member, Iowa Bar Association
Member, Warren County Bar Association
Volunteer with the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project
Community Leadership
Co-Creator, Sponsor and Administrator of See Color – Be Change, a community-based leadership group promoting diversity in city, school, and local communities and programs Contributor in City Government in re-engaging the Human Relations Committee and recently appointed as a member of the Comittee
Athletic Booster and Sponsor for Indianola Community School Athletics
PAST
Elcock Law Firm, PLC, Indianola, Iowa, Managing Partner, Owner, June 2005 – August 2022
Drake University Legal Clinic, Des Moines, Iowa, Adjunct Instructor, General Civil Clinic,
May 2006 – August 2008, Summer 2011, Summer 2012, and Summer 2013–summers only
Drake University Legal Clinic, Des Moines, Iowa, Adjunct Professor, Elder Law Clinic, January 2007 – August 2008
Law Firm of Steven V. Lawyer & Associates, PLC, Des Moines, Iowa, Associate Litigation Attorney, May 5, 2003 – June 2005.
Nyemaster, Goode, Voigts, West, Hansell & O’Brien, PC, Des Moines, Iowa, Tax Consultant through tax season, January 2003-April 2003
Legal Aid Society of Polk County, Des Moines, Iowa, Family Law Attorney, May 2002-November 2002
Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, Research Assistant to Professor Sally Frank, January 2002 – May 2002
Iowa Civil Liberties Union, Des Moines, Iowa, Lobbyist Intern with Marty Ryan, January 2002 – May 2002
Roxanne Conlin & Associates, Des Moines, Iowa, Law Clerk, October 2000 – May 2002
Drake University Legal Clinic (General Civil), Des Moines, Iowa, Student Attorney, August 2001 – May 2002
Senator Maggie Tinsman, Des Moines, Iowa, Legislative Intern, January 2001 – May 2001
Drake Legal Clinic (Administrative Health Law), Des Moines, Iowa, Student Attorney, August 2000 to December 2000
Peddicord, Wharton, Spencer, & Hook, Des Moines, Iowa, Law Clerk, Summer 2000 – September 2000
Professional Affiliations
Board of Directors, Indianola Preschool, May 2010 – May 2013
Board of Directors, Iowa Civil Liberties Union, March 2004 – October 2008
Cooperating Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa
Member, Iowa Bar Association
Member, Warren County Bar Association
Volunteer with the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project
Honors and Activities
Appointed by Mayor Preston Daniels to the Hate Crimes Task Force
Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honorary Society for Public Administration
Ferguson Prize—Drake Law School
Who’s Who in America in Law School 1999, 2000, 2001 & 2002
Member, Iowa State University Track & Field Team, 1994-1998
Four-Year Athletic Scholarship Recipient
Big 8 and Big 12 Conference Place Winner & Four Year Letter winner
Community Leadership
Sponsor and Community Volunteer for Market at the Square—an Indianola-based Farmer’s Market
Sponsor and Volunteer for Indianola Baseball Club
Bootcamp Instructor at Fusion Fitness in Indianola—2011-2016
Board of Directors, Indianola Preschool, Inc.—Vice-President/Secretary 2011-2012 and President 2012-2013
Board of Directors and Cooperating Attorney, Iowa Civil Liberties Union
Hate Crimes Task Force – Panelist
Iowa Civil Rights Commission – Screening cases as a cooperating attorney
Polk County Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project – family law attorney for indigent citizens
Drake Legal Clinic – guardian ad litem and volunteer attorney, prior to employment with the clinic