William J. Neppl

Iowa

Bradley & Riley PC
2007 First Avenue SE
PO Box 2804
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2804

Tel: 319-861-8734

Email: wneppl@bradleyriley.com
Web: www.bradleyriley.com

Bill concentrates his practice in real estate law, representing developers, investors, and business owners in a wide range of commercial and real estate transactions. His experience includes sales and acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships, financing arrangements, property management matters, tax-deferred exchanges, leasing, and complex development projects.

In addition to his real estate work, Bill advises clients on business formations, acquisitions, sales, reorganizations, and general business operations. He also maintains a robust estate planning and wealth transfer practice, preparing wills and trusts, marital agreements, and administering estates and trusts, as well as advising closely held businesses on succession planning, including family limited partnerships and limited liability companies.

Bill previously served as Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group and is widely recognized for his skill in navigating sophisticated property and business matters. He is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Real Estate Law and has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law, distinctions earned through peer review and professional reputation within the legal community.

Bill earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in 1973 and a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1974. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1978.

Significant Cases

  • Local Representation of national developer in acquisition and development of $10 Billion data center project; largest economic development project in Cedar Rapids history and among the largest economic development projects in Iowa history
  • Representation of regional developer in acquisition, reorganization and refinancing of multiple commercial and residential development projects

Speeches and Publications

  • “Comparisons of Partnerships, S and C Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies,” LLCs: Advising Small Business Start-Ups and Larger Companies in Iowa, Lorman Education Services (2005)
  • “Letters of Intent,” Current Land Development Issues in Iowa, Lorman Education Services (2005)
  • “Limited Liability Companies in Iowa – Practical Operating Procedures,” Limited Liability Companies in Iowa, National Business Institute, Inc. (2002)
  • “Entity Choice & Estate Planning,” Iowa State Bar Association Probate and Trust Law Section Seminar (October 1999)
Bradley & Riley’s Real Estate team represents commercial and residential real estate developers, property owners, construction companies, landlords and tenants, brokers, property managers, and lenders. The team’s work spans a wide range of needs, from preparing title opinions and drafting sale or purchase agreements to advising on environmental matters and assisting with the development of large parcels of land.

The Real Estate team assists clients in matters relating to:

  • Agricultural transactions
  • Condemnation and eminent domain
  • Condominium projects
  • Construction projects
  • Environmental issues
  • Examination of abstracts of title
  • Iowa Title Guaranty
  • Land use
  • Leasing
  • Mineral/oil & gas rights
  • Platting
  • Property tax assessment
  • Residential cooperatives
  • The sale and acquisition of real estate properties
  • Secured lending transactions
  • Tax exempt bond financing
  • 1031 tax deferred exchanges
  • Title insurance
  • Zoning

Real estate transactions often involve complex considerations, including tax implications, disputes with opposing parties, and construction-related issues. To address these challenges, Bradley & Riley provides comprehensive, coordinated services in collaboration with the firm’s Construction, Tax, and Business practice groups. This integrated approach ensures that each client’s objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

Bradley & Riley is a full-service law firm offering a broad range of legal services, industry knowledge, and practical experience to clients across the country. Founded in 1981 by F. James Bradley and Byron G. Riley, the firm has grown steadily to meet the evolving needs of clients and the increasingly complex legal landscape. In 2003, Bradley & Riley expanded by opening an office in Iowa City, reinforcing the firm’s belief in the continued integration and economic growth of the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City business communities.

The firm is recognized for excellence in numerous national legal directories, including Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in America®, and holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell—credentials that reflect the skill, integrity, and professional reputation of its attorneys. Bradley & Riley’s lawyers are known for providing timely, creative, and effective legal solutions tailored to each client’s goals.

Bradley & Riley serves a diverse client base, ranging from individuals and privately-held companies to major public corporations. With offices in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, the firm is uniquely positioned to deliver the capabilities of larger metropolitan firms while maintaining the efficiency, value, and accessibility associated with mid-sized communities.

The firm’s collaborative structure ensures that clients benefit from the full breadth of its attorneys’ knowledge. Each matter is evaluated by a senior attorney, who assembles and leads a team with the appropriate legal and industry experience. Work is delegated strategically to maximize cost efficiency while ensuring thorough and well-reasoned counsel. This team-based approach allows Bradley & Riley to deliver practical, informed, and results-driven representation across many practice areas.