Zane A. Umsted
Legal Experience
Zane’s practice focuses primarily on research and writing. In this role, he dives deep into his clients’ legal issues and develops the best arguments to make in court. Zane’s number one goal is to translate his clients’ stories into a language the court will understand.
Zane attended law school at the University of Iowa, where he was the Senior Note & Comment Editor of the Iowa Law Review and received national recognition for his writing. During law school, Zane interned for public defender offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After law school, Zane spent two years clerking for the Honorable Linda Reade in the Northern District of Iowa. He joined Madia Law in 2017.
Personal Background
Beyond the law, Zane maintains active involvement in the community. He has volunteered with the Big Brothers / Big Sisters organization, cared for wounded birds at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and provided volunteer staffing at Iowa City’s legal aid organization and homeless shelter while he was in law school. Zane’s personal interests include NBA basketball, hiking, podcasts, and birding.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2015
University of Iowa College of Law
—Order of the Coif
—High Distinction
—Pro Bono Society
—Senior Note & Comment Editor, Iowa Law Review
—Burton Foundation Distinguished Writing Award
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 2011
University of Iowa
—Highest Distinction
State & Court Admissions
- Minnesota (state and federal)
- North Carolina (state) (inactive)
Professional Associations
- Federal Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- National Employment Lawyers Association, MN Chapter