Attorney Andrea Buckley grew up in rural Nebraska, living in a number of small towns before landing in Boyd County. She attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Translation and Interpreting. She went on to law school at the University of Nebraska College of Law, graduating in 2007.
Andrea’s legal career started at a private law firm in Sioux City before joining Iowa Legal Aid in 2009. There, her practice included consumer rights, landlord/tenant law, guardianships/conservatorships and appellate advocacy. She developed a specialized practice in tax litigation, becoming the managing attorney of the statewide Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. Andrea defended taxpayers in front of the IRS and in United States Tax Court on a wide range of tax issues. She also has extensive knowledge of employment and taxation issues relating to foreign agricultural workers. She has been a frequent presenter locally and nationally, educating attorneys and laypeople on the ins and outs of the federal tax system.
Andrea spent nearly twelve years as a consumer board member for the Siouxland Community Health Center, serving as president for four years. In that role, she assisted with board development and organizational strategic planning. In 2024, Andrea left Iowa Legal Aid to serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Siouxland Community Health Center while the organization searched for a permanent leader. Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge from the non-profit sector to her practice at Tigges, Bottaro & Lessman, LLP.
Outside of work, Andrea is an avid roller skater, previously playing roller derby for 7 seasons with the Sioux City Roller Dames. These days, you will find her skating on the weekends, serving as a leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and singing the National Anthem at the Sioux City Explorers.
Professional Involvement
• Member, Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission for District 3B (2018-present)
• Member, Woodbury County Magistrate Commission (2021-present)
• Member, Iowa Supreme Court EDMS Business Advisory Committee (2018-2021)
• Past President, Woodbury County Bar Association
Civic Involvement
• Board Member and past president, Siouxland Community Health Center (2013-2024)
• Troop Leader, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (2019-present)
• Volunteer Tax Preparer, Center for Siouxland VITA program (2017-2023)
Awards
• Finalist for District Court Judge, Iowa Judicial District 3B (2021 and 2022)
• Volunteer of Excellence Recipient, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (2022)
• Women Aware Woman of Excellence Nominee (2015)
Memberships
• Iowa State Bar Association
• Woodbury County Bar Association
• American Bar Association – Taxation Section
