About
Ryan D. Gerling is an attorney at Cray Law PLC in Burlington, Iowa, who represents individuals, families, and businesses in a broad range of legal matters. His practice includes banking law, business law and litigation, bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, criminal defense, OWI cases, municipal and administrative law, juvenile law, family law, general litigation, real estate, estate planning, and mediation. He helps clients understand their legal options and pursue practical solutions.
Gerling earned his J.D. from Drake University Law School in 2011 with high distinction. He was elected to the Order of the Coif, made the Dean’s List throughout law school, and served as a research editor and staff member of the Drake Law Review. He received his B.A. with honors from the University of Iowa in 2008, studying history, secondary education, and social sciences. His academic training supports careful research, clear analysis, and practical problem solving.
Gerling advises clients on matters involving business transactions and disputes, bankruptcy and creditor issues, criminal charges, family and juvenile concerns, real estate transactions and litigation, estate planning, municipal questions, and administrative proceedings. He is admitted in Iowa and Illinois and before federal courts in the Southern District of Iowa and the Central District of Illinois. His multijurisdictional background allows him to address both courtroom disputes and planning or transactional needs.
Ryan D. Gerling also contributes to the profession and community through teaching and organizational involvement. He has served as an adjunct professor of business law at Iowa Wesleyan College and maintains memberships in the Iowa State Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and Des Moines County Bar Association. Gerling brings broad legal knowledge, strong academic preparation, and a practical approach to helping clients evaluate risks, resolve disputes, and make informed decisions.
Law Office Affiliations
- Attorney, Cray Law PLC
- Member, Iowa State Bar Association
- Member, Illinois State Bar Association
- Member, Des Moines County Bar Association
Licensed State
- Iowa
- Illinois
Education
- Drake University Law School
Juris Doctor (JD) - University of Iowa
B.A. in History and Social Sciences
Awards & Badges


- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Creditor Debtor Rights
- Banking & Finance
- Tax
- Assault & Battery
- Drug Crime
- DUI & DWI
- Expungement
- Juvenile
- Speeding & Traffic Tickets
- Power of Attorney
- Probate
- Trusts
- Wills & Living Wills
- Adoption
- Alimony
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Divorce & Separation
- Guardianship
- Mediation & Collaborative Law
- Uncontested Divorce
- Administrative
- State, Local & Municipal
- Litigation





