Top 8 Law Firms In Des Moines
By Dante Holloway | Published: 2025-03-25 | Category: Law Firms
About Law Firms In Des Moines
Law firms provide legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and organizations across various practice areas. Services range from litigation and dispute resolution to transactional work like contracts, estate planning, and business formation.
How We Evaluated
Firms were evaluated based on public reviews, client feedback, areas of specialization, reputation within the legal community, and presence in the Des Moines area. Online ratings and review sentiment were key factors in the assessment.
Rating Criteria
- → Client Satisfaction (Reviews/Ratings)
- → Range of Services/Specialization
- → Reputation and Experience
- → Location/Accessibility
The Best Law Firms In Des Moines
Dentons Davis Brown
Visit Website →A long-standing Des Moines firm, now part of the global Dentons network, offering a wide array of legal services with both local depth and international reach.
Target Audience
Businesses (Local to International), Individuals, Non-profits, Government entities
Service Offerings
Corporate Law
Advising on M&A, governance, securities, and general business matters.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Handling diverse disputes for businesses and individuals.
Intellectual Property
Protecting and enforcing IP rights.
Real Estate
Services related to property transactions, development, and finance.
Immigration Law
Assisting businesses and individuals with immigration needs.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Predominant model for most corporate and litigation work.
Flat Fees
May apply to certain transactional or routine matters like immigration filings.
Pros
- + Access to global resources through the Dentons network.
- + Comprehensive service offerings.
- + Established local presence and history.
Cons
- - Mixed online reviews, indicating potential inconsistency in client experience.
- - Lower average rating compared to several competitors.
- - Large firm structure may feel impersonal to some clients.
Verdict
"A viable option for clients needing broad legal services with the potential benefit of international resources, though mixed reviews suggest careful consideration."
Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
Visit Website →One of Iowa's largest law firms, offering a comprehensive suite of legal services to businesses and individuals, with significant depth in litigation, corporate law, and specialized practices.
Target Audience
Large Corporations, Mid-Sized Businesses, Startups, Individuals (Wealth Management, Complex Litigation), Government Entities
Service Offerings
Litigation
Extensive experience in complex commercial, appellate, IP, and other litigation.
Business, Finance & Real Estate
Full-spectrum corporate services including M&A, finance, tax, and real estate.
Intellectual Property
Handling patents, trademarks, copyrights, and related litigation.
Labor & Employment
Advising employers on compliance, disputes, and benefits.
Scorecard (Overall: 9.0 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Standard for complex corporate and litigation work.
Alternative Fee Arrangements
Available depending on client needs and matter type.
Pros
- + Extensive range of practice areas and deep bench of attorneys.
- + One of the largest and most established firms in Iowa.
- + Strong reputation in complex litigation and corporate transactions.
Cons
- - Online reviews are somewhat lower than smaller, specialized firms.
- - Likely among the most expensive options.
- - May feel less personal for smaller individual matters.
Verdict
"A powerhouse firm suitable for complex legal challenges, particularly for large businesses needing comprehensive services and litigation strength."
#6
Location: 100 Court Ave Suite 600, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States Get Directions
Founded: 1888
Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.
Visit Website →A prominent Iowa law firm with recognized expertise in education law, public sector law, employment law, litigation, and corporate law.
Target Audience
Educational Institutions (K-12, Higher Ed), Municipalities & Public Sector Entities, Businesses, Employers
Service Offerings
Education Law
Leading practice representing schools, colleges, and universities.
Public Law
Advising cities, counties, and other government bodies.
Labor & Employment Law
Representing management in employment disputes and compliance.
Litigation
Handling disputes for public and private sector clients.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Primary structure for advisory and litigation services.
Retainers
May be used for ongoing counsel, particularly for institutional clients.
Pros
- + Highly respected expertise, particularly in education and public sector law.
- + Long history and deep experience in Iowa.
- + Strong litigation and employment law practices.
Cons
- - Practice areas may be less focused on individual consumer needs (e.g., family law, basic estate planning).
- - Moderate online review rating.
Verdict
"A top-tier firm for educational institutions, public entities, and employers seeking specialized legal counsel and representation."
Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, P.C.
Visit Website →A full-service law firm providing counsel in business law, litigation, banking, employment, real estate, and more.
Target Audience
Businesses, Financial Institutions, Individuals, Government Entities
Service Offerings
Business Law
Counseling on corporate matters, transactions, contracts, and intellectual property.
Litigation
Representing clients in state and federal courts across various disputes.
Banking & Financial Services
Advising financial institutions on regulatory and transactional matters.
Real Estate Law
Handling property transactions, development, and zoning issues.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Standard for corporate, litigation, and advisory work.
Alternative Fee Arrangements
May offer blended rates, flat fees, or other structures depending on the matter.
Pros
- + Long-standing firm with a strong reputation.
- + Comprehensive range of legal services.
- + Significant experience in key Iowa industries like banking and agriculture.
Cons
- - Online review profile is less extensive than some competitors.
- - Likely higher cost structure.
Verdict
"A well-regarded, full-service firm suitable for businesses, financial institutions, and individuals needing experienced counsel across many practice areas."
BrownWinick Law Firm
Visit Website →A well-established, full-service law firm with strong practices in business law, litigation, estate planning, and various industries.
Target Audience
Businesses (Startups to Large Corporations), Individuals (Estate Planning, High Net Worth), Specific Industries (Agribusiness, Energy)
Service Offerings
Business & Corporate Law
Comprehensive services including formation, M&A, contracts, and governance.
Litigation
Handling complex commercial disputes and other litigation matters.
Estate Planning & Probate
Advising individuals and families on wealth transfer and estate administration.
Employment Law
Counseling employers on labor and employment issues.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.9 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Hourly Rates
Common for business, litigation, and employment matters.
Flat Fees
May be used for specific services like estate planning or business formation.
Pros
- + Highly respected firm with deep expertise in business law.
- + Broad range of services.
- + Positive reviews highlighting expertise and efficiency, especially in business and estates.
Cons
- - May be more expensive than smaller firms.
- - Fewer reviews compared to some specialized firms.
Verdict
"A leading choice for businesses and individuals needing sophisticated legal services, particularly strong in corporate, business, and estate matters."
Wandro, Kanne, & Lalor, P.C.
Visit Website →A respected firm handling litigation, family law, personal injury, and professional matters.
Target Audience
Individuals, Professionals, Businesses involved in litigation
Service Offerings
Litigation
Representing clients in civil lawsuits and disputes.
- Commercial Litigation
- Personal Injury Litigation
Family Law
Addressing divorce, custody modifications, and related issues.
- Child Custody
- Divorce Proceedings
Professional Licensing
Assisting professionals with licensing board matters.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.6 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Varies
Likely uses hourly rates for most matters, contingency fees potentially available for personal injury.
Pros
- + Strong positive reviews highlighting attorney dedication and knowledge.
- + Expertise in litigation and family law.
- + Reportedly reasonable rates mentioned in reviews.
Cons
- - Smaller firm size compared to the largest Des Moines practices.
Verdict
"A solid choice for litigation and family law needs, particularly noted for dedicated representation and potentially favorable rates."
Law Group of Iowa - Estate Planning, Family & Business Lawyers
Visit Website →Provides legal services focused on estate planning, family law, and business law, with noted expertise in personal injury as well.
Target Audience
Individuals, Families, Small to Medium Businesses
Service Offerings
Estate Planning
Drafting wills, trusts, and other documents to manage assets.
- Wills & Trusts
- Probate Administration
- Power of Attorney
Family Law
Handling divorce, custody, and other family-related legal issues.
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Support Modifications
Business Law
Legal counsel for business formation, contracts, and operations.
Personal Injury
Representation for injury claims.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.7 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Varies
Likely utilizes flat fees for estate planning, hourly rates for family/business law, and contingency for personal injury.
Pros
- + Very high client satisfaction rating.
- + Good range of services for individuals and small businesses.
- + Responsive and communicative according to reviews.
Cons
- - May not have the depth of a larger firm for highly complex corporate matters.
Verdict
"Excellent option for individuals and families needing estate planning or family law services, also strong in business law and personal injury."
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Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC
Visit Website →Specializes primarily in personal injury and workers' compensation cases, known for excellent client communication.
Target Audience
Individuals needing personal injury representation, Workers seeking compensation claims
Service Offerings
Personal Injury Law
Representation for injuries resulting from accidents, negligence, or wrongful acts.
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Premises Liability
Workers' Compensation
Assisting employees with claims for injuries sustained at work.
Scorecard (Overall: 8.8 / 10.0)
Pricing Model
Contingency Fee
Typically charges a percentage of the settlement or award, common in personal injury cases.
Pros
- + Exceptional client reviews and perfect rating.
- + Strong focus on personal injury and workers' comp.
- + Praised for communication and professionalism.
Cons
- - Narrower range of practice areas compared to full-service firms.
Verdict
"Top choice for individuals seeking representation in personal injury or workers' compensation matters, highly regarded for client service."
Final Recommendation
Des Moines offers a diverse range of law firms, from highly specialized boutiques excelling in areas like personal injury to large, full-service firms with deep corporate and litigation capabilities. Client satisfaction varies, with smaller, specialized firms often achieving higher ratings for specific needs. Larger firms provide breadth and depth, suitable for complex business and litigation matters.