Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, serves as a key business hub in the Midwest, known for its strong economy across various sectors, including finance, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The city’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure have made it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish regional headquarters or expand their operations. Legal professionals in Des Moines can find a range of opportunities, from corporate and compliance roles to positions focused on healthcare, real estate, and more. The presence of diverse industries supports a thriving job market, making it an appealing city for career growth.
Biggest Law Firms in San Jose
- Dentons Davis Brown: Founded in 1929, Dentons Davis Brown is a well-established full-service law firm known for its extensive practice areas, ranging from corporate law and real estate to healthcare and immigration. With more than 75 attorneys, it merged with Dentons in 2021, enhancing its global reach. The firm has been consistently recognized for its commitment to diversity, leadership in community engagement, and maintaining a nearly equal balance of male and female lawyers in leadership roles.
- Nyemaster Goode, P.C.: Nyemaster Goode is the largest law firm in Iowa, with offices in Des Moines, Ames, and Cedar Rapids. It offers a broad spectrum of services, including corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, and employment law. The firm is known for its deep bench of experienced attorneys, many of whom have been recognized in Best Lawyers and Chambers USA for their expertise across various legal disciplines.
- Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.: Recently formed from the merger of Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen, and Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, this firm represents a combination of two well-established legal entities. The merged firm provides comprehensive legal services, particularly in banking, corporate transactions, and litigation, solidifying its role as a trusted advisor in the financial sector.
- Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave, P.C.: Before its merger, Bradshaw, Fowler was known for its expertise in corporate law, bankruptcy, and insurance defense. Founded in 1917, it had a long-standing reputation for its reliable counsel to local businesses and community banks, and its integration with Dickinson continues that legacy.
- Parrish Kruidenier Law Firm: Parrish Kruidenier is well-regarded for its litigation strength, particularly in criminal defense, personal injury, and employment law. The firm has built a reputation for taking on complex cases and advocating passionately for its clients, earning respect across Iowa for its commitment to client service and legal excellence.
- Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.: Established in 1887, Ahlers & Cooney focuses on providing legal services to public entities, including educational institutions and municipalities, as well as private businesses. The firm is known for its expertise in employment law, education law, and litigation, making it a key player in representing Iowa’s public sector clients.
- Whitfield & Eddy, P.L.C.: Whitfield & Eddy is a full-service firm with practice areas that include business law, litigation, and estate planning. The firm has been recognized for its strong corporate practice and dedication to providing comprehensive legal solutions to local and regional businesses.
- Belin McCormick, P.C.: Founded in 1978, Belin McCormick has established itself as a prominent firm in Des Moines, focusing on business law, real estate, tax, and estate planning. The firm is known for its sophisticated legal work and has been recognized for handling complex business transactions and litigation matters across the state.
- BrownWinick Law Firm: BrownWinick specializes in a range of practice areas, including business and corporate law, intellectual property, and health care. With a history of over 60 years, the firm is known for its strategic advice to both startups and established companies, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
- Duncan, Green, Brown & Langeness, P.C.: Duncan Green provides comprehensive legal services in real estate, litigation, and business law. The firm is known for its deep understanding of Iowa’s regulatory landscape, assisting clients from private individuals to Fortune 500 companies. It is particularly strong in real estate development and municipal law, advising on projects throughout Des Moines and beyond.
Des Moines
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: Atticus Recruiting Inc.
Atticus Recruiting is a legal recruitment agency specializing in placing highly skilled and exceptionally well credentialed attorneys at top-tier law firms and coveted in-house positions across the Midwest.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal position with some of the largest companies in Des Moines can be competitive, and working with a legal recruiter can help navigate this process. Recruiters have insights into the local market and can match candidates with opportunities that align with their skills and career goals. Below are some of the biggest companies employing lawyers in Des Moines:
- Principal Financial Group: Founded in 1879, Principal is one of the largest financial services firms in the U.S., with a focus on retirement, insurance, and investment management. Headquartered in Des Moines, the company employs over 17,000 people globally. Its legal team deals with issues ranging from regulatory compliance to mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and intellectual property. Principal’s prominent role in the financial sector requires a robust legal team to navigate complex industry regulations.
- Wells Fargo: With a major presence in Des Moines, Wells Fargo is one of the largest banking and financial services companies in the world. Founded in 1852, it employs approximately 240,000 people worldwide. The legal department at Wells Fargo handles a wide range of issues, including corporate governance, compliance, litigation, and financial regulations. The company’s substantial operations in Des Moines make it a significant employer of legal professionals in the area, especially those with expertise in banking law and compliance.
- Hy-Vee, Inc.: Hy-Vee is a leading grocery chain headquartered in West Des Moines, with over 93,000 employees across eight states. Founded in 1930, the company requires legal expertise in areas like real estate, labor and employment law, and corporate compliance. Hy-Vee’s ongoing expansion and investment in new business ventures, such as health and wellness services, create diverse legal challenges, making it a key employer for in-house counsel roles.
- UnityPoint Health: As one of the largest healthcare systems in Iowa, UnityPoint Health is a major employer of legal professionals specializing in healthcare law, compliance, and risk management. The organization was formed in 1993 and has grown to employ more than 30,000 people across its network of hospitals and clinics. UnityPoint Health’s legal team addresses issues related to patient privacy, medical malpractice, and corporate transactions within the healthcare sector.
- Meredith Corporation: Founded in 1902, Meredith Corporation is a media and marketing company based in Des Moines. Known for its publishing arm, which includes iconic brands like Better Homes & Gardens, the company also operates in digital media and marketing services. The legal team at Meredith handles intellectual property, contract negotiations, and media law, particularly around content licensing and digital advertising. The acquisition by IAC in 2021 expanded its reach, requiring sophisticated legal management.
- EMC Insurance Companies: Headquartered in Des Moines since 1911, EMC Insurance is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products. Employing over 2,200 people, the company’s legal department manages issues related to insurance regulations, claims disputes, corporate governance, and litigation. EMC’s role in the insurance sector means its legal team frequently engages with compliance and risk management to adapt to changing industry standards.
- Nationwide Insurance: Nationwide maintains a significant presence in Des Moines, with legal professionals supporting the company’s extensive insurance and financial services. The company was founded in 1926 and has grown to include over 25,000 employees nationwide. Its legal team handles compliance with state and federal regulations, corporate law, and litigation, especially in matters involving claims and policyholder disputes. Nationwide’s operations in Des Moines make it a notable employer for legal professionals with a background in insurance law.
- Kemin Industries: Kemin is a global ingredient manufacturer based in Des Moines, specializing in products for the food, health, and animal nutrition industries. Founded in 1961, the company has more than 2,800 employees worldwide. Legal professionals at Kemin work on intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and environmental law. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product lines, it requires a strong legal team to manage patent portfolios and compliance with global regulations.
- FBL Financial Group, Inc.: Founded in 1939, FBL Financial Group provides life insurance and annuity products, operating primarily under the Farm Bureau Financial Services brand. Based in West Des Moines, the company employs a legal team that handles compliance, insurance regulations, and corporate transactions. The company’s operations are deeply integrated with agricultural communities, and its legal department plays a key role in ensuring compliance and managing legal risks.
- Bankers Trust: Founded in 1917, Bankers Trust is the largest privately-owned bank in Iowa, headquartered in Des Moines. The bank employs legal professionals who focus on banking regulations, real estate transactions, and commercial lending. With a strong regional presence, Bankers Trust provides legal counsel across its services, including wealth management, personal banking, and business services. Legal expertise in areas like contract law and compliance is essential for supporting the bank’s diverse operations.