Dickinson Bradshaw Named a Leading Law Firm by Chambers USA 2024

Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C. has been ranked as one of the top firms in Iowa by Chambers USA in its annual survey, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024.

Chambers identifies, ranks and differentiates the best legal talent globally using an independent research method that is unmatched in accuracy, depth and quality.

The following attorneys were selected for inclusion by Chambers or were honored for the exceptional recommendations they received in their field of law. This is the first year that Attorneys Amy Plummer and Ted Craig have been recognized on the prestigious list.

Firms were ranked in a limited number of categories and were evaluated by Chambers researchers through peer review and client interviews regarding their experiences with individual attorneys and practice areas. The rankings assess key qualities, including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment.

Banking & Finance

• Howard Hagen - Star Individual

Corporate/M&A

• Amy Plummer

Labor & Employment

• Jill Jensen-Welch
• Melissa Schilling
• Russell Samson - Senior Statesperson

Litigation: General Commercial

• John Lande
• Mollie Pawlosky
• Ted Craig - Up and Coming

Real Estate

• Jeffrey Baxter
• Benjamin Bruner
   

Firm Insight & Research Findings

In their research, Chambers noted that Dickinson Bradshaw is a full-service law firm and that our experienced attorneys are the ideal choice for clients, as well as highly regarded and respected. Ranked practice areas drew the following commentary.

Corporate M&A

In the area of Corporate M&A, the research conducted by Chambers noted that Dickinson Bradshaw “is a popular choice with clients in the financial sector, including community banks. The firm advises them on acquisitions, sales and mergers.” Client comments on the M&A practice noted “a lot of confidence in its guidance and legal assistance.”

Also noted was Attorney Amy Plummer, head of the firm’s M&A corporate group, as “proficient in representing clients in sizable bank mergers and business formations.”

Banking & Finance

In the area of Banking and Finance, Chambers noted that the firm’s banking law practice and Attorney Howard Hagen (ranked as a Star Individual) are an “ideal choice for clients needing advice on sophisticated banking and finance mandates,” having advised on “a plethora of financing deals, complex regulatory issues and wider corporate law matters.”

Labor & Employment

In the Labor & Employment practice area, the Dickinson Bradshaw team was praised by Chambers for its “deep expertise in all areas of employment law,” as well as its experience providing general employment counsel and advising on union and contract-related matters. It noted the firm represents employers in a variety of disputes including discrimination claims, trade secrets and collective actions and bargaining agreements, and is “well known for its training and education services for management.”

In its research, Chambers noted via client comments that:

• Attorney Jill Jensen-Welch (ranked Band 1 in 2024, the highest possible rating) “is an incredible resource and legal mind. Her humor and attention to detail make her an excellent partner." 

• Attorney Melissa Schilling, making note of her legal experience, is “very knowledgeable.”

• Attorney Russ Samson (ranked as Senior Statesperson) is “always spot on when providing advice.”

Litigation: General Commercial

In the area of Litigation: General Commercial, Chambers noted that the Dickinson Bradshaw team “covers the spectrum of real estate and employment litigation matters,” is “experienced in handling multimillion-dollar disputes” and “has significant strength in the financial sector.” The firm was further identified for its “strength in corporate matters,” and its “expertise in representing clients in punitive damage cases,” as well as in relation to Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

In its research, Chambers noted via client comments that the litigation team has been “extremely prompt and thorough in all of their responses when needed,” and they “care about building relationships."

Further, in its research, Chambers noted from client comments that:

• Attorney Mollie Pawlosky has “broad subject matter and procedural expertise,” “critical insight to the local judges and practitioners,” and her advice “invaluable.”

• Attorney Ted Craig is an “up-and-coming practitioner in the Des Moines market,” who “leverages robust trial experience to represent clients and protect their interest in litigation proceedings.” Among the comments, the research also noted that Ted is “most compassionate,” and “able to present all viewpoints so [the client] could make well-informed decisions.”

• Attorney John Lande, reference to his legal skills, “regularly represents financial institutions and construction industry clients, and has a noteworthy focus on property assessment cases.” It further noted that his broad commercial litigation practice involves acting for clients from a wide range of sectors.

Real Estate 

In the area of Real Estate, Chambers noted that the Dickinson Bradshaw team members "provide excellent legal advice," and are "knowledgeable and able to make complex concepts simple."

In its research, Chambers noted from client comments that:

• Attorney Jeff Baxter, department co-chair who focuses his practice on real estate acquisitions, leasing matters, financing transactions, and loan and franchise agreement matters, "has excellent legal knowledge and excels by providing solutions to complex problems and negotiations."

• Attorney Ben Bruner, department co-chair who advises clients on transactions involving commercial, retail and mixed-use developments, "frequently assists with acquisitions and sale-leaseback transactions, as well as commercial leasing and private and public financing matters."

Additional Recognition – Private Wealth Law

The Dickinson Bradshaw team is also ranked by Chambers in its annual High Net Worth Guide in the area of Private Wealth Law, noting that the wills, trust, estate planning and probate law practice advises high net worth clients on a full suite of estate planning and tax matters, as well as advises on trusts and guardianships.

In its research, Chambers noted from client comments that:

•  Attorney David Repp has “particular expertise in advising high net worth clients on tax matters.” Additionally, client commentary during Chambers’ research praised him as a “very intelligent attorney.”

• Attorney Doyle Sanders is "a very collegial attorney who is very knowledgeable."

• Attorney Gregory Kenyon is "an excellent attorney." In addition client comments included that Greg is "the pre-eminent attorney on Medicaid planning. He is a top steward of the state Bar Association, regularly giving time and knowledge."