USA Law Atlas

Lawyers in Des Moines, IA

229 law firms. Choose a practice area to narrow the list.

Browse law firms in Des Moines by practice area, check each lawyer's license through Iowa's attorney records, and contact firms directly.

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Finding a lawyer in Des Moines

Des Moines is Iowa's state capital and the seat of Polk County, and civil and criminal cases from the area are generally heard in the Polk County courts. As a center for state government and the insurance industry, Des Moines's legal market includes firms with regular business and employment work alongside the usual range of family and criminal practice.

Practice areas people search for in Des Moines

  • Personal Injury lawyers in Des Moines handle car accidents and other cases involving negligence.
  • Family & Divorce lawyers work through divorce, custody and property division for Polk County residents.
  • Business lawyers work with local companies, including the area's insurance sector, on contracts and disputes.
  • Employment lawyers take on wrongful termination and workplace disputes.
  • Criminal Defense lawyers represent people facing charges in the county's courts.
  • Estate Planning & Probate lawyers help with wills, trusts and settling an estate.
  • Real Estate lawyers handle property transactions and disputes in the area.
  • DUI & DWI lawyers focus specifically on driving-under-the-influence cases.

How to choose a lawyer in Des Moines

Confirm the lawyer's license is active through Iowa's attorney licensing records, which also show any public disciplinary history. Ask about experience specifically with Polk County's courts, since local procedure can differ from other parts of the state. Get clear on billing — contingency, hourly or flat fee — and put that agreement in writing before moving forward.

Free and low-cost help

Des Moines has legal aid organizations that assist lower-income residents with civil matters such as housing, family law and public benefits, and the Iowa State Bar Association's referral service can connect you with a local attorney for a modest consultation fee. Polk County's courts publish self-help materials for small claims and similar matters people handle on their own.

For a specific case type, try a practice-specific list, such as business lawyers in Des Moines or employment lawyers in Des Moines, or browse personal injury listings more broadly.

Lawyers in Iowa

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Iowa attorney about your situation.

Updated 2026-09-28.