J. Michael Deege

Eric Hoch is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Construction Law and Insurance Law. Eric practices law in Des Moines, Iowa Best Lawyers has recognized Eric Hoch since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Eric Hoch is held by other lawyers.

David practices primarily in the area of taxation. He provides a broad range of tax counsel to small businesses on topics including federal and state income tax planning, taxation of employee benefits, equity structure and mergers, and succession planning. He also counsels and advises clients with respect to the management of their wealth to minimize estate and inheritance taxes through the use of asset protection trusts, grantor trusts, powers of appointment, lifetime gifts, QTIP trusts and ...

Sean started his career in private practice with the Bradshaw Law Firm in 1996. Prior to joining Bradshaw, he clerked for Justice David Harris of the Iowa Supreme Court. Sean has also served as an adjunct professor in Drake University's Undergraduate and MBA programs lecturing on business law. Sean’s practice focuses on consulting with insurers on all aspects of catastrophic property loss claims. He advises clients on first party and third party coverage issues. He also defends insureds...

Melissa Schilling represents public and private sector employers in labor and employment matters. In that role, she has successfully represented clients in state and federal cases involving a broad range of labor and employment laws, including Title VII, the American with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Melissa also has extensive experience investigating and handling matters filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and related...

Justin LaVan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Justin practices law in Des Moines, Iowa Best Lawyers has recognized Justin LaVan since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Justin LaVan is held by other lawyers.

Christine Bestor Townsend is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Christine practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Best Lawyers has recognized Christine Bestor Townsend since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christine Bestor Townsend is held by oth...

Cody leads Dickinson Law’s state and local tax practice and focuses on sales, use, and property tax controversy and litigation, multistate taxation , and general sales and use tax counseling. Cody has successfully represented before Departments of Revenue taxpayers of all sizes in industries including construction, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, technology, and agriculture. Mr. Edwards takes a creative approach to the practice of law, which includes utilizing the tools provide...

Matthew R. Phillips is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance and Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Matthew R. practices law in Des Moines, Iowa Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew R. Phillips since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Matthew R. Phillips is held by other lawyers.

Jeffrey Kappelman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Health Care. Jeffrey practices law in Des Moines, Iowa Best Lawyers has recognized Jeffrey Kappelman since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jeffrey Kappelman is held by other lawyers.

Kevin is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Fellow in the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. Kevin has been listed in the Best Lawyers of America since 2008 and Chamber's USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business since 2006. He was named "Des Moines Construction Lawyer of the Year" in 2015 and 2017 by Best Lawyers of America.Kevin maintains a trial practice in the area of professional negligence, in the defense of physicians, attorneys, architects and engineers, as well as ...