Thomas J. "Tom" Houser
About Thomas J. Houser
Thomas J. Houser is a lawyer based in West Des Moines, IA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2007. Thomas J. Houser is recognized in the following practice areas:
- West Des Moines, Iowa
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Dentons Davis Brown
Education: The University of Iowa, J.D., graduated 1989 and University of St. Thomas (St. Paul), BA, graduated 1986
Location: West Des Moines, IA
Nearby Lawyers
Jeffrey Kappelman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care. Jeffrey, who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
D. Brian Scieszinski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. D. Brian, who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which D. Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ron Mountsier is engaged in a general practice including but not limited to taxation, business law, corporate law, wills, trusts, estate planning and probate law. He advises clients on a wide range of taxation topics and represents many clients in tax audits, appeals and litigation, and collection matters. He also advises clients in general business and corporate law matters, as well as in estate planning and probate matters.
Krystle L. Campa is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Real Estate Law. Krystle L., who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Krystle L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Guy R. Cook is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Guy R., who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Guy R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Erik Bergeland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care, Litigation - Insurance and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Erik, who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erik is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Board-certified in both Business and Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification, with practice devoted primarily to the representation of debtors, creditors, committees and trustees in bankruptcy and reorganization cases. Practice devoted primarily to Bankruptcy Law.
Steven M. Augspurger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Steven M., who practices law in Des Moines, Iowa, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Regular Speaker and Presenter for Continuing Legal Education on Estates, Trusts, Elder Law, Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning; Faculty for Iowa State Bar Association Bar Review Course On Probate, Estates and Trusts from 2000-Present Adjunct Professor Des Moines Area Community College Legal Assistant Program 1982-1984 Trust officer and bank counsel 1978-1980 Member, Iowa State Bar Association Section on: Probate
Jack is an elected member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. For more than 35 years his practice has focused on the defense of hundreds of civil cases in areas including: product liability, automobile liability, wrongful death, aircraft crash liability, defamation, premises liability, professional liability, drug and device liability, employment law, commercial liability and trustee and fiduciary liability. This exposure has resulted in more than 100 civil jury trials throughout the St...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.