2. at davis brown, we are committed to providing
excellent advice, service and representation.
Founded in 1929, Davis, Brown, Our West Des Moines office allows
Koehn, Shors & Roberts, P provides
.C., us to provide service from a second
comprehensive legal services to clients convenient location in the suburbs.
ranging from private individuals to
Fortune 500 corporations. Our firm is comprised of outstanding
attorneys and continues to attract
Our firm is based in Des Moines, Iowa, seasoned attorneys and top graduates
the state’s economic and political capital. from nationally ranked law schools. Our
The city is a hub of local, regional, lawyers have demonstrated excellence,
national, and international operations plus the integrity and motivation to
for the insurance, agriculture, bio- become respected members of the
technology, finance, real estate, firm and community. With a passion
and technology industries. for the law and dedication to clients,
our attorneys have been recognized
We renewed our long-standing commit- by Martindale–Hubbell, Best Lawyers
ment to downtown Des Moines when in America, Chambers USA, and Iowa
we agreed to be the anchor tenant of Super Lawyers.
the award-winning, 13-story Davis
Brown Tower (pictured on the right).
about
5. since 1929, our firm has been a pillar of the greater
des moines community. the following have been
established as our core values:
Ethics: Uncompromising personal Collaborative: Davis Brown is an
and professional ethics guide our actions employer of choice in the Iowa legal
and decisions. community. From mentoring relationships
between associates and shareholders,
Excellence: We set high standards for our to progressive firm leadership and
attorneys. They are respected advisors civic involvement, collaboration is
and counselors as recognized through the key to success.
peer review in the legal community.
Diverse: We believe in an inclusive
Knowledgeable: Our attorneys have the workplace that reflects the vibrance
strength of their education, experience of our community and strengthens
and collective knowledge to provide the our understanding and respect of
advice and counsel clients seek. diverse backgrounds.
Forward Looking: We have the foresight Progressive: We continue to invest in
to make decisions that impact business training, technology, and service to
today and lay the groundwork for a support the primary function of the
solid future for our clients. firm: delivering excellent legal services.
VISION
6. the davis brown law firm provides a continuum
of legal services to develop the best solution
for your legal issues.
The defined business and litigation Our firm is proud to have a reputation
structure gives our attorneys an internal for encouraging tenure. Collegial,
network to better represent the needs lasting relationships are the basis
of our clients. The collaboration of our of our strong teams and consistent
team leads to the implementation of high-quality legal work.
legal strategy created to fit each client’s
specific requirements. A collegial work environment
allows attorneys to work together
Over the past 80 plus years, Davis Brown and develop the best solution for
has been built on a commitment to pro- legal issues. While individual attorneys
viding the finest client service available. can bring a specific expertise to the
Our attorneys and staff—the backbone table, a team approach can analyze the
of the organization—deliver on this situation from different perspectives.
promise each day. We define and achieve
the team’s commitment through our
Exceptional Client Service approach.
exceptional
9. davis brown is invested in the local community.
we are active in numerous organizations, programs
and charitable causes.
Giving back to the community and “For the public good” is the objective
making Iowa a better place to live is of Davis Brown’s Pro Bono efforts. As
our goal as leaders of boards and civic community service is a cornerstone of
organizations including: the Greater our firm, attorneys provide their skills
Des Moines Partnership; Greater to those who cannot afford them. For
Des Moines Leadership Institute; Polk example, we assist the Polk County Bar
County Bar Association; Iowa State Association Volunteer Lawyers Project
Bar Association; Des Moines Public and educational partnership efforts
Library Foundation; and many more. through the Drake Legal Clinic.
A. Arthur Davis (1928–1997), a Davis Brown has been recognized
name partner of the firm, was Mayor as one of Des Moines’ Best Places to
of Des Moines, President of the Work by employees and the Des Moines
Des Moines School Board, President Business Record. This is possible through
of what is now the Greater Des Moines our commitment to support a balanced
Partnership, and helped establish the life. We have chosen to develop a work-
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. place that fosters professional success
Our lawyers continue this commitment. and supports individuals and families.
John D. Shors served as President of the
Iowa State Bar Association, Frank J.
Carroll was Vice-President of the Iowa
State Bar Association, and Scott M.
Brennan was President of the Polk
County Bar Association.
ACTION
10. robust representation and cost-conscious solutions
satisfy client requirements.
“Strong, responsive and well connected,” and industries including biotechnology,
is how a client described our firm in manufacturing, telecommunications,
Chambers USA. Whether personal and information technology and work
matters or business issues, we have the in cutting edge areas such as Iowa Film
requisite experience and resources to Credits, New Market Tax Credits, carbon
provide solid, strategic legal advice. credits, and wind farms. We also represent
emerging businesses, entrepreneurs, and
The strength of our Business Division is its venture capital funds.
collaborative nature, shared knowledge,
and consultation with practitioners of We are respected for our diligence and
diverse areas of law. Our outlook is thoughtful approach to the law and client
progressive as we seek solutions for relationships. We respond to client needs,
today while planning for tomorrow. even if it requires attention day and night
to see a matter to completion. As a
The complexity of commercial transac- measure of effectiveness, our cost-
tions create the need for a law firm that conscious solutions enable us to provide
can be detail-oriented, proactive and robust representation while satisfying
responsive to the challenges of unique bottom-line client requirements.
engagements. As no two matters are the
same, your legal team needs to have the Our trust and estate department
experience to understand the situation reviews individual, family, and business
and ability to create and execute strategy. needs and establishes strategies to meet
In addition to traditional practice areas, goals throughout the many stages of
we also work with specific areas life including succession plans.
business
business
11. Personality and compatibility are among We believe regular communication is Comprehensive understanding of your
relationships
the most important criteria for developing important in legal matters. Communication legal matter is of paramount importance
a relationship with an attorney. The Davis through appropriate media must be and creates a pathway to a solution.
Brown Law Firm is a recognized leader accurate, prompt and fair as legal matters
in the state when it comes to relationship progress. Care, courtesy and respect are Your attorney team has the knowledge,
building. When confidentiality and loyalty understood deliverables from your legal experience and professionalism to navigate
are mutually established, the relationship team including attorneys, paralegals the legal system and explain strategy and
will succeed. and administrative assistants. goals in reference to the engagement.
ATTAIN
DIVISION
12. Davis Brown litigators are distinguished Our earnest, hard-working attorneys experience to arrive at the most effective
our team approach
by a team approach. The comprehensive are trained and ready to go to trial, a strategy. Extensive collaboration creates a
understanding of the client, the matter, distinguishing trait that not all lawyers sound tactical plan to complement accurate
and the court system provide a global possess. Of equal importance is our and concise advice.
view of the opportunities and outcomes. extensive knowledge of the state and
The depth of litigation experience and federal court system to review strengths, Our attorney tenure is a valuable asset
effective bench strength shared among weaknesses, opportunities and threats to clients as it provides institutional
our talented attorneys create the in regard to legal matters. knowledge about your organization and
team approach necessary in today’s the basis for a strong relationship. Equally
court system. We take client disputes and cases important is our ability to represent clients
seriously and use our wealth of litigation from start to finish.
INSIGHT litigation
13. davis brown litigators develop strategies
to achieve your goals.
Our trial-experienced attorneys can Our litigation team approaches each
advise you every step of the way. We engagement with the singular goal of
provide a multifaceted representation best serving the client’s particular short-
that has earned us a place as one of the and long-term interests. In short, we
premier law firms in Des Moines and do not embark on a “cookie-cutter
the state of Iowa. approach” to litigation problems.
We represent clients in everything from Our litigation team is known not only
simple contract disputes to employment for the skill to engage in wide-ranging
and discrimination cases to highly discovery, but also for its ability to prepare
complex civil litigation. As a trusted effectively for and try cases. We are
go-to firm, we have a long and distin- familiar with the state and federal courts
guished history in all types of litigation and have been recognized by Martindale–
matters before administrative agencies, Hubbell, Chambers USA, Best Lawyers
the state and federal courts in Iowa. of America, and Iowa Super Lawyers
We have been involved in most types as leaders. In Chambers USA, a client
of major civil litigation matters in our stated Davis Brown litigators are
state—traditionally taking the lead role “enjoyable to work with and reach
to provide expert advice and tactics. timely resolutions.” We “create strategies
to resolve potential issues and achieve
business goals.”
DIVISION
14. the davis brown law firm is the exclusive iowa
member of lex mundi, the world’s leading association
of independent law firms.
Comprised of more than 160 member The foundation of Lex Mundi is in the
firms, Lex Mundi (“Law of the World”) is quality of the individual member firms,
the Mark of Excellence for legal services which are regularly reviewed. Member
globally. Business owners, advisors and selection criteria are very stringent, and
corporations worldwide turn to Lex Mundi members are among the preeminent
member firms for outstanding expertise and law firms in their jurisdictions. While
exceptional services. Corporate counsel, remaining independent, each member
local, national, and international clients of firm is committed to uniform service
Davis Brown can take advantage of these standards that provide clients with
strategic relationships. consistency and confidence, and each
shares a remarkable dedication to
The largest association of law firms in the client service.
world with more than 20,000 lawyers in
560 offices and more than 100 countries, Clients of Lex Mundi member firms are
Lex Mundi member firms provide repre- the ultimate beneficiaries of the world-
sentation and local market knowledge wide reach and access to exceptional
virtually anywhere needs may arise. Our global legal expertise. Working together,
firm’s membership in Lex Mundi provides Lex Mundi member firms are able to
us with global reach and access to provide cost-effective solutions for
resources that enhance our ability to clients around the world.
serve clients’ needs around the world.
lex
16. sharing knowledge
Educational Programming: Davis Brown Public Speaking: Davis Brown attorneys Publications: Davis Brown disseminates
hosts seminars for clients on a wide variety are in demand for public presentations a great deal of information into the public
of topics, including Business Law, Health throughout the year locally, regionally domain each year to provide insight and
Law and Employment and Labor Law. and nationally. In a clear and informative commentary on breaking issues. Visit our
These events provide a forum for clients manner, we provide practical knowledge, website, www.davisbrownlaw.com, for
to stay updated on issues of relevance expertise and legal examples in our areas the latest news and information.
to their business. of practice on issues in the spotlight.
INSPIRE independent
17. whether you’re an individual or corporate counsel,
the following independent rankings demonstrate
our ability, knowledge, experience, and most
importantly, respect.
Davis Brown attorneys have been Best Lawyers in America: Best Lawyers is
recognized by readers of the Des Moines the oldest peer-review publication in the
Business Record as Best Law Firm in legal profession. For a quarter century,
Des Moines repeatedly since 1997. this publication has helped lawyers and
This drives us to continually improve clients find legal counsel in unfamiliar
and provide Exceptional Client Service. jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties
based on its peer review system.
Our attorneys are regularly reviewed
by their peers and consistently earn Martindale–Hubbell: With a history
high recognition. Thousands of in-depth spanning 140 years, the Martindale–
interviews with attorneys across the Hubbell Legal Network is powered by
nation are the basis for these evaluations a database of over one million lawyers
of successful legal practice. We are and law firms in over 160 countries.
E
proud of our leaders and their commit- An AV certification is a significant rating
ment to excellence. See our website for accomplishment because a lawyer’s peers
individually recognized attorneys and rank him or her at the highest level of
practice areas. professional excellence.
Chambers USA: Based in London, Iowa Super Lawyers: This is a listing
Chambers USA covers all the major of outstanding lawyers from more than
national practice areas, as well as the 60 practice areas who have attained
key specializations within each state. a high degree of peer recognition for their
professional achievement. Attorneys
listed are within the top 5% of practice
RANKINGS
in the state.
18. areas of practice
Administrative Law • Employment Law Litigation
Agribusiness and Cooperatives • Labor Law
Banking Law and Financial Institutions Litigation
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights
• Appeals
Business Organizations and Transactions • Business Torts
• Mergers and Acquisitions • Commercial and Business Litigation
• Corporate Governance • Family Law
• Formation • Insurance Coverage
• Securities • Product Liability Defense
• Non-Profits and Charities • Real Estate
Commercial Law Privacy and Information Security
Communications, Media, Advertising, Public Law and Financing
and Entertainment
Public Utilities
Construction Law
• Energy
• Construction Contracts
• Telecommunications
• Construction Litigation
Real Estate
Education
• Transactions
Emerging Growth and Venture Capital • Planning, Development
• Entrepreneurs and Management
• Private Equity Tax
• Investment Funds • Federal, State and Local Taxation
Employee Benefits, Executive • International Taxation of Inbound and
Compensation, Pensions, Profit Outbound Individuals and Businesses
Sharing, and ERISA • Estate, Trust and Gift Taxation
Environmental Law / “Green” Law • Real Estate Tax and Protest Litigation
• Federal and State Income Tax
Franchise and Distribution
Controversies and Litigation
Health Care and Professional Licensure • Tax-Exempt Organizations
Immigration Tax Credits and Economic Development
Insurance Regulation Trade Associations
Intellectual Property Trusts and Estates
• Patent, Trademark and • Agribusiness Planning
Copyright Prosecution • Business Succession Planning
• Intellectual Property Litigation • Estate Planning
• Licensing • Estate and Trust Administration
• Internet and e-Commerce • Estate and Trust Litigation
International Transactions • Retirement Plan Distributions
Labor and Employment • Transfer Tax Planning
• Employee Benefits
• Employment Law Counseling
core
20. DAVIS
DAVIS BROWN KOEHN SHORS & ROBERTS P.C.
PHONE 515.288.2500 FIRM FAX 515.243.0654 WEB WWW.DAVISBROWNLAW.COM
the determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely
important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed
expertise. this disclosure is required by rule of the iowa supreme court.
THE DAVIS BROWN TOWER
215 10TH STREET, STE 1300
DES MOINES, IA 50309
THE HIGHLAND BUILDING
4201 WESTOWN PKWY, STE 300
WEST DES MOINES, IA 50266
