David L. Brown

David L. Brown is one of Iowa’s most accomplished trial and appellate attorneys, with more than four decades of experience representing clients in complex litigation, professional negligence, commercial tort, general liability, and appellate matters. Widely respected throughout the state for his courtroom advocacy and appellate work, he is known for delivering strategic, results-oriented representation in high-stakes civil disputes.

David has developed a statewide reputation in appellate advocacy, representing clients before Iowa’s appellate courts and providing strategic counsel on complex legal issues arising from trial proceedings. His practice is complemented by extensive experience in administrative law and high-profile civil litigation, allowing him to guide clients through every stage of the litigation process, from trial through appeal. Prior to entering private practice, he served as a law clerk to Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Edwin Moore and as an Assistant Attorney General for Iowa, experiences that helped establish the foundation for his distinguished legal career.

Throughout his career, David has earned some of the legal profession’s highest honors. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, where he has served as both President and Secretary-Treasurer. His many recognitions include the Iowa State Bar Association’s Award of Merit, the Drake University Law School Alumni of the Year Award, the “Keeper of the Flame” Award, and the American Board of Trial Advocates’ Outstanding Advocate Award. He was awarded the professionalism award for the Eighth Circuit.

From 2010 to 2013, David served as the Eighth Circuit Representative to the American Bar Association Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, a prestigious committee responsible for evaluating nominees to the federal district courts, United States Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He continues to assist with the evaluation of candidates for federal judicial appointments throughout the United States.

David earned his J.D., with honors and Order of the Coif distinction (Honorary), from Drake University Law School in 1975. He also holds an M.A. from Michigan State University and a B.A. from Lawrence University. He is admitted to practice in Iowa, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.