A Q&A on the Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C. Combination
Posted on 12/08/2023 at 11:57 AM by The Newsroom
The Dickinson and Bradshaw law firms have announced plans to merge effective January 1, 2024. Below are some common questions and answers that you may have regarding the combination.
Q: What is the firm’s new name?
A: Dickinson Bradshaw. Full name: Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.
Q. Why are you merging?
A: Our firms are stronger together and complement each other well. Both firms have long histories and are two solidly-based Iowa firms with a shared dedication to the state of Iowa and serving Iowa clients. Our clients will benefit from increased areas of expertise, allowing Dickinson Bradshaw to be a "one stop shop" in ways that neither firm could be alone.
With nearly 60 lawyers, Dickinson Bradshaw will have one of the largest Iowa-based teams of attorneys practicing in more than 90 areas of law, which includes bringing together two of the strongest litigation practices in the state.
Starting January 1st, you can find a complete listing of practice areas and our team of attorneys on our new website at: www.dickinsonbradshaw.com.
Q: When will be the first day of operation of the merged firm?
A: January 1, 2024.
Q: Where will you be located?
A: As the result of the merger, the Dickinson attorneys will be moving their offices to the Bradshaw offices located on the 36th and 37th floors of 801 Grand. However, that transition may take some time. Thus, starting January 1st, for any in-person meetings, the Dickinson attorneys will confirm with you where the meeting will take place prior to the agreed-upon date. Starting January 1st, directions to 801 Grand will be available on our new website at: www.dickinsonbradshaw.com.
Q: Who will lead the new firm?
A: Dickinson Bradshaw will have a six-member board of directors with three former Dickinson shareholders and three former Bradshaw shareholders.
Q: Will I have a new point of contact?
A: No. Your attorney-client relationship remains the same.
Q: Will I still work with the same attorney(s)?
A: Rest assured you will still receive the same high level of service from the attorney(s) you’ve worked with in the past on any current or future matters. However, we now have access to additional attorneys with expertise in complementary areas of law that we can consult and collaborate with, should you ever encounter a matter where we can further assist you.
Q: Are there operational changes that will impact me?
A: It is a high priority for all of our attorneys that our clients experience a smooth transition with this merger. Of course, we welcome any feedback you have regarding the transition.
Q: What additional areas of law will be offered?
While enhancing our existing practice areas, Dickinson Bradshaw will now have a team of attorneys practicing in more than 90 areas of law, which includes bringing together two of the toughest litigation practices in Iowa.
New areas will include:
- An expanded Insurance and Insurance Defense practice
- Workers’ Compensation (to complement our robust Employment & Labor practice)
- Personal Injury
- White Collar Criminal Defense
- An expanded Elder Law practice
- Eminent Domain
- Product Liability
- Professional Liability
- Transportation Law
- and more.
Starting January 1st, you can visit our new website at www.dickinsonbradshaw.com to see a complete list of attorneys and practice areas.
Q: How will billing work?
A: You will continue to receive your bill as you did before the merger. Payment options will also remain the same: starting January 1st, you can pay with a check via U.S. mail, or you can make a secure, online payment through our new website at www.dickinsonbradshaw.com. Navigate to the bottom of the page to make a payment.
If you have any questions regarding billing prior to January 1st, you can contact us through our website, or call us any time at 515-243-4191.
Q. Will the firm’s billable rates increase?
A: Both firms historically raise rates in or around January of each year. Other than rate adjustments done in the normal course of business, the merger will not result in increased rates to our clients. Both firms are committed to providing the same high level of expertise to clients at competitive rates.
Q: Where do I park when I visit 801 Grand?
A: Free visitor parking is available for our clients and visitors in the parking ramp located at 901 Grand Avenue. You will enter the garage on 9th Street. Once you arrive, press the security call button to announce your arrival and who you will be meeting with. Security will then buzz you in, and you will find guest parking spaces just as you enter the garage.
Additional, paid parking is available at the 9th & Locust parking ramp, which is conveniently connected to our building by skywalk.
Paid metered parking is also available on the streets surrounding our building. Many of the metered spaces are available only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Q: How do I gain access to 801 Grand and the office?
A: Upon your arrival at our building, you will need to check in at the security desk, located just inside the High Street entrance, to obtain a security badge. From there, you can scan your badge to gain access to the elevator bank. Our receptionist is located on the 37th floor.
Q: Will the Pella office remain open?
A. Yes. Our Pella office is located at 713 East First Street, Suite 2, in Pella. You can contact the office at 641-204-0418. Directions to the office are available here, or on our new website starting January 1st at: www.dickinsonbradshaw.com.
Q: Are there any new resources available as a result of the merger?
A. Yes. If you haven’t come across it in the past, the firm has an active blog that covers a variety of the latest legal information, including banking law, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, cybersecurity, education law, employment & labor, family law, intellectual property, and tax law. Starting January 1st, you can subscribe to be notified when new blogs, firm news and events are published via email on our new website at: www.dickinsonbradshaw.com.
Q: Will you still have your annual seminars?
A: Yes! We are already planning our annual Employment Law and Banking Law seminars for 2024, and we will continue to hold webinars and other exciting in-person events in the future. You can subscribe to be notified of all our exciting upcoming events via email on our website, starting January 1st at: www.dickinsonbradshaw.com.
Q: Will the firm remain as a member of the Law Firm Alliance (LFA)?
A: Yes. We will continue to serve clients globally through our membership in the LFA. The LFA allows us to collaborate and share knowledge, experience and jurisdictional expertise that benefit our clients with other member firms across the U.S. and the globe.
Q: Are you continuing the Iowa Artists of Display program?
A: Yes. Our successful art program will continue at Dickinson Bradshaw. Now in its 10th year, we want the program to remain an exciting part of the vibrant Des Moines art scene. Artists are selected for the program to display their work at our office at 801 Grand through the annual program. Applications and more information can found on this website here, or starting January 1st, applications for the program can be found on our new website at: www.dickinsonbradshaw.com.
Questions, Contact us today.
The material, whether written or oral (including videos) that is posted on the various blogs of Dickinson Bradshaw is not intended, nor should it be construed or relied upon, as legal advice. The opinions expressed in the various blog posting are those of the individual author, they may not reflect the opinions of the firm. Your use of the Dickinson Bradshaw blog postings does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C. or any of its attorneys. If specific legal information is needed, please retain and consult with an attorney of your own selection.
