Dickinson Bradshaw Named a Leading Law Firm for 2025 by Chambers USA

Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C. has been ranked as one of the top firms in Iowa by Chambers USA in its annual survey, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2025.

Chambers identifies, ranks and differentiates the best legal talent globally using an independent research method that is unmatched in accuracy, depth and quality.

Firms and attorneys are ranked in a limited number of categories in a tiered system from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest) and were evaluated by Chambers researchers through peer review and client interviews regarding their experiences with individual attorneys and practice areas. The rankings assess key qualities, including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence and commitment. Being ranked in any band is a significant achievement, showing that a ranked firm or attorney has stood out in the most rigorous, independent and in-depth research process in the legal market.

The following attorneys were selected for inclusion by Chambers for the exceptional recommendations they received in their field of law.

Banking & Finance

• Howard Hagen - Star Individual

Corporate/M&A

• Amy Plummer
• Howard Hagen

Labor & Employment

• Jill Jensen-Welch
• Melissa Schilling
• Russell Samson - Senior Statesperson

Litigation: General Commercial

• John Lande
• Mollie Pawlosky
• Ted Craig

Real Estate

• Jeffrey Baxter
• Benjamin Bruner
   

Firm Insight & Research Findings

In their research, Chambers noted that Dickinson Bradshaw is a full-service law firm and that our experienced attorneys are the ideal choice for clients, as well as highly regarded and respected. Ranked practice areas drew the following commentary.

Corporate M&A

In the area of Corporate M&A, the research conducted by Chambers ranked Dickinson Bradshaw as Band 2, and noted that the M&A team “is a popular choice with clients in the financial sector, including community banks,” advising entities on acquisitions, sales and mergers. Research comments on the M&A practice noted the team does “a great job of researching topics and getting the right people in the room,” and having a “very commonsense approach to all matters, including those that are novel or complex.”

Attorney Amy Plummer, head of the firm’s M&A corporate group, was noted as “proficient in representing clients in sizable bank mergers and business formations,” and “always very helpful and professional.”

Attorney Howard Hagen was noted for his “strong corporate practice, with particular focus on the banking sphere.”

Banking & Finance

In the area of Banking and Finance, Chambers noted that the firm’s banking law practice and Attorney Howard Hagen (ranked as a Star Individual) are an “ideal choice for clients needing advice on sophisticated banking and finance mandates,” having advised on “a plethora of financing deals, complex regulatory issues and wider corporate law matters.” Further, it noted via client comments that Howard is a “strong attorney and very well regarded in the market.”

Labor & Employment

In the Labor & Employment practice area, the Dickinson Bradshaw team was ranked Band 2 and was noted for its work representing employers in a variety of disputes including discrimination claims, trade secrets and collective actions and bargaining agreements. The team was praised by Chambers for its “expertise in employment law,” and being “easy to work with.”

Research comments provided by clients also noted the team’s “knowledge of personnel law and municipal law is impressive and when laws or rules change they contact you to identify what you need to change to adapt.”

In its research, Chambers also noted via client comments that:

• Attorney Jill Jensen-Welch (individually ranked Band 1 since 2024, the highest possible rating) “is a pro and very easy to work with. We always trust her feedback and input.”
• Attorney Melissa Schilling handles “a wide range of labor and employment matters, representing clients in litigation and providing them with ongoing advice. She has experience advising on cases involving alleged discrimination, harassment and trade secrets.”
• Attorney Russ Samson (ranked as Senior Statesperson) has a “multifaceted practice which covers discrimination and wrongful discharge claims as well as matters relating to unfair labor practices.”

Litigation: General Commercial

In the area of Litigation: General Commercial, Chambers ranked the firm Band 2 and noted that the Dickinson Bradshaw team “has a solid practice with a respected bench,” and “notable insurance capabilities.” The litigation team was further praised for its “experience in handling complex litigation cases for municipalities,” as well as its “expertise including construction and property-related matters,” and commented the team is “particularly noted for its insurance defense work.”

Further, Chambers noted from client comments that:

• Attorney Mollie Pawlosky was noted for her “skillful representation of various financial institutions and construction companies in matters pertaining to breaches of fiduciary duty and noncompete issues.” She also “regularly represents clients from the insurance, construction, energy and banking sectors.”
• Attorney Ted Craig, ranked an for the first time as an “up-and-comer” in 2024, was praised for “leveraging his robust trial experience to represent clients and protect their interest in litigation proceedings.” Among the comments, the research also noted that Ted is “a credit to the bar and business community.”
• Attorney John Lande, in reference to his legal skills, “regularly represents financial institutions and construction industry clients, and has a noteworthy focus on property assessment cases.” It further noted that his broad commercial litigation practice involves “acting for clients from a wide range of sectors.”

Real Estate 

In the area of Real Estate, Chambers ranked the firm Band 3 and noted that the Dickinson Bradshaw team has a “dedicated team handling a range of real estate issues including land and environmental matters.” Further, it noted that it provides legal defense services for real estate brokers and agents as well as handling real estate assessment cases.

Research comments also praised the team for “maintaining a prominent presence” in the agricultural sectors and noted it regularly assists clients with the leasing aspects of real estate transactions, and handles residential transactions, land use and planning issues.

In its research, Chambers noted from client comments that:

• Attorney Jeff Baxter is a noted practitioner who “co-chairs the firm's real estate department and focuses his practice on real estate acquisitions, leasing matters and financing transactions.” If further commented that he “handles loan and franchise agreement matters.”
•  Attorney Ben Bruner, also a noted team member, “serves as co-chair of the firm's real estate group and advises clients on transactions involving commercial, retail and mixed-use developments.” He also “frequently assists with acquisitions and sale-leaseback transactions, as well as commercial leasing and private and public financing matters.”

Additional Recognition – Private Wealth Law

The Dickinson Bradshaw team is also ranked by Chambers in its annual High Net Worth Guide in the area of Private Wealth Law, including Attorneys David Repp and Greg Kenyon.

The Guide notes that the Dickinson Bradshaw wills, trust, estate planning and probate law practice advises high net worth clients on a full suite of estate planning and tax matters, as well as advises on trusts and guardianships.