66/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 72 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Bankruptcy Lawyers in Des Moines, IA: 2026 rankings
18 bankruptcy lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Des Moines: Jankins Law Firm, LFR Score 66/100; 4.7★ from 72 Google reviews.
- 3
Most-reviewed: Miller Law Firm, 89 Google reviews at 4.6★, the most of 18 ranked; ranked #3.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
18 Des Moines bankruptcy lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 18 rated law firms.
Top 10 bankruptcy lawyers in Des Moines at a glance
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Based in | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jankins Law Firm | 66 | 4.7★ (72) | Des Moines | Top score |
| 2 | Nancy L. Thompson Law Office, P.C. | 66 | 4.7★ (73) | Des Moines | — |
| 3 | Miller Law Firm | 66 | 4.6★ (89) | West Des Moines, 6 mi away | Most reviews |
| 4 | Janssen Law, PLC | 61 | 4.4★ (18) | Des Moines | — |
| 5 | Bradshaw Fowler Proctor & Fairgrave, P.C. | 60 | 3.3★ (7) | Des Moines | — |
| 6 | Marks Law Firm | 60 | 3.5★ (29) | Des Moines | — |
| 7 | Cunningham & Kelso, P.L.L.C. | 60 | 3.9★ (25) | Urbandale, 8 mi away | — |
| 8 | Witherwax Law PC | 60 | 4.2★ (22) | West Des Moines, 10 mi away | — |
| 9 | Neighborhood Law Group of Iowa, P.C. | 60 | 3.9★ (32) | West Des Moines, 9 mi away | — |
| 10 | Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C. | 60 | 3.6★ (17) | Des Moines | — |
All 18 bankruptcy lawyers in Des Moines, in rank order
Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.
Based in Des Moines
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 73 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in West Des Moines, 6 mi away
66/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 89 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Des Moines
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Des Moines
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.3★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Des Moines
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.5★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Urbandale, 8 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 25 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in West Des Moines, 10 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in West Des Moines, 9 mi away
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Des Moines
60/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Ankeny, 9 mi away
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Des Moines
59/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#13 Jonathan A. Coy
Based in Ankeny, 9 mi away
58/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#14 Cutler Law Firm
Based in West Des Moines, 8 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#15 Wood Law Office
Based in Ankeny, 9 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#16 Lisa K. Pendroy
Based in Johnston, 8 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Based in Boone, 35 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
#18 Peter J. Rolwes
Based in West Des Moines, 9 mi away
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.
Also serving Des Moines
20 more bankruptcy lawyers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Abbott Kevin | 1.0★ (13) | In Des Moines |
| Belin McCormick | 4.5★ (8) | In Des Moines |
| BrownWinick Law Firm | 4.3★ (36) | In Des Moines |
| Crabb Thomas G | 5.0★ (6) | In Des Moines |
| Dentons Davis Brown | 3.5★ (61) | In Des Moines |
| Duncan Green, P.C. | 5.0★ (3) | In Des Moines |
| Epping Law Office | 1.0★ (7) | In Des Moines |
| Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. | 5.0★ (7) | In Des Moines |
| Grefe & Sidney, P.L.C. | 5.0★ (10) | In Des Moines |
| Holzworth Law Firm | 4.1★ (9) | In Des Moines |
| Horn Law Offices | 3.9★ (15) | In Des Moines |
| Law Group of Iowa | 4.7★ (77) | In Des Moines |
| Norris Law Firm PLLC | 4.3★ (32) | In Des Moines |
| Nyemaster Goode, P.C. | 3.4★ (5) | In Des Moines |
| Shinkle & Lynch | 5.0★ (7) | In Des Moines |
| Taylor Law Offices, P.C. | 4.1★ (38) | In Des Moines |
| Timothy M Duffy P.C | 3.4★ (5) | In Des Moines |
| Tully Law Office, P.C. | 4.8★ (11) | In Des Moines |
| Wandro, Kanne, & Lalor, P.C. | 4.4★ (33) | In Des Moines |
| Whitfield & Eddy Law | 4.1★ (12) | In Des Moines |
How we ranked Des Moines bankruptcy lawyers
We scored 18 Des Moines bankruptcy lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Des Moines data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Bar status | 10% | An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded) | Not yet collected |
| Review volume | 10% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 10% | Share of reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 5% | Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7 | Measured |
| Practice focus | 15% | How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 5% | An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Law Firms Ranked reviews | 10% | Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there are | Measured |
How to choose a bankruptcy lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many bankruptcy law matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
- Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
- Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
- Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
- Ask whether the lawyer, not only staff, will review your forms and go with you to the meeting of creditors.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy lawyer
- How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
- How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
- Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
- Which chapter fits my situation, and why?
- Which of my property is exempt?
- Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?
Terms explained
- Contingency fee
- A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
- Retainer
- Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
- Flat fee
- One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
- Limited-scope representation
- Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
- Statute of limitations
- The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
- Good standing
- A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
- Law society
- The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
- Board certification
- Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
- Attorney–client privilege
- The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
- Conflict check
- The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
- Pro bono
- Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- Legal aid
- Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.
Bankruptcy lawyers in Des Moines: frequently asked questions
Which bankruptcy lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Des Moines?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked bankruptcy lawyer in Des Moines, IA is Jankins Law Firm with an LFR Score of 66/100. It has 4.7★ from 72 Google reviews. Nancy L. Thompson Law Office, P.C. (#2) and Miller Law Firm (#3) follow. We ranked 18 bankruptcy lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many bankruptcy lawyers are there in Des Moines?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 18 bankruptcy lawyers serving Des Moines, IA. 7 of them are based in Des Moines; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What Google rating do Des Moines bankruptcy lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 18 rated bankruptcy lawyers in Des Moines is 4.3★, with a median of 18 reviews. Miller Law Firm has the most, 89 reviews, and ranks #3. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank bankruptcy lawyers?
Each bankruptcy lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do bankruptcy lawyers outside Des Moines count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Des Moines city center, our service radius for bankruptcy lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.
Can bankruptcy lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?
No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.
How do bankruptcy lawyers in Des Moines, IA charge?
Consumer bankruptcy lawyers usually charge a flat fee for Chapter 7; Chapter 13 fees are often paid partly through the repayment plan and are reviewed by the court. Under federal law they must give you written disclosures and a written contract (11 U.S.C. §§526–528). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $481 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
What is the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13?
Chapter 7 sells non-exempt property to pay creditors and usually ends in a few months; Chapter 13 keeps your property under a three- to five-year repayment plan. Income and assets decide which you can use. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of bankruptcy lawyers in Des Moines, IA ranked?
By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.
Does a lawyer need an office in Des Moines?
No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.
Update log for Des Moines
- November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 18 bankruptcy lawyers serving Des Moines.
More bankruptcy lawyers and Des Moines pages
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