65/100LFR Score
Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 457 Google reviews.
Employment Lawyers in Des Moines, IA: 2026 rankings
32 employment lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Highest LFR Score in Des Moines: Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC, LFR Score 65/100; 5.0★ from 457 Google reviews; open 24/7.
- 2
Open 24 hours (per Google): Walker, Billingsley & Bair Law Office, Accident & Injury Lawyers, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 32.
- 3
Most-reviewed: Morgan & Morgan, 497 Google reviews at 4.7★, the most of 32 ranked; ranked #3.
Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
32 Des Moines employment lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 6 are open 24/7, 6 open Saturdays and 6 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 32 rated law firms.
Top 10 employment 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 | Hours | Notable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC | 65 | 5.0★ (457) | Des Moines | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Top score |
| 2 | Walker, Billingsley & Bair Law Office, Accident & Injury Lawyers | 64 | 5.0★ (286) | Des Moines | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Open 24 hours |
| 3 | Morgan & Morgan | 64 | 4.7★ (497) | Des Moines | Open 24 hrs (Google) | Most reviews |
| 4 | Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. | 63 | 4.8★ (36) | Des Moines | — | — |
| 5 | RSH Legal - Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers | 62 | 5.0★ (125) | Des Moines | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 6 | Iowa Employment Attorneys, P.L.C. | 62 | 5.0★ (39) | West Des Moines, 10 mi away | — | — |
| 7 | Timmer, Judkins & Borland | 62 | 4.4★ (74) | West Des Moines, 7 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Hedberg & Boulton, P.C. | 62 | 4.3★ (37) | Des Moines | — | — |
| 9 | Walker, Billingsley & Bair Law Office, Accident & Injury Lawyers | 61 | 4.9★ (135) | Ankeny, 7 mi away | Open 24 hrs (Google) | — |
| 10 | Fiedler Law Firm, P.L.C. | 61 | 4.4★ (38) | Johnston, 8 mi away | — | — |
All 32 employment 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.
Scores below: based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.
Based in Des Moines
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #2 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 286 Google reviews.
Based in Des Moines
64/100LFR ScoreRanked #3 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 497 Google reviews, the most in Des Moines.
Based in Des Moines
63/100LFR ScoreRanked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 125 Google reviews.
Based in West Des Moines, 10 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 39 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.
Based in West Des Moines, 7 mi away
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 74 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
62/100LFR ScoreRanked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.3★ from 37 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.
Based in Ankeny, 7 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #9 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 135 Google reviews.
Based in Johnston, 8 mi away
61/100LFR ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.
Based in Newton, 29 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 125 Google reviews.
Based in Urbandale, 8 mi away
57/100LFR ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Employment attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.5★ from 216 Google reviews.
Based in West Des Moines, 6 mi away
56/100LFR ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 181 Google reviews.
#15 Erbe Law Firm
Based in Des Moines
55/100LFR ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 42 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Trial attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
54/100LFR ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
#17 O'Flaherty Law
Based in Des Moines
53/100LFR ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.
#18 Duff Law Firm
Based in West Des Moines, 8 mi away
53/100LFR ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
#19 Donna R. Miller
Based in Des Moines
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.
Based in West Des Moines, 7 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based in West Des Moines, 8 mi away
52/100LFR ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 26 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Personal injury attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.
Based in Des Moines
51/100LFR ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.
Based in Des Moines
50/100LFR ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Bankruptcy attorney”.
All 32 employment lawyers
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #32, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | LFR Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Thomas J. Reilly Law Firm, P.C. | 50 | 5.0★ (4) | In Des Moines |
| 27 | Frank B. Harty | 50 | 1.0★ (3) | In Des Moines |
| 28 | Nyemaster Goode, P.C. | 49 | 3.4★ (5) | In Des Moines |
| 29 | Sullivan & Ward P C | 49 | 3.9★ (14) | 10 mi |
| 30 | Kutmus, Pennington & Hook, P.C. | 49 | 3.5★ (17) | 8 mi |
| 31 | Coppola Hockenberg P.C.: Christopher B. Coppola | 48 | 4.3★ (3) | 7 mi |
| 32 | Kirke C Quinn Law Office | 44 | 5.0★ (3) | 35 mi |
Also serving Des Moines
20 more employment 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Arleth Law | 4.5★ (23) | In Des Moines |
| Baer Law Office | 4.8★ (130) | In Des Moines |
| BrownWinick Law Firm | 4.3★ (36) | In Des Moines |
| Carney Appleby Law | 4.7★ (23) | In Des Moines |
| Carpenter Law Firm | 5.0★ (242) | In Des Moines |
| Dentons Davis Brown | 3.5★ (61) | In Des Moines |
| Family Law Solutions of Iowa, LLC | 4.3★ (151) | In Des Moines |
| GBSW Law | 2.9★ (20) | In Des Moines |
| Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, P.L.C. | 3.8★ (15) | In Des Moines |
| LaMarca Law Group, P.C. | 4.9★ (225) | In Des Moines |
| Law Group of Iowa | 4.6★ (92) | In Des Moines |
| Law Group of Iowa | 4.7★ (77) | In Des Moines |
| Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers | 4.9★ (77) | In Des Moines |
| Reid Law Firm | 5.0★ (116) | In Des Moines |
| Solutions Law Iowa PLC | 4.7★ (145) | In Des Moines |
| Spaulding & Shaull, PLC | 4.5★ (23) | In Des Moines |
| Stoltze Law Group, PLC | 3.6★ (16) | In Des Moines |
| Tucker Law Office | 4.5★ (23) | In Des Moines |
| Van Cleaf & McCormack Law Firm LLP | 4.7★ (72) | In Des Moines |
| Wandro, Kanne, & Lalor, P.C. | 4.4★ (33) | In Des Moines |
How we ranked Des Moines employment lawyers
We scored 32 Des Moines employment 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 an employment lawyer
- Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
- Ask how many employment 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 firm represents employees, employers or both, and whether that creates a conflict for your matter.
- Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.
Questions to ask an employment 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?
- Do you represent employees, employers or both?
- What could I recover, and what would it cost me?
- 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.
Employment lawyers in Des Moines: frequently asked questions
Which employment lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Des Moines?
By LFR Score, the highest-ranked employment lawyer in Des Moines, IA is Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC with an LFR Score of 65/100. It has 5.0★ from 457 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Walker, Billingsley & Bair Law Office, Accident & Injury Lawyers (#2) and Morgan & Morgan (#3) follow. We ranked 32 employment lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.
How many employment lawyers are there in Des Moines?
LawFirmsRanked ranks 32 employment lawyers serving Des Moines, IA. 18 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.
Which employment lawyers in Des Moines are open 24/7?
6 ranked employment lawyers in Des Moines post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC (#1), Walker, Billingsley & Bair Law Office, Accident & Injury Lawyers (#2) and Morgan & Morgan (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.
Which employment lawyers in Des Moines work on weekends?
6 of 32 ranked employment lawyers post Saturday hours and 6 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC (#1), Walker, Billingsley & Bair Law Office, Accident & Injury Lawyers (#2) and Morgan & Morgan (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.
What Google rating do Des Moines employment lawyers have?
The median Google rating among 32 rated employment lawyers in Des Moines is 4.6★, with a median of 36 reviews. Morgan & Morgan has the most, 497 reviews, and ranks #3. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does LawFirmsRanked rank employment lawyers?
Each employment 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 employment 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 employment 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 employment 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 employment lawyers in Des Moines, IA charge?
Employment lawyers who represent employees often work on contingency or a mix of contingency and hourly fees; employer-side work is usually hourly. Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $388 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.
Is there a deadline for a discrimination claim?
Yes. A federal discrimination charge must generally be filed with the EEOC within 180 days, or 300 days where a state or local agency enforces a similar law. Ask a lawyer before the deadline passes. This is general information, not legal advice.
How is this list of employment 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 32 employment lawyers serving Des Moines.
More employment lawyers and Des Moines pages
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