James Lawrence Pray, Agriculture Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Energy · 4.8/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
AttorneyatBrownWinick Law
Des Moines, IA
Practicing agriculture in Des Moines since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 9 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Lawrence Pray?
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Quick answer
James Lawrence Pray is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Energy. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at BrownWinick Law. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
- Based in
- Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Agriculture · Bankruptcy · Energy
- Handles Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Energy matters from Des Moines, IA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Lawrence Pray: James Lawrence Pray is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Energy. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at BrownWinick Law. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Lawrence Pray
James concentrates on agriculture, bankruptcy, energy, environmental, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Agriculture
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Bankruptcy
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Energy
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Environmental
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Government
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Litigation
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Agriculture cases in Des Moines, Iowa
James takes agriculture matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in Des Moines, Iowa
James takes bankruptcy matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Des Moines, Iowa
James takes energy matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Des Moines, Iowa
James takes environmental matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Des Moines, Iowa
James takes government matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James Lawrence Pray — Over 41 years of Iowa agriculture experience
James Lawrence Pray is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Energy. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at BrownWinick Law. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.
James Lawrence Pray is a lawyer practicing administrative law, agribusiness, bankruptcy and corporate restructuring and 3 other areas of law. James Lawrence received a B.S. degree from University of Nebraska in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. James Lawrence practices at BrownWinick Law in Des Moines, IA.
James's approach to agriculture cases
James Lawrence Pray is a lawyer practicing administrative law, agribusiness, bankruptcy and corporate restructuring and 3 other areas of law. James Lawrence received a B.S. degree from University of Nebraska in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. James Lawrence practices at BrownWinick Law in Des Moines, IA.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for agriculture, bankruptcy, and energy matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
James Lawrence Pray's legal education and bar admissions
University of Iowa
J.D. · 1984
University of Nebraska
B.S. · 1980
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1985 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Iowa and B.S. in University of Nebraska.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Iowa and B.S. in University of Nebraska. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Lawrence Pray
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Polk County, Iowa State (Chair, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Council, 1998-1999 2004-2006) and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Lawrence Pray's office in Des Moines
James's primary office is at Ruan Ctr., 666 Grand Ave., Ste. 2000, Des Moines, IA, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
BrownWinick Law
Ruan Ctr., 666 Grand Ave., Ste. 2000
Des Moines, IA 50309
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Lawrence Pray — 4.8/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing agriculture attorneys in Des Moines.
4.8
9 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Lawrence Pray claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Lawrence Pray — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new agriculture attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a agriculture attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many agriculture matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in agriculture practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every agriculture matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many agriculture practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Lawrence Pray
How much does it cost to hire James for a agriculture case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some agriculture attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do agriculture cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple agriculture matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?
James is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new agriculture clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Agriculture attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa
James handles agriculture matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified agriculture attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated agriculture attorneys in Iowa
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these agriculture attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





