JD

John D. "Jack" Hilmes, Business Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

focused on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice

Des Moines, IA

Trusted business attorney serving Des Moines.

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Quick answer

John D. "Jack" Hilmes is an attorney based in Des Moines, IOWA. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice.

Based in
Des Moines, IOWA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Business · Litigation · Medical Malpractice
  • Handles Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice matters from Des Moines, IOWA.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (Des Moines) (2024).

About John D. "Jack" Hilmes: John D. "Jack" Hilmes is an attorney based in Des Moines, IOWA. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice.

Areas of practice

John's practice areas in Des Moines

John concentrates on business, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Des Moines, Iowa

John takes business 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 John agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Des Moines, Iowa

John takes litigation 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 John agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Des Moines, Iowa

John takes medical malpractice 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 John agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Des Moines, Iowa

John takes personal injury 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 John agrees to represent you.

Biography

John D. "Jack" Hilmes, business attorney serving Des Moines

John D. "Jack" Hilmes is an attorney based in Des Moines, IOWA. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. John works from Des Moines, Iowa and takes on business matters across the region.

Jack is an elected member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. For more than 35 years his practice has focused on the defense of hundreds of civil cases in areas including: product liability, automobile liability, wrongful death, aircraft crash liability, defamation, premises liability, professional liability, drug and device liability, employment law, commercial liability and trustee and fiduciary liability. This exposure has resulted in more than 100 civil jury trials throughout the State of Iowa. For the last 30 years Jack has been substantially devoted to defense of health care professionals and hospitals throughout Iowa with a current emphasis on complex and birth injury claims.

A 6th generation and lifelong resident of Des Moines, Jack has provided service to his community by volunteer coaching and participation on various boards and commissions. He currently serves as a member of the City of Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission and as a Board Member and Officer of Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America. Jack enjoys the respect of his firm members and has been elected President and Managing Shareholder of the Firm several times.

Jack would say that the shining accomplishment in his life was achieved in partnership with his wife, Jennifer – raising three great children, now adults, who still like to “visit home.”

Working with John on a business matter

Jack is an elected member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. For more than 35 years his practice has focused on the defense of hundreds of civil cases in areas including: product liability, automobile liability, wrongful death, aircraft crash liability, defamation, premises liability, professional liability, drug and device liability, employment law, commercial liability and trustee and…

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, litigation, and medical malpractice matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Credentials — where John studied and practices

  • Drake University

    J.D. · 1979

  • University of Northern Colorado

    B.A. · 1976

John studied at J.D. in Drake University and B.A. in University of Northern Colorado.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Drake University and B.A. in University of Northern Colorado. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

John's legal honors and published work

John has received 12 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (Des Moines)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Des Moines)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (Des Moines)

    2021

  • Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Des Moines)

    2013

  • Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (Des Moines) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Des Moines) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (Des Moines) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (Des Moines) (2013). Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

Locations

John D. "Jack" Hilmes's office in Des Moines

John's primary office is at 699 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

699 Walnut Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John D. "Jack" Hilmes

John has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire John D. "Jack" Hilmes — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John D. "Jack" Hilmes

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Iowa typically take?

    Simple business 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?

    John 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 — John 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 John?

    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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new business clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa

John handles business matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.