Mark Godwin, Appellate Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General · 4.8/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Dep. City Atty.
West Des Moines, IA
Practicing appellate in West Des Moines since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Mark Godwin?
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Quick answer
Mark Godwin is a dep. city atty. based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- West Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Civil Rights · General
- Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and General matters from West Des Moines, IA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mark Godwin: Mark Godwin is a dep. city atty. based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Mark Godwin
Mark concentrates on appellate, civil rights, general, government, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Civil Rights
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General
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Government
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Personal Injury
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Appellate cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mark takes appellate matters in West 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mark takes civil rights matters in West 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
General cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mark takes general matters in West 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
Government cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mark takes government matters in West 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mark takes personal injury matters in West 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 Mark agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Mark Godwin — Over 41 years of Iowa appellate experience
Mark Godwin is a dep. city atty. based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and General. Mark has over 41 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Mark Godwin is a lawyer practicing torts, civil rights and discrimination, section 1983 and 2 other areas of law. Mark received a B.A. degree from Bowdoin College in 1973, and has been licensed for 41 years. Mark practices in West Des Moines, IA.
Working with Mark on a appellate matter
Mark Godwin is a lawyer practicing torts, civil rights and discrimination, section 1983 and 2 other areas of law. Mark received a B.A. degree from Bowdoin College in 1973, and has been licensed for 41 years. Mark practices in West Des Moines, IA.
Who Mark represents
Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and general matters in West Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Mark Godwin's legal education and bar admissions
Drake University
J.D. · 1985
Bowdoin College
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Mark's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1985 · ACTIVE
Mark studied at J.D. in Drake University and B.A. in Bowdoin College.
Law school and academic background
Mark completed J.D. in Drake University and B.A. in Bowdoin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Mark Godwin
Mark has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Mark Godwin's office in West Des Moines
Mark's primary office is at 2501 Westown Pkwy Ste 1201, West Des Moines, IA, 50266-1438. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mark Godwin — 4.8/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Mark. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in West Des Moines.
4.8
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mark Godwin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mark Godwin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark'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; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Mark
Mark discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mark's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mark Godwin
How much does it cost to hire Mark for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Mark's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside West Des Moines?
Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?
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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new appellate clients right now?
Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving West Des Moines, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
Mark handles appellate matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Iowa
If Mark's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in West Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





