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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

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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 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.

Main office

2501 Westown Pkwy Ste 1201

West Des Moines, IA 50266-1438

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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 reviews

Hiring 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

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.