Mary S. Bernabe, Personal Injury Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Personal Injury and Workers Comp · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatMary S. Bernabe
West Des Moines, IA
Practicing personal injury in West Des Moines since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Mary S. Bernabe?
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Quick answer
Mary S. Bernabe is a member based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Personal Injury and Workers Comp. Mary has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mary S. Bernabe. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- West Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Personal Injury · Workers Comp
- Handles Personal Injury and Workers Comp matters from West Des Moines, IA.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Mary S. Bernabe: Mary S. Bernabe is a member based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Personal Injury and Workers Comp. Mary has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mary S. Bernabe. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Mary's practice areas in West Des Moines
Mary concentrates on personal injury and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Personal Injury cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mary 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in West Des Moines, Iowa
Mary takes workers comp 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 Mary agrees to represent you.
Biography
Mary S. Bernabe, personal injury attorney serving West Des Moines
Mary S. Bernabe is a member based in West Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Personal Injury and Workers Comp. Mary has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mary S. Bernabe. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Mary works from West Des Moines, Iowa and takes on personal injury matters across the region.
Mary S. Bernabe is a lawyer practicing personal injury, workers compensation. Mary received a B.S.E. degree from Drake University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years. Mary practices at Mary S. Bernabe in West Des Moines, IA.
Working with Mary on a personal injury matter
Mary S. Bernabe is a lawyer practicing personal injury, workers compensation. Mary received a B.S.E. degree from Drake University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years. Mary practices at Mary S. Bernabe in West Des Moines, IA.
Clients Mary works with
Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for personal injury and workers comp matters in West Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Mary studied and practices
Drake University
J.D. · 1989
Drake University
B.S.E. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Mary's state bar admissions
Iowa U.S. District C
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1989 · ACTIVE
Mary studied at J.D. in Drake University and B.S.E. in Drake University.
Law school and academic background
Mary completed J.D. in Drake University and B.S.E. in Drake University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Mary's legal honors and published work
Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Mary's professional memberships and bar associations
Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations Iowa Trial Lawyers Association Polk County Women's Bar Association
membership
Locations
Mary S. Bernabe's office in West Des Moines
Mary's primary office is at 5971 Highland Cir., West Des Moines, IA, 50266-2825. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Mary S. Bernabe — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing personal injury attorneys in West Des Moines.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary S. Bernabe claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Mary S. Bernabe — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new personal injury attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a personal injury attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many personal injury 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 Mary
Mary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in personal injury practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every personal injury 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Mary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many personal injury practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Mary S. Bernabe
How much does it cost to hire Mary for a personal injury case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some personal injury attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.
How long do personal injury cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple personal injury 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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside West Des Moines?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new personal injury clients right now?
Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Personal Injury attorneys serving West Des Moines, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
Mary handles personal injury matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified personal injury attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated personal injury attorneys in Iowa
If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these personal injury attorneys in West Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





