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Spencer Vasey Dirth, Appellate Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

focused on Appellate, Business, and Insurance

Elverson Vasey

Des Moines, IA

Trusted appellate attorney serving Des Moines.

3
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Quick answer

Spencer Vasey Dirth is an attorney based in Des Moines, IOWA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. Currently practicing at Elverson Vasey.

Based in
Des Moines, IOWA
Experience
attorney
Known for
Appellate · Business · Insurance
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and Insurance matters from Des Moines, IOWA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Spencer Vasey Dirth: Spencer Vasey Dirth is an attorney based in Des Moines, IOWA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. Currently practicing at Elverson Vasey.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Spencer Vasey Dirth

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

Appellate cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Spencer takes appellate 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 Spencer agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Spencer 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 Spencer agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Spencer takes insurance 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 Spencer agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Spencer 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 Spencer agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Spencer 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 Spencer agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Spencer Vasey Dirth — Attorney of Iowa appellate experience

Spencer Vasey Dirth is an attorney based in Des Moines, IOWA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. Currently practicing at Elverson Vasey.

Spencer joined Elverson Vasey in 2018 after earning her Juris Doctorate with Highest Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law, graduating in the top 3% of her class. Her practice focuses on insurance defense and subrogation, coverage opinions, family law, and general civil litigation.

Spencer was born and raised in Johnston, Iowa. In 2015, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Drake University, where she also played on the women’s soccer team. During her time at the University of Iowa College of Law, Spencer was heavily involved in moot court, receiving both the Harrison Tweed Award for Best Brief and the College of Trial Attorneys' Award for Best Oral Advocate at the New York City Bar Association National Moot Court Competition. During her final year at Iowa, Spencer clerked for United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams in the Northern District of Iowa and worked for the Northern District of Iowa Federal Public Defender's Office. She was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 2018 and to the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa in 2019.

How Spencer handles appellate matters

Spencer joined Elverson Vasey in 2018 after earning her Juris Doctorate with Highest Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law, graduating in the top 3% of her class. Her practice focuses on insurance defense and subrogation, coverage opinions, family law, and general civil litigation. Spencer was born and raised in Johnston, Iowa. In 2015, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Drake…

Who Spencer represents

Spencer reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and insurance matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Spencer Vasey Dirth's legal education and bar admissions

  • Drake University

    B.S.B.A.

  • The University of Iowa

    J.D. With Highest Distinction · 2018

Jurisdictions

Spencer's state bar admissions

  • Iowa, The Iowa State

    ACTIVE

  • Iowa, Southern Distr

    ACTIVE

  • Iowa, Northern Distr

    ACTIVE

Spencer studied at B.S.B.A. in Drake University and J.D. With Highest Distinction in The University of Iowa.

Law school and academic background

Spencer completed B.S.B.A. in Drake University and J.D. With Highest Distinction in The University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Spencer runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Spencer Vasey Dirth

Spencer has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

Locations

Spencer Vasey Dirth's office in Des Moines

Spencer's primary office is at 700 Second Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Elverson Vasey

700 Second Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Spencer Vasey Dirth

Spencer 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 Spencer Vasey Dirth — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in 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 Spencer

Spencer 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. Spencer confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Spencer'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 Spencer Vasey Dirth

  • How much does it cost to hire Spencer for a appellate case?

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

  • Does Spencer offer a free consultation?

    Spencer charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Spencer's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Spencer'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. Spencer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Spencer 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 — Spencer 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 Spencer?

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

  • Is Spencer accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Spencer'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 Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa

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