Thomas Lawrence Spellman, General Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on General, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
AttorneyatSpellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman
Des Moines, IA
Practicing general in Des Moines since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Thomas Lawrence Spellman is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on General, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. Thomas has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- General · Medical Malpractice · Personal Injury
- Handles General, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury matters from Des Moines, IA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas Lawrence Spellman: Thomas Lawrence Spellman is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on General, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. Thomas has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Lawrence Spellman
Thomas concentrates on general, medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Workers Comp
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General cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Thomas takes general 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Thomas takes product liability 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Des Moines, Iowa
Thomas takes workers comp 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Thomas Lawrence Spellman — Over 41 years of Iowa general experience
Thomas Lawrence Spellman is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on General, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. Thomas has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Thomas Lawrence Spellman is a lawyer practicing personal injury law, products liability law, legal malpractice and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Drake University in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years. Thomas practices at Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman in Des Moines, IA and 1 other location.
Working with Thomas on a general matter
Thomas Lawrence Spellman is a lawyer practicing personal injury law, products liability law, legal malpractice and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Drake University in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years. Thomas practices at Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman in Des Moines, IA and 1 other location.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, medical malpractice, and personal injury matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Thomas Lawrence Spellman's legal education and bar admissions
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
J.D. · 1984
Drake University
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Iowa
1985 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in Drake University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in Drake University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas Lawrence Spellman
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Iowa State Bar Association
membership
Locations
Thomas Lawrence Spellman's office in Des Moines
Thomas's primary office is at Ruan Center, 666 Grand Ave., 18th Fl., Des Moines, IA, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Spellman, Kealhofer & Spellman
Ruan Center, 666 Grand Ave., 18th Fl.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Lawrence Spellman — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Des Moines.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Lawrence Spellman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Lawrence Spellman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Lawrence Spellman
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple general 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?
Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new general clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa
Thomas handles general matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in Iowa
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





