Thomas Robert Bernau — Attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
Over 38 years of legal practice · 4.3/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
West Des Moines, IA
Practicing law in West Des Moines since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Thomas Robert Bernau?
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Quick answer
Thomas Robert Bernau is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- West Des Moines, IA
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- legal services
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Thomas Robert Bernau: Thomas Robert Bernau is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Biography
Meet Thomas Robert Bernau — legal lawyer in West Des Moines
Thomas Robert Bernau is an attorney based in West Des Moines, IA. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Thomas Robert Bernau is a lawyer. Thomas received a M.B.A. degree from Drake University in 1983, and has been licensed for 38 years. Thomas practices in West Des Moines, IA.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in West Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Drake University
J.D. · 1988
Drake University
M.B.A. Iowa · 1983
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Iowa
1988 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Drake University and M.B.A. Iowa in Drake University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Drake University and M.B.A. Iowa 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
Recognition and thought leadership
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Thomas Robert Bernau's office in West Des Moines
Thomas's primary office is at 1001 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA, 50265-3502. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Robert Bernau — 4.3/5 rating from 2 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 legal attorneys in West Des Moines.
4.3
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Robert Bernau claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Robert Bernau — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new legal 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 legal attorney in West Des Moines, Iowa
A short list to run through before you commit: How many legal 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 legal practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every legal 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 legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Robert Bernau
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a legal 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 legal attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in Iowa typically take?
Simple legal 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 West 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 legal 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
Attorneys serving West Des Moines, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids in Iowa
Every city below is a direct link into the search page for verified attorneys serving Iowa.
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