How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. 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 appellate clients right now?

Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Thomas S. Reavely, Appellate Attorney in Des Moines

Quick answer

Thomas S. Reavely is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Employment. Thomas has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whitfield & Eddy Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Des Moines, IA
Experience: over 55 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Employment

Handles Appellate, Business, and Employment matters from Des Moines, IA.
Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Thomas S. Reavely

Thomas concentrates on appellate, business, employment, estate planning, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Thomas takes employment 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.

Estate Planning cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Thomas takes estate planning 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.

Family Law cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Thomas takes family law 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 S. Reavely — Over 55 years of Iowa appellate experience

Thomas S. Reavely is an attorney based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Employment. Thomas has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whitfield & Eddy Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Thomas S. Reavely is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, business and banking, estates and 12 other areas of law. Thomas S. received a B.A. degree from College of William and Mary in 1968, and has been licensed for 55 years. Thomas S. practices at Whitfield & Eddy Law in Des Moines, IA.

Working with Thomas on a appellate matter

Thomas S. Reavely is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, business and banking, estates and 12 other areas of law. Thomas S. received a B.A. degree from College of William and Mary in 1968, and has been licensed for 55 years. Thomas S. practices at Whitfield & Eddy Law in Des Moines, IA.

Clients Thomas works with

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

Credentials

Thomas S. Reavely's legal education and bar admissions

College of William and Mary
B.A. · 1968

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Virginia U.S. Distri
1971 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1971 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at B.A. in College of William and Mary.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed B.A. in College of William and Mary. 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 S. Reavely

Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Thomas S. Reavely's office in Des Moines

Thomas's primary office is at 699 Walnut St., Ste. 2000, Des Moines, IA, 50309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Whitfield & Eddy Law

699 Walnut St., Ste. 2000

Des Moines, IA 50309

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas S. Reavely — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 appellate attorneys in 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 Thomas S. Reavely claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas S. Reavely — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate 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 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 Thomas

Thomas 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. 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas S. Reavely

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. 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 appellate clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Iowa residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Thomas S. Reavely. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa

Thomas handles appellate matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

Thomas S. Reavely, Appellate Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Quick answer