Stephen E. Doohen

Steve is a highly respected trial lawyer who defends clients in court as counsel to individuals, insurance companies, small businesses, corporations, and financial institutions. He has been recognized by his peers for inclusion as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers.

It is Steve’s goal to provide clients thoughtful and cost-effective legal advice. His full-service work for his clients includes topical advice on litigation avoidance and best practices, claim investigations, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and appeals. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Steve’s membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is a testament to his experience as a trial lawyer, as ABOTA requires significant jury trial experience as a condition of admission. Steve was elected by his peers and served as the President of the Iowa Chapter of ABOTA when the local chapter was awarded “Chapter of the Year” honors by the national ABOTA organization in 2014. Steve is also an active member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), a widely recognized defense organization composed of leaders who have achieved professional distinction in their respective practice areas. Membership in the FDCC is highly selective and by nomination only. He was elected to fellowship in the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers by members of that organization in 2013. Steve was elected to fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2022.

Contact Steve today or call 515-288-6041 for more information.

Honors & Recognitions

• AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Iowa Defense Counsel Association Edward F. Seitzinger Award, 2022
• Westfield Insurance Golden Gavel Award, 2017
• Selected for inclusion in the Great Plains Super Lawyers in the area of Civil Litigation (Defense) (2013—2024)
• Selected by Best Lawyers in America as the Des Moines area's "Lawyer of the Year" in the area of Insurance Law (2022)
• Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America as a top-ranked attorney in Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law (2019—2025)
• Iowa Defense Counsel President's Award, 2015

Cases Presentations & Publications

Cases

• Struebing v. Addison Insurance Co., 2017 WL 6033883
• Villarreal v. United Fire & Casualty Co., 2016 WL 97328
• Luze v. Zurich American Insurance Company, November 04 Slip Copy 2016 WL 6581198
• Gehrke , Inc. v. Steeple Chase Farms, LLC, 2016 WL 156025
• Nationwide Agribusiness Ins. Co. v. PGI Intern., 2016 WL 1680978
• Estate of McFarlin v. Lakeside Marina, Inc., 2013 WL 5770997
• Scaglione v. Lamar Co., LLC, 2007 WL 2964382

Selected Publications, Presentations and Teaching Appointments

Steve is a frequent presenter on topics of interest to litigators and insurance industry claims professionals.

• Speaker, Deposition Boot Camp, Iowa Defense Counsel Association, October 2019
• Presenter, "Expedited Civil Action (ECA) in Iowa," Dubuque County Bar Association, September 2016
• Author, "Expedited Civil Actions in Iowa - A Defense Perspective," Iowa Defense Counsel Association Defense Update, Spring 2016
• Presenter, "Civility Matters," Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting, June 2016
• Panelist, "Civility Matters," Iowa Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), April 2014
• Author, The Iowa Lawyer, ABOTA College Gives Young Attorneys Trial Experience, June 2012
• Presenter, Iowa Defense Counsel Annual Seminar, 2001 and 2002
• Author (with Scott Hindman and James Radig), Iowa Chapter, State by State Guide to Architect, Engineer, and Contractor Licensing, 1998 Edition