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Atty. Dennis M. McElwain

Atty. Dennis M. McElwain

Dennis M. McElwain is a partner with the firm.

Sioux City Sioux City 43 yrs experience 43 year
Call (712) 570-8116 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Dennis M. McElwain at a glance

Dennis M. McElwain is a Partner based in Sioux City, Iowa, practicing at Smith & McElwain Law Offices. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on workers comp. Admitted to practice in Iowa (1983), U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa (1984), and Nebraska U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit (1992). Educated at University of Iowa (J.D., 1983) and University of Iowa (B.G.S., 1980). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serands clients in Sioux City, IA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Dennis M. McElwain is a partner with the firm
  • Dennis specializes in Workers' Compensation representation
  • Dennis joined the firm in 1983 following his graduation from the University of Iowa, School of Law, where he graduated with distinction
  • Dennis is admitted to practice in the state courts of Iowa and Nebraska, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern District of Iowa, and the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • During his tenure with the firm, Dennis has served on the Iowa Workers' Compensation Core Group and the Iowa Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee
  • Dennis is a current member of the American Federation of Teachers, the Iowa Bar Association, the Woodbury County Bar Association, and the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association
  • Dennis has presented to several different groups, including the University of Iowa, Labor Center, relating to Iowa Workers' Compensation and other employment topics
  • Professional & Bar Association Memberships: -Iowa Bar Association -Woodbury County Bar Association -Iowa Trial Lawyers Association -Iowa Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee -American Federation of Teachers, Local 716

Practice Areas Explained

Dennis M. McElwain's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Dennis M. McElwain handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

Dennis M. McElwain is one of 55,389 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Iowa →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Iowa

Practicing law in Iowa. Legal matters in Iowa are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Sioux City are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Iowa state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Iowa brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Iowa courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Iowa attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Sioux City or all attorneys in Iowa.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Dennis M. McElwain

Where is Dennis M. McElwain's law office located?
Dennis M. McElwain's law practice is located in Sioux City, Iowa. The firm is Smith & McElwain Law Offices. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Dennis M. McElwain handle?
Dennis M. McElwain focuses on workers comp. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Iowa.
How long has Dennis M. McElwain practiced law?
Dennis M. McElwain has 43+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1983.
Where did Dennis M. McElwain go to law school?
Dennis M. McElwain earned their education at (J.D., 1983); (B.G.S., 1980).
How can I contact Dennis M. McElwain for a consultation?
You can contact Dennis M. McElwain directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Dennis M. McElwain received?
Dennis M. McElwain's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
University of Iowa
- 1983
B.G.S.
University of Iowa
- 1980

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Iowa
Admitted: 1983
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa
Admitted: 1984
Nebraska U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
Admitted: 1992

Reviews

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