Atty. John D. "Jack" Hilmes
Jack is an elected member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. For more than 35 years his practice has focused on the defense of hundreds of civil cases in areas including: product liability, automobile liability, wrongful death, aircraft crash liability, defamation, premises liability, professional liability, drug and device liability, employment law, commercial liability and trustee and fiduciary liability.
Profile Summary
About John D. "Jack" Hilmes at a glance
John D. "Jack" Hilmes is a medical malpractice, personal injury, business, and litigation attorney based in Des Moines, Iowa, practicing at Finley Law Firm PC. Educated at Drake University (J.D., 1979) and University of Northern Colorado (B.A., 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026). Serands clients in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Jack is an elected member of the American College of Trial Lawyers
- For more than 35 years his practice has focused on the defense of hundreds of civil cases in areas including: product liability, automobile liability, wrongful death, aircraft crash liability, defamation, premises liability, professional liability, drug and device liability, employment law, commercial liability and trustee and fiduciary liability
- This exposure has resulted in more than 100 civil jury trials throughout the State of Iowa
- For the last 30 years Jack has been substantially devoted to defense of health care professionals and hospitals throughout Iowa with a current emphasis on complex and birth injury claims
- A 6th generation and lifelong resident of Des Moines, Jack has provided service to his community by volunteer coaching and participation on various boards and commissions
- He currently serves as a member of the City of Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission and as a Board Member and Officer of Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
- Jack enjoys the respect of his firm members and has been elected President and Managing Shareholder of the Firm several times
- Jack would say that the shining accomplishment in his life was achieved in partnership with his wife, Jennifer – raising three great children, now adults, who still like to “visit home.”
Practice Areas Explained
John D. "Jack" Hilmes's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John D. "Jack" Hilmes handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.
John D. "Jack" Hilmes is one of 49,086 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in Iowa →
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
John D. "Jack" Hilmes is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Iowa →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
John D. "Jack" Hilmes is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Iowa →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
John D. "Jack" Hilmes is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines or all attorneys in Iowa.
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