Atty. Joseph Deane Thornton

Atty. Joseph Deane Thornton

Joseph Deane Thornton is a lawyer practicing workers compensation, insurance defense, labor and employment and 14 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1982, and has been licensed for 42 years.

Council Bluffs Council Bluffs 42 yrs experience 42 year
Call (712) 318-2779 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Joseph Deane Thornton at a glance

Joseph Deane Thornton is a Partner based in Council Bluffs, Iowa, practicing at Smith Peterson Law Firm, LLP. They have 42+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1984. Their practice focuses on probate, personal injury, family law, estate planning, and employment. Admitted to practice in Iowa (1984), Supreme Court of the State of Iowa (1984), United States District Court, Southern District of Iowa (1985), and Nebraska (1991). Educated at University of Iowa (J.D., 1984) and University of Iowa (B.B.A., 1982). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Iowa State, Pottawattamie County, Southwest Iowa Bar Association and Nebraska State Bar Associations. Serands clients in Council Bluffs, IA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Joseph Deane Thornton is a lawyer practicing workers compensation, insurance defense, labor and employment and 14 other areas of law
  • Joseph received a B.B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1982, and has been licensed for 42 years
  • Joseph practices at Smith Peterson Law Firm, LLP in Council Bluffs, IA

Practice Areas Explained

Joseph Deane Thornton's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joseph Deane Thornton handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Probate

Joseph Deane Thornton is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Iowa →

Personal Injury

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.

Joseph Deane Thornton is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Iowa →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Joseph Deane Thornton is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Iowa →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Joseph Deane Thornton is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Iowa →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Joseph Deane Thornton is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment 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 Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs or all attorneys in Iowa.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Joseph Deane Thornton

Where is Joseph Deane Thornton's law office located?
Joseph Deane Thornton's law practice is located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The firm is Smith Peterson Law Firm, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Joseph Deane Thornton handle?
Joseph Deane Thornton focuses on probate, personal injury, family law, estate planning, employment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Iowa.
How long has Joseph Deane Thornton practiced law?
Joseph Deane Thornton has 42+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1984.
Where did Joseph Deane Thornton go to law school?
Joseph Deane Thornton earned their education at (J.D., 1984); (B.B.A., 1982).
How can I contact Joseph Deane Thornton for a consultation?
You can contact Joseph Deane Thornton 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 Joseph Deane Thornton received?
Joseph Deane Thornton's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
University of Iowa
- 1984
B.B.A.
University of Iowa
- 1982

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Iowa
Admitted: 1984
Supreme Court of the State of Iowa
Admitted: 1984
United States District Court, Southern District of Iowa
Admitted: 1985
Nebraska
Admitted: 1991
United States District Court, District of Nebraska
Admitted: 1994

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