Dentons Davis Brown

About Dentons Davis Brown

We focus on business, as well as litigation defense, serving a wide range of clients—from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, universities, energy developers, data centers, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, and trade associations. Our experience spans numerous industries and practices.

In 2021, we combined with Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm – a move driven by our commitment to supporting clients wherever they do business: across Iowa, the Midwest, the U.S., and around the world. With access to more than 160 locations in over 80 countries, we offer the resources of a global firm while meeting the local market and maintaining the personalized service, local talent, and community involvement our clients value.

At Dentons, we believe that staying connected to our communities allows us to deliver practical, tailored legal solutions. Whether navigating Iowa regulations or global complexities, Dentons is uniquely positioned to help clients succeed in a rapidly changing legal and business environment.

Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere.

At Dentons, we believe lasting change starts close to home – through community connection, collaboration, and leadership.

For more than 90 years, Dentons Davis Brown lawyers and professionals have made an impact by serving in local and national leadership roles in government, education, healthcare, and civic and cultural institutions – raising funds, lending their voices, and rolling up their sleeves for the causes that shape our communities.

This spirit of service and leadership has long been part of our firm’s DNA. A few examples include founder George Brammer who was a former legislator and judge. Co-founder Joseph Brody served as President of the Des Moines School Board, with a public middle school named in his honor. We hired our first woman lawyer, Lucille Schwilk, in 1945. A. Arthur Davis served on the Des Moines Board of Education, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, and was mayor of Des Moines. Steve Roberts was a long-time member of the Republican National Committee. Deborah Tharnish became Iowa’s first woman law firm president. Sharon Malheiro was our first openly gay, woman president. Scott Brennan has served as a member of the Democratic National Committee for almost 20 years. Several of our alumni have held in the Iowa and federal judiciary or as general counsel in prestigious businesses and nonprofits.

Over the years, the firm has grown to more than 80 attorneys, earned recognition from peers and clients, and built a welcoming culture centered on public service and a genuine respect for life outside of work. That legacy continues to shape who we are and how we work.

We know our work is strongest when it reflects the needs, voices, and values of our community. That’s why we continue to invest our time, talent, and resources in helping build more connected and resilient communities.