Scott M. Klein

More information... About Experience Recognition Activities and Affiliations Areas of focus Education Admissions and qualifications Languages Scott is a community leader and client advocate. He has a general litigation practice focused on business and commercial litigation, administrative matters, construction litigation, and insurance defense. Businesses of all types trust Scott in high-value contract and commercial litigation when problems arise with their contracts or when defending against claims of negligence. He also works with insurance companies defending against claims of personal injury, dram shop, and property damage. Insurance companies know that Scott is a reliable, thoughtful lawyer who does a full assessment of the matter before recommending settlement or proceeding through litigation. Scott has successfully litigated multiple jury and bench trials involving contract and insurance defense matters before federal, state, and administrative bodies. His administrative work includes advising clients on bidding issues and appealing to the appropriate governmental bodies. Scott also provides advice to governmental agencies when they require outside assistance. Experience Lender: Obtained a defense verdict for a lender client against a plaintiff seeking millions in damages. Bank: Successfully defended a bank in a suit brought by a disgruntled customer. Bidder for a government contract: Represented from the initial stage through trial. Scotts client successfully obtained a government contract in excess of US$3 million. Recognition AV Distinguished™ by Martindale-Hubbell. The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyers peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards. The Best Lawyers in America® 2025: Commercial Litigation, Government Relations Practice, and Litigation - Insurance. Scott has been recognized since 2017. Best Lawyers® 2022 Litigation - Insurance Lawyer of the Year in the Des Moines metro. Best Lawyers® 2023 Government Relations Practice Lawyer of the Year in the Des Moines metro. Great Plains Super Lawyers 2020, Business Litigation. Scott was first ranked in the 2009 edition. Super Lawyers Business Edition 2014, Business Litigation Iowa Influencer, Campaigns & Elections, April 2011 issue Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute A. Arthur Davis Distinguished Community Leadership Award, 2009 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40, class of 2001 West Des Moines Leadership Academy, class of 2010 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, class of 2002 Leadership Iowa, class of 2000 Honors and Awards Polk County Bar Association Honor Roll, Volunteer Lawyers Project, 2023 Iowa State Bar Association Pro Bono honor roll, 50 hours completed, 2023 In the Media Quoted, West Des Moines Waters Works votes to being negotiations on regionalization, Business Record, January 2022 As a former party chair and active leader in the Iowa Democratic Party, Scott is frequently featured in the media commenting about Iowa politics. Activities and Affiliations American Bar Association Iowa State Bar Association Member, Board of Governors Polk County Bar Association President, Board of Directors, 2008 Community Involvement and Pro Bono Link Associates, Board of Directors Polk County Compensation Board, Chair West Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees, Chair Democratic National Committee, Member for Iowa Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party (2006-2009, 2013-2014) Delegation Chair for the Iowa Delegation to the 2008 Democratic National Convention Prior and Present Employment Dentons Davis Brown (formerly Davis Brown Law Firm), 1994-present Office of United States Senator Tom Harkin, 1987-1990