Brad C.
Epperly

“As a lawyer, you never stop learning about what’s out there, what people do, and what motivates them.”

As legislative counsel, Brad Epperly’s practice operates a bit differently from that of most of his colleagues. Brad represents clients, predominantly trade associations, before the Iowa legislature, governor, and regulatory agencies, performing lobbyist functions at the state capitol.

 

He monitors, proposes, advocates, drafts, and sometimes opposes legislation. His work involves a broad spectrum of public policy issues, including certain industries, licensed professionals, economic development, labor and employment, workers’ compensation, and utilities. “Laws can incent or restrict business,” Brad says. “Much of my work is market driven, where amending Iowa law would create avenues to allow a particular industry to grow or pursue a new product.”

 

He represents clients in biosciences, whose goal is to feed the world. “I’m not out planting the corn, but in protecting them at the state level, I play a small part in helping them be achieve their lofty goals,” he says.

 

Brad also maintains a legal practice in the areas of creditors rights, construction law, and general civil litigation. Brad also maintains a legal practice in creditors’ rights, construction law, and general civil litigation. “No matter how busy I get at the capitol, I never want to give up my legal practice,” he says.

 

Lobbying is an arena of unknowns. “You oftentimes don’t know what the other side is saying to whom and may not know the ultimate decision-maker,” Brad says. “The ability to build strong relationships and earn others’ trust can determine your success.”

 

Brad has developed relationships with legislators, regulators, representatives from the governor’s office, and other lobbyists. He conducts himself with the highest ethical and professional standards, effectively engaging stakeholders and building allies in his pursuits to get legislators to support or not support issues. Clients appreciate Brad’s attention to detail, his honesty, and straightforward approach.

 

From the big picture to the smallest of details, Brad is thoughtful in his decision-making. “At some point someone may need to interpret something I’ve done,” he says. “The words used, even the placement of words, can be critical to avoid adverse consequences.”

 

Brad has been active in industry and community associations, including serving on the boards of the local chapter of the Federal Bar Association and a West Des Moines youth baseball league. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Iowa Innovation Corporation. 

 

Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished

 

The Best Lawyers in America®
2014–2024

  • Administrative/Regulatory Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Litigation–Banking and Finance

 

The Best Lawyers in America®

  • Lawyer of the Year, Government Relations Practice,Des Moines, 2017, 2024
  • Lawyer of the Year, Litigation—Banking and Finance,Des Moines, 2020, 2024

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Polk County Bar Association

 

Nebraska Bar Association

 

Iowa Innovation Corporation
Board of Directors, 2016–present

 

Federal Bar Association
Secretary, Iowa Chapter, 2005–2007

 

Holiday Park Baseball Club
Board of Directors and Secretary, 2006–2008

 

Science Center of Iowa
Pro Bono Representation, 2002–2003

OVERVIEW

As legislative counsel, Brad Epperly’s practice operates a bit differently from that of most of his colleagues. Brad represents clients, predominantly trade associations, before the Iowa legislature, governor, and regulatory agencies, performing lobbyist functions at the state capitol.

 

He monitors, proposes, advocates, drafts, and sometimes opposes legislation. His work involves a broad spectrum of public policy issues, including certain industries, licensed professionals, economic development, labor and employment, workers’ compensation, and utilities. “Laws can incent or restrict business,” Brad says. “Much of my work is market driven, where amending Iowa law would create avenues to allow a particular industry to grow or pursue a new product.”

 

He represents clients in biosciences, whose goal is to feed the world. “I’m not out planting the corn, but in protecting them at the state level, I play a small part in helping them be achieve their lofty goals,” he says.

 

Brad also maintains a legal practice in the areas of creditors rights, construction law, and general civil litigation. Brad also maintains a legal practice in creditors’ rights, construction law, and general civil litigation. “No matter how busy I get at the capitol, I never want to give up my legal practice,” he says.

 

Lobbying is an arena of unknowns. “You oftentimes don’t know what the other side is saying to whom and may not know the ultimate decision-maker,” Brad says. “The ability to build strong relationships and earn others’ trust can determine your success.”

 

Brad has developed relationships with legislators, regulators, representatives from the governor’s office, and other lobbyists. He conducts himself with the highest ethical and professional standards, effectively engaging stakeholders and building allies in his pursuits to get legislators to support or not support issues. Clients appreciate Brad’s attention to detail, his honesty, and straightforward approach.

 

From the big picture to the smallest of details, Brad is thoughtful in his decision-making. “At some point someone may need to interpret something I’ve done,” he says. “The words used, even the placement of words, can be critical to avoid adverse consequences.”

 

Brad has been active in industry and community associations, including serving on the boards of the local chapter of the Federal Bar Association and a West Des Moines youth baseball league. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Iowa Innovation Corporation. 

 

RECOGNITION

Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished

 

The Best Lawyers in America®
2014–2024

  • Administrative/Regulatory Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Litigation–Banking and Finance

 

The Best Lawyers in America®

  • Lawyer of the Year, Government Relations Practice,Des Moines, 2017, 2024
  • Lawyer of the Year, Litigation—Banking and Finance,Des Moines, 2020, 2024

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Polk County Bar Association

 

Nebraska Bar Association

 

Iowa Innovation Corporation
Board of Directors, 2016–present

 

Federal Bar Association
Secretary, Iowa Chapter, 2005–2007

 

Holiday Park Baseball Club
Board of Directors and Secretary, 2006–2008

 

Science Center of Iowa
Pro Bono Representation, 2002–2003