Concentration / Summary
Gary R. Fischer is a shareholder and Managing Partner of the firm. He has a general practice including but not limited to practicing primarily in general business litigation with an emphasis on employment and labor law matters. Gary also counsels business clients with a full range of employee/labor relations matters including but not limited to negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. Gary also accepts a select few personal injury and workers compensation matters on behalf of individuals usually involving serious injury or fatalities. Gary obtained one of the largest personal injury jury verdicts in Iowa in excess of ten million dollars. Gary has over 20 years experience advising clients and practicing law with the firm and is a well respected advocate on behalf of his clients.
Background Information
Gary was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 24, 1964. He graduated from Southeast Polk High School in Runnells, Iowa in 1983 and was elected class president. He received his B.A. in economics from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1987. He earned his J.D., with honors, from Drake University in 1990 and while in law school was selected as a National Member of the Order of Barristers for exhibiting excellence in the art of courtroom advocacy, was a member of the Moot Court Team and after presenting an appellate argument to the full panel of the Iowa Supreme Court was selected by the justices to receive the Hudson Appellate Advocacy Award.
Gary has previously served as an Instructor for the Legal Assistant Program at Des Moines Area Community College teaching Business Law, Torts, Litigation and Trial Preparation.
Gary has also served as an Adjunct Professor for Central College teaching Mock Trial Practicum.
Gary volunteers time to his local area Boy Scouts of America organizations.
Gary also serves as a publicly elected member of the Southeast Polk School District’s Board of Education and also serves on the Board’s Finance Committee. Gary has been Vice-President of the Board and is currently President of the Board.
Areas of Practice
Business & Corporate Law, Labor/Employment Law Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Iowa (1990-Present)
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa, 1990
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa, 1990
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 1994
- Supreme Court of the United States of America, 2004
Professional Recognitions/Honors & Accomplishments
- AV ® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
Anonymous peer review comments submitted to Martindale-Hubbell rating service by fellow lawyers:
“I have known Gary for approaching one decade. He and I have jointly participated in cases as co-counsel and we have been opposite sides of cases as well. Gary is a trial lawyer’s trial lawyer and deserves an AV rating.”
“Fine lawyer worthy of your highest rating.”
“Gary routinely exercises good judgment on behalf of, and in consultation with, his clients.”
“I have known Gary for 15 years +/- years. He is an excellent lawyer and outstanding person.”
Associations and Affiliations
- Polk County Bar Association (Member)
- Iowa State Bar Association (Member, Litigation, Employment & Labor sections)
- American Bar Association (Member, Litigation, Employment & Labor, Law Practice Management sections)
- Iowa Association for Justice (Member)
- Iowa School Board Association (Member)
Personal Interests
Family, music, fishing, collecting vintage Coca Cola/soda items, time at Okoboji lakes and the Iowa State Fair. Elvis fan.
