Serving Iowa Families Statewide
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Jennifer A. Russell

Attorney

Jennifer graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1996 with a B.A. in Criminology with honors on the Dean’s List. She graduated from Creighton University Law School in 2000. While in law school, she was the winner of the Domestic Moot Court Competition and her criminal law article published in the law review.

From 2000-2003, Jennifer practiced in all areas of family law, juvenile law and criminal defense at a private practice in Des Moines.

From 2003-2007, she was a prosecutor with the Warren County Attorney’s Office. She handled all criminal offenses, including simple misdemeanors, indictable misdemeanors and felonies. As a Warren County Assistant Attorney, she led the juvenile delinquency docket, and handled numerous jury trials including several felony drug cases and a vehicular homicide.

From 2007 to 2014, Jennifer was an assistant public defender Des Moines. She handled a very high caseload of felony criminal offenses, including sex abuse, burglary, robberies, felony assaults, vehicular homicides, felony kidnapping, felony drug offenses, thefts, all property crimes, stalking, and at least 10 Class A kidnapping and murder cases.

From 2014 to 2015, Jennifer was the lead felony prosecutor at the Story County Attorney’s Office and main sex abuse prosecutor. Jennifer took on a leadership role in the office training younger attorneys, police officers, SART nurses, etc. She also helped to prosecute one murder case in Story County. Jennifer is an experienced trail lawyer, averaging 6-8 jury trials a year for the past 15 years.

PRACTICE AREAS

  • Adoptions
  • Assault
  • Child abuse and neglect
  • Child custody
  • Child support
  • Collaborative family law
  • Criminal law
  • Divorce
  • Domestic violence
  • Drivers license suspension
  • Drug crimes
  • DUI/DWI
  • Family law
  • Fathers rights
  • Felonies
  • Juvenile law
  • Misdemeanors
  • Sexual assault
  • Traffic violations
  • Visitation rights

ADMITTED

  • Iowa, 2000

EDUCATION

  • Creighton Law School, JD, 2000
  • University of Northern Iowa, BA, 1996

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • Iowa State Bar Association

Why Hire Hope Law Firm?

  • We have a high success rate in handling complex divorce cases.

  • We take an aggressive approach & have a proven track record.

  • We treat you with compassion, honesty, dignity and respect.

  • When we take your case to trial, we don't stop until we win!

The Opinions That Matter Most

See What Our Clients Have To Say
  • “She helped me win each court battle I was in, including the appellate court.”

    Katie S.

  • “Katie was always two steps ahead of our other opponent, knowing exactly what we needed to do.”

    Abbie F.

  • “They were very nice people to deal with and did a good job for me and my kids.”

    C.A.

  • “She is kind, caring, and thoughtful, yet she is able provide her clients with the necessary knowledge and experience at just the right times. I would highly recommend her!”

    Sheree D.

  • “The Hope Law Firm and attorney, Shannon have been excellent to work with.”

    Patty L.

  • “Katie was simply AMAZING and helped us keep my son exactly where he should be.”

    Zach & April B.

  • “She is great and everyone there. Would sometimes take 1-2 days for a response email so only reason I gave 4 out of 5 in response time- but it was fine.”

    Jess

  • “Steve was great working with me at the last minute on a prenup that was not finished and several mistakes were made on my now husband's lawyer's side.”

    Jill T.

  • “She is consistently professional, knowledgeable, and supportive as we navigated my case.”

    Sally B.

  • “Thank you Katie and Shelby, and staff! Could not have had a better outcome for my children and I. I appreciate your hard work and dedication. ...”

    A.C.

  • “Charlotte is a knowledgeable, trustworthy attorney who guided me through the process.”

    Kelsey T.

  • “I would recommend her to anyone facing any family law situations! You will not be disappointed!!”

    A.P.

  • “Katie gave me hope, and helped me trust again and to have faith in the legal system.”

    Megan F.

  • “Steve helped me get custody of my daughter and child support started.”

    Kira T.

  • “The firm works with their clients on payment schedules, setting practical goals, and treating every client fairly! ”

    Jana D.