Jess Vilsack is a member of the firm's Litigation Department.
He has a broad range of litigation experience in complex commercial and business matters representing clients in contract disputes, product liability and personal injury suits, consumer fraud litigation and class action defense. Jess has a strong network of legal, business and political contacts and frequently assists clients in developing and enhancing relationships with local, state and federal governments.
Before joining the firm, Jess worked as in-house counsel for MidAmerican Energy Company and as a prosecutor in the Polk County Attorney's Office. As a prosecutor, Jess tried more than 30 jury trials. Before that, Jess served as a law clerk to the Honorable Ronald E. Longstaff, United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.
Jess is currently serving as President of the Board of Directors for Central Iowa Shelter & Services. The organization is engaged in a $15 million capital campaign for a new homeless opportunity center in downtown Des Moines.
In 2010, Jess was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court to serve on the Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission.
Jess received his B.A. from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, in 2000. He graduated with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2003. During law school, Jess studied at the London Law Consortium in London, England.
Community Involvement
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
President (2011-present)
Board of Directors (2008-present)
Iowa Supreme Court Grievance
Commissioner (2010-present)
Associations & Affiliations
Iowa State Bar Association
Polk County Bar Association
C. Edwin Moore American Inn of Court, 2005-present
Professional Experience
Attorney, MidAmerican Energy Company, 2010-2011
Assistant Polk County Attorney, Polk County Attorney's Office, 2005-2010
Law Clerk, Hon. Ronald E. Longstaff, United States District Court, Southern District of Iowa, 2003-2005