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Joseph Samuel Cortese II, Workers Comp Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

Over 45 years of legal practice · 4.2/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews

Practicing workers comp in Des Moines since 1981.

45+
Years practicing
4.2 ★
9 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Joseph Samuel Cortese II is a member based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Joseph has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Huber, Book, Cortese & Lanz, P.L.L.C.. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.

Based in
Des Moines, IA
Experience
over 45 years
Known for
Workers Comp
  • Handles Workers Comp matters from Des Moines, IA.
  • Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Joseph Samuel Cortese II: Joseph Samuel Cortese II is a member based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Joseph has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Huber, Book, Cortese & Lanz, P.L.L.C.. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Joseph takes on

Joseph concentrates on workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Workers Comp cases in Des Moines, Iowa

Joseph takes workers comp matters in Des Moines, Iowa. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Joseph Samuel Cortese II — workers comp lawyer in Des Moines

Joseph Samuel Cortese II is a member based in Des Moines, IA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Joseph has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Huber, Book, Cortese & Lanz, P.L.L.C.. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 9 client reviews.

Joseph Samuel Cortese II is a lawyer practicing workers compensation law. Joseph Samuel received a A.B. degree from Indiana University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. Joseph Samuel practices at Huber, Book, Cortese & Lanz, P.L.L.C. in Des Moines, IA.

Working with Joseph on a workers comp matter

Joseph Samuel Cortese II is a lawyer practicing workers compensation law. Joseph Samuel received a A.B. degree from Indiana University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. Joseph Samuel practices at Huber, Book, Cortese & Lanz, P.L.L.C. in Des Moines, IA.

Who Joseph represents

Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for workers comp matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Drake University

    J.D. · 1981

  • Indiana University

    A.B. · 1977

Jurisdictions

Joseph's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • Iowa

    1981 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Courts

    1981 · ACTIVE

Joseph studied at J.D. in Drake University and A.B. in Indiana University.

Law school and academic background

Joseph completed J.D. in Drake University and A.B. in Indiana University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Iowa is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations Iowa Defense Counsel Association Defense Research and Trial Lawyers Association Iowa Association of Workers' Compensation Lawyers Iowa Defense Counsel Association

    membership

Locations

Joseph Samuel Cortese II's office in Des Moines

Joseph's primary office is at 2700 Westown Parkway, Suite 170, Des Moines, IA, 50266-1411. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Huber, Book, Cortese & Lanz, P.L.L.C.

2700 Westown Parkway, Suite 170

Des Moines, IA 50266-1411

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Joseph Samuel Cortese II — 4.2/5 rating from 9 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing workers comp attorneys in Des Moines.

4.2

9 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph Samuel Cortese II claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Joseph Samuel Cortese II — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new workers comp attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a workers comp attorney in Des Moines, Iowa

A short list to run through before you commit: How many workers comp matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joseph

Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in workers comp practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every workers comp matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many workers comp practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joseph Samuel Cortese II

  • How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a workers comp case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Joseph offer a free consultation?

    Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some workers comp attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.

  • How long do workers comp cases in Iowa typically take?

    Simple workers comp matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?

    Joseph is licensed in Iowa. Matters governed by Iowa law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Joseph?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Joseph accepting new workers comp clients right now?

    Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Workers Comp attorneys serving Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in Iowa

Joseph handles workers comp matters throughout Iowa. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified workers comp attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these workers comp attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.