Christopher Coppola

PRO

Christopher Coppola

also known as Coppola Hockenberg Law Firm

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 26 years

Personal injury Lawyer at West Des Moines, IA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Divorce & Separation, Family, Workers Compensation

2100 Westown Pkwy Ste 210, West Des Moines, IA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Christopher

Biography

Licensed in Iowa, Utah, and Wisconsin. Experienced Trial Attorney - Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, Divorce, and Child Custody Attorney. Call (515) 414-8518

Licensed in both Iowa and Wisconsin. Experienced Trial Attorney Focusing on Family Law Matters. Call (515) 414-8518

Licensed in both Iowa and Wisconsin. Experienced Trial Attorney Focusing on Family Law Matters. Call (515) 414-8518

Licensed in both Iowa and Wisconsin. Experienced Trial Attorney Focusing on Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Matters. Call (515) 414-8518

Licensed in both Iowa and Wisconsin. Experienced Trial Attorney Focusing on Workers Compensation and Personal Injury Matters. Call (515) 414-8518

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 30%

Car accidents, truck accidents, Wrongful death, injury cases of any circumstances.

28 years

30%
Divorce and Separation 25%

Divorce, Custody, Support, Alimony, Division of Assets and debts

28 years

25%
Family 25%

Divorce, Custody, Support, Alimony, Division of Assets and debts

27 years

25%
Workers Compensation 20%

Work place injury

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 6
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2014 2013
Platinum Client Champion
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Utah for < 1 year

State: Utah

Acquired: 2025

Active

Licensed in Wisconsin for 4 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2021

Good Standing

Licensed in Iowa for 26 years

State: Iowa

Acquired: 1999

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2012

Location

Coppola Hockenberg, P.C.

2100 Westown Pkwy Ste 210, West Des Moines, IA, 50265

wdmlawyers.com/attorneys/christopher-b-coppola

Christopher Coppola's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

114 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 25 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family

Chris Coppola-Fantastic family law attorney

Chris Coppola was my representation in a recent family law matter. You will not find a better attorney. He is responsive, empathetic, fierce in a negotiation, and will stand by your side in a very difficult time. He knowledge of family law is vast and he was able to communicate with me very effective...ly during times of distress. I would recommend him 10/10 times to any family , friend, or colleague looking to hire an attorney.

Posted by Katie | September 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce case I thought would never end

I hired Chris for a difficult divorce case that went to trial. He helped in all aspects. Coached and educated me through every process. He remained calm during stressful situations while providing empathy and compassion. Chris and his paralegal, Sarah are very organized and have quick response time. ...They both worked around the clock for my case. I needed someone to be blunt and Chris is just that. He offers great advice and indicates the potential of every outcome. And he knocked the socks off in the courtroom!

Posted by Madison Marquis | September 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Child Custody

I hired Chris to help with my custody case. Chris was very professional from day 1, and was determined to help me in every which way possible. Chris came in ready to go to bat for me. Chris kept good communication with what was going on in my case, what I needed to do, and how to handle certain sit...uations. He is very knowledgeable with the laws, knows what you will be going after, and does not stop until you win or until you say so. If you want an attorney that is driven to win, and win with ease - this is the attorney for you.

Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

katherine finucan

Chris handled a personal injury case for our daughter. He explained everything and was always available to answer our questions or concerns. We appreciate his hard work and expertise in the law. We would recommend him to anyone in need of a competent and caring lawyer. Our family is grateful for ...his service.

Posted by bari | December 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Exceptional Child Custody and Family Lawyer

Chris is a real force in family law. He is well-respected, highly skilled, and crazy responsive. If you need a fierce advocate to protect you, your assets and your kids, you found your lawyer. I am a family attorney in NJ and am thankful that my client has found Chris to represent her best interests ...after she relocated to Iowa. She is in beyond capable hands with Chris and his team.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Coppola's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Evan J. Starcevic headshot
Evan Starcevic

Family lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gary William Kendell headshot
Gary Kendell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Henry Sayre headshot
James Sayre

General practice lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Christopher and I have known each other for a very long time, dating back before our legal career. Christopher has always been an extremely diligent and professional individual. I would highly recommend Christopher for any type of legal representation. James H. Sayre"

Joseph William Coppola III headshot
Joseph Coppola

Workers compensation lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Christopher Coppola is the ideal attorney who remains dedicated to helping his clients accomplish their goals and get their lives back on track."

Ryan E. Weese headshot
Ryan Weese

General practice lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Coppola possesses trusted experience and knowledge of many aspects of civil litigation. He has earned a positive reputation in the community, and I would not hesitate to refer to him potential clients."

Kathleen Tessa Sandre headshot
Kathleen Sandre

Family lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"In my experience working with Chris, he is extremely motivated and committed to representing his clients zealously. As soon as he was retained on a matter, he made it a priority to address any urgent issues. In addition, he always kept in very close contact with his clients in order to keep them apprised of any new developments. He has also attained great success in many areas of the practice of law."

Harlan D. Hockenberg headshot
Harlan Hockenberg

General practice lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this attorney, Chris Coppola, for his expertise and skills, solution oriented and hard worker. He is efficient and has knowledge in many areas of the law. He also places ethics and morals as a priority. Clients interests are always met."

Lawrence F. Scalise headshot
Lawrence Scalise

Litigation lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an excellent tgrial lawyer regarding personal injury, business litigation, divorce matters and all around confident, hard working always prepared attorney who protects his client's rights..I highly recommend him. Larry Scalise"

Kimberly Jo Stamatelos headshot
Kimberly Stamatelos

Family lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I often serve as a mediator for Chris on his family law cases. He is a real problem solver, listening to his clients and advocating for them in a way that meets their needs and interests."

View All Endorsements
Corey Joseph Lee Walker headshot
Corey Walker

Car accident lawyer

Larry J. Handley headshot
Larry Handley

Litigation lawyer

Evan J. Starcevic headshot
Evan Starcevic

Divorce and separation lawyer

Matthew Thomas Lindholm headshot
Matthew Lindholm

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert G Rehkemper III headshot
Robert Rehkemper

General practice lawyer

Ryan E. Weese headshot
Ryan Weese

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kathleen Tessa Sandre headshot
Kathleen Sandre

General practice lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2012.

Reprimand issued in IA, 2012

updated on 08/01/2014

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Christopher’s comment:

“I did not know where my client resided. As a result, we were unable to send my client an invoice. I voluntarily accepted a public reprimand. My fees were deemed earned and reasonable. The client who filed the complaint was facing 9 years in prison. I got her probation. She was rearrested and wanted me to help her for free as she was out of money. Then she filed the complaint. I should have located her and sent an invoice. She had been on the run and ended up in Jail.”

Honors

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2018

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2013

AVVO Client Choice Award, AVVO

2013

AVVO Top Contributor, AVVO

2013

Top Lawyers In Iowa, The Legal Network

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2010

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

1993

Oustanding Wrestler Newcomer of the Year, Drake University

1993

Western Athletic Conference Student Athlete All-Academic, Drake University

1992

Who's Who, Who's Who

1992

State Champion Wrestler, Iowa State Wrestling Champion

1992

All Conference Academic, IHSAA

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Attorney, Coppola Law Firm

1999 - Present

Attorney, Mediation

1996 - Present

Partner, Coppola, Hockenberg, P.C.

1997 - 1998

Elder Law Student Attorney, Drake Law School Clinic

1996 - 1999

Law Clerk, Coppola, Sandre & McConville, P.C.

Associations

2024 - Present

Board of Governors for the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa.

Member

2016 - Present

Polk County Iowa Family Law Mediation Panel

Mediator

2016 - Present

Iowa Collaborative Lawyers

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa State Bar Association

Member

1999 - Present

US Southerm District Federal Court Iowa

Member

1999 - Present

US Northern District Federal Court Iowa

Member

1999 - Present

Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity

Member

1999 - Present

Polk County Bar Aassociation

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa Criminal Law Attorney

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa Personal Injury Attorney

Memeber

1999 - Present

Iowa General Practice Trial Attorney

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa Family Law Attorney

Member

1999 - Present

Iowa Volunteer Lawyer Project

Pro Bono Lawyer

1999 - 2009

Iowa State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division

Member

1999 - 2003

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Work Comp

$225,000

ATV Negligence Accident

$1,500,000

Work Comp

$400,000

Work Compy

$150,000 and $185,000

Custody

Primary Care

Work Comp

Settled for $170,000 new money

Dram Shop - Assault

Settled - confidential

Car Accident

Settled for over $220,000

Car Accident

Settled for $300,000

Work Comp

Settled for $250,000

Medical malpractice cases 2013

Settled

In Re a Marriage of Hayes

Won

Divorce alimony issue to Iowa supreme Court

Won

Work Comp

Plaintiff/ employee won

Car Accident Jury Verdict

Plaintiff Won

Work Comp

Plaintiff - Employee -Won

Divorce and Child Custody

Won

Work Compensation

$237,500

Work Comp

$571,000.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1998

Drake University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of Iowa

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1992

Dowling Catholic High School

HS

Speaking Engagements

2012

Iowa Court of Appeals

In Re a Marriage of Hayes

1998

Drake Law Seminars

Wills

1998

Drake Law School Clinic

Elder Law

1998

Drake Law Clinic

Trial Advocacy

1998

Drake Law

POA's and Advanced a Directives in Iowa

Publications

2019

Iowa Court of Appeals In Re Marriage of Vesey

2014

Iowa Court of Appeals In Re Marriage of Witherly

2014

Iowa Court of Appeals In Re Golly v. Salyers

2013

Iowa Court of Appeals In Re Marriage of Hayes

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Christopher earned significant contribution points in 2014.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2012
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution