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 1 - 5 of 19 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by anonymous | June 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce attorney

I cannot recommend Chris Coppola highly enough for anyone navigating the challenging process of divorce. From our first consultation, their compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to my case put me at ease during an incredibly difficult time. They took the time to listen to my concerns, expl...ain complex legal matters in clear terms, and craft a strategy tailored to my unique situation. Chris is a masterful negotiator, striking the perfect balance between assertive advocacy and thoughtful mediation to achieve the best possible outcome. Their attention to detail ensured no stone was left unturned, and their proactive communication kept me informed every step of the way. Thanks to their skillful representation, I felt empowered and supported throughout the process, and the resolution exceeded my expectations. Beyond their legal acumen, Chris Coppola demonstrated genuine care for my well-being, guiding me with integrity and empathy. If you’re seeking a divorce attorney who combines exceptional professionalism with a human touch, look no further. Chris Coppola is truly outstanding and made all the difference in my case.

Posted by Krystin | June 27, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

I cannot speak highly enough of Chris Coppola and the exceptional service he provided during my divorce. From the very first meeting, it was clear that I was in the hands of a true professional. Chris is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely caring and compassionate. Navigating through... such a difficult time, I felt supported and understood every step of the way. What truly sets Chris apart is his responsiveness and dedication. Any time I had a question or concern, Chris and his team were there to address it promptly, making sure I felt informed and at ease. Chris Coppola also demonstrated a readiness to fight for my best interests when needed, ensuring that I received the best possible outcome. If you are looking for a divorce lawyer who combines legal expertise with a heartfelt commitment to his clients, I highly recommend hiring Chris Coppola.I am deeply grateful for his support while transitioning through this difficult time in my life.

Posted by Allee | February 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Very attentive and great attention to detail.

Chris is very invested in his clients. Focused on what their needs are and how he can help clients get what they need. Responds quickly to emails and answers questions truthfully. Definitely wouldn't of wanted anyone else handling my case. Fought for me and made me feel comfortable with my case.

Posted by Jason | October 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Child custody case

Chris really helped me out when I was in a bind. I hired him for my child custody case, and I’m very pleased with the outcome. He’s very professional and responds quickly and answer any questions that you might have. I highly recommend him as a lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Top notch Attorney

My spouse filed for divorce. I was very weary of divorce lawyers. I had heard nightmare stories. I did my research and decided to go with Mr. Chris Coppola. As I started working with Mr. Coppola and his assistant Sarah, I was left in awe. I found Chris to be a top notch, world class lawyer dedi...cated to helping his clients. When you enter a room you will feel Chris’ presence. He’s charismatic and quite sophisticated. My spouse had overcomplicated the case. She refused to back down on her unreasonable demands involving temp order for child custody and spousal support. She also proceeded to file various charges that further complicated things. At some point, I felt like I had totally lost control of my situation as I was no longer legally allowed to contact my spouse due to false allegations. Chris, unsolicited, remained the voice of reason. He believed me when I stated that the recent allegations were false, and he felt for me. He reached out to negotiate on my behalf. A bad lawyer could have easily taken advantage of my situation and dragged me through endless courts as they cashed in along the way. But Chris had my best interest in mind. As my case got more tangled, Chris never lost track of my initial end goal. He was able to filter out the noise and expertly navigate the situation. He knew what battles to fight and what battles to manage thus saving me tens of thousands of dollars, time and heartbreaks along the way. When it was war time, Chris fought as if he was fighting for himself. It seemed like everyone took note. Chris worked around the clock for me, I met with him during business hours and even on some occasions over the weekend including on a Sunday. He was very responsive over email and phone as well. Above all, I found Chris to be an ethical person. Yes, when he got a hint of me doing something wrong he pointed it out to me and we briefly discussed the circumstances. I had been trapped in a bad marriage. I had not discussed my marriage issues with anyone before as it seemed awkward. I really appreciated his perspective and now seek to better myself as a result of his feedback. I will always remember that during my darkest hour, Chris was there fighting for me in good conscience. He never considered his own interest but rather only mine. No matter how bad or tangled my situation got, I never lost confidence that Chris was going to turn the tide and change the course of the situation. For the most part I kept my cool too. He is a critical thinker and understands the law. He achieved the end results I wanted in the cheapest way possible. If you’re looking for a lawyer, look no further. My advice to you is to behave at the same level Chris does. Be organized and help Chris and his team understand your case so they can tailor their service to your needs, know what your goals and priorities are, be transparent and open minded.

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