Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
50 Client Reviews
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Christine E Branstad Esq
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About Christine
Biography
Christine practices primarily in litigation with a focus on criminal defense.
Christine received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa in 1991 and her Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School in 1994. Christine is licensed to practice law in all courts within Iowa, as well as the District of Columbia.
Christine is a member of the Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations. Christine has achieved the status of Master of the Bench in the Blackstone Inn of Court.
Working hard for each client.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
60%
31 years
DUI and DWI
20%
31 years
Violent Crime
10%
31 years
Juvenile Law
5%
29 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2015
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Iowa for 31 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 31 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Christine online.
Christine E Branstad Esq's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Logan | August 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Wouldn’t go with anyone else
Christine represented me in a serious criminal case. The hard work and dedication her and Nathan showed in their prep work and at trail was a game changer
Posted by Enrique | March 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Helpful Attorney
She is very accommodating and helpful I hired her to drop a No Contact Order she managed to get it completed in a week she is very responsive and is pleasant to work with
Posted by LAMIA | May 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Thank you for your support, honesty, hard work, and for your excellent legal representation
Christine is very knowledgeable and professional. I wouldn't have known where to start with my case without her. She was my saving grace in a very stressful situation. Because of her expertise, hard work, and compassionate support, Christine was able to guide me through an overwhelming court system ...
Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Negotiated successful plea
Christine successfully negotiated a successful plea for my issue. She is very professional and has great experience
Posted by Darryl Riles | April 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
I made the right decision
I hired Christine during after an exhausting search of attorneys at law to handle my case. I found her to be one of the top criminal lawyers in the state. After a brief consultation concerning the merits of my case, she assured me that the charges against me could be dismissed. She has been informati...
Christine E Branstad Esq's Lawyer Endorsements
"Christine is professional, creative, and passionate when it comes to defending her clients. She is an excellent attorney committed to getting results for her clients."
"Christine is well-known across the State of Iowa as an excellent lawyer."
"Christine Branstad has earned her reputation as one of the premier Iowa lawyers for handling small to midsized litigation matters. Her knowledge not only of the law, but of the practicalities of Iowa litigation set her apart from her contemporaries. I have personally sent friends and family members to her, and have received nothing but glowing praise for the work she has done on their behalf."
Scott Michels
Sex crime lawyer
F. Brown
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Heflin
Criminal defense lawyer
Brett Trout
Patent infringement lawyer
Nathan Olson
Appeals lawyer
Katharine Massier
Unknown lawyer
Teresa Pope
Family lawyer
Joshua Sleper
Immigration lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Recognition for Pro Bono Service, Supreme Court of Iowa
2013
President's Award, Iowa State Bar Association
2013
Pro Bono Award-Representation, Iowa State Bar Association
2013
Pro Bono Award-Mediation, Iowa State Bar Association
2010
Iowa Supreme Court Probono Service Award, Iowa Supreme Court
2000
BV, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
Several, American Mock Trial Association
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Attorney, Branstad Law
2012 - 2013
Professor of Leadership and Community Course, William Penn University
2007 - 2012
Corporate Counsel, CHA
2006 - 2008
Director of Legal Network Management and Development, Arag Group
2006 - 2008
LItigation Attorney, EMC
2004 - 2006
Attorney, Wandro, Lyons & Baer
1997 - 2001
Associate, Hopkins & Huebner
1995 - 1997
Assistant County Attorney, Jasper County
Associations
2016 - 2018
Iowa Independent School Tuition OrganizationPresident
2012 - 2015
Ballet Des MoinesTreasurer
2010 - 2015
ISBA - Professionalism CommitteeCommittee member
2010 - 2011
National Association of Professional Women
2009 - 2015
Rotary ClubMember
2009 - 2015
Children's Cancer ConnectionVice President
1997 - 2015
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember
1997 - 2015
Iowa State Bar AssociationMember
1997 - 2015
Blackstone American Inn of CourtMaster of the Bench
1997 - 1998
American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Criminal & Juvenile Justice CommitteeChair
1997 - 2015
Polk County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - 2003
American Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
1993 - 1994
Iowa Trial Lawyers Association-Drake DivisionPresident
1992 - 2015
Iowa Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1992 - 1993
Iowa Trial Lawyers Association-Drake DivisionTreasurer
Polk County Women Attorneys
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Al Nuaimi
Not Guilty Verdict
State V. Polak
Verdict for Client
State V. Terry
Verdict for Client
South Beach Night Club, L.L.C. v. Iowa Department of Commerce
Judgment Affirmed
State v. Imafidon
Judgment for Imafidon - Reversed and Remanded
Buckley v. Iowa Department of Human Services
reversed and remanded
State v. Iowa District Court For Monroe County
writ sustained, sentence vacated
Jose Urista
Reinstatement on Medicaid Provider List for client
State v. Carter
Aquittal
State v. Al Nuaim
Acquittal
State v. Carter
Not Guilty
Education
2010
International Academy of Dispute Resolution
Authorized Mediator of the Academy
1994
Drake University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
University of Iowa
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2020
Iowa Court Reporters Association Annual Meeting
Criminal Defense
2017
Iowa State Bar Association 2017 Annual Meeting
Advising Clients on Handling Their Electronically Stored Information
2016
The Ray Society at Drake
Through the Eyes of a Private Investigator, Part Two
2016
NBI Seminars
Gun Law: Restoration of Firearms Rights
2013
Youth Leadership Initiative
Judicial Retention in Iowa
2013
Sustaining Fund Dinner
Judicial Retention Voting
2012
Three Branches of Government
Civics Education Presentation for 4th and 5th Grade Students
2012
So, I have an idea and want to start a business--where do I start?
Legal Aspects of Starting a Business
2011
Continuing Legal Education: Trial Tactics
Criminal Trial Tactics
2010
West Des Moines Business Lunch Club
Judicial Retention
2010
League of Women Voters Open House
Judicial Retention
2010
Emerging Entrepreneurs Focused on Maximizing Growth
Legal Aspects of Opening a Busines
2010
Adel Rotary
Judicial Retention
2006
Guest Lecturer
Litigation
2005
Guest Lecturer
Litigation
2004
Trial By Jury
Trial Process
2004
Guest Lecturer
Family Law
2003
Guest Lecturer
Family Law
2002
How to Represent Yourself or Your Corporation In Iowa's Small Claims Court
Small Claims
2002
Guest Lecturer
Family Law
2002
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Being a Plaintiff's Attorney
Plaintiff-oriented practice for new lawyers
2001
Guest Lecturer
Family Law
2000
Guest Lecturer
Family Law
1999
Save Yourself From Malpractice
Malpractice
1999
Rapid Fire
Trial Practice
1999
Guest Lecturer
Family Law
Publications
2012
Drake Law Review
A Coin on the Tracks: Can Big Money and Politics Derail Judicial Impartiality Through Election Spending?
2010
The Retailer
Getting What you Pay For: Money Alone is Not Enough
1993
Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers
Assistant Editor for: Trial Handbook 1993 Supplement by the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers
N/A
Business Record
Business Law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Christine earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Avoid lawyers and lawsuits: Watch what you write and type
21 Oct 2010
Legal Guide
Good News for Good Businesses: Snake Oil* Sellers Beware
21 Oct 2010
Legal Guide
Succession Planning - How to Divorce or Die or Retire with Dignity (and a little money)
21 Oct 2010