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also known as Tim Semelroth
I’m Tim Semelroth. I grew up in Hiawatha, Iowa. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and I’m a dad to three strong-willed kids.
Who do you represent?
I only work for people dealing with death or injury because of someone else’s fault.
What led you to this work?
My dad worked in a factory and my mom was a teacher. They worked hard, played by the rules and raised five kids. Thankfully, they didn’t have reason to hire a lawyer after a tragedy, but if they did, they would have had no idea who to call.
When you graduate from law school, you have to decide who you want to represent. Some people choose to work for corporations. Some people choose to work for the government.
I decided I was most comfortable representing working people – people like my parents.
What motivates you to do what you do?
When I started high school, I was five feet, two inches tall. I wrestled in the 90-pound weight class. I know what it’s like to be the little guy.
It really bothers me to see those with power – particularly insurance corporations – take advantage of people who don’t have the knowledge or the opportunity to stand up for themselves. I am forever amazed by the lengths that the insurance industry will go to deny or lowball a legitimate claim. It keeps me very busy and a little ticked off.
It’s always an honor when someone asks you to be their voice, particularly at one of the most difficult times in their life. I can sleep at night because I know I’m always working for the right side.
What do you do when you are not working as an attorney?
I volunteer as den leader for my son’s Cub Scout pack even though I’m horrible at making pinewood derby cars.
I play on a sand volleyball team with guys from high school even though our vertical leaps are receding faster than our hairlines.
When the weather isn’t nice enough for volleyball, I coach scary-smart kids on middle and high school mock trial teams.
And when we find an opening in our family’s ridiculously busy calendar, we try to go on vacations. I’ve found that nothing makes me appreciate Iowa more than a little time away from home.
If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a teacher like my mom. Well, not exactly like my mom because she taught home economics and I’m not a very good cook. But I’ve always enjoyed learning and helping people find answers. There are a lot of similarities between what I try to do in a courtroom and what a teacher does in a classroom.
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Chat withState: Iowa
Acquired: 1997
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
425 2nd St SE, Suite 1140, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401-1848
13 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews
Posted by Sherry | September 29, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
Caring, Understanding, #1 Choice!
Tim took my call immediately when other smaller firms I called never even called me back. I thought I would give a smaller firm an opportunity but Tim immediately responded and genuinely cared when I was in a panic. Tim, Andrea, Emily, and the entire team at RSH legal handled my husband’s case with c...
Posted by Roger | May 09, 2018 | Car Accidents
Great help in undestanding my needs
Called and talked with Tim about an auto accident I was involved. I had no ideal what I should be doing, needed to do, and if I was doing what was best for my needs. Tim was very helpful took all the time I needed to explain the process and gave great advice for my situation. He explained that I cou...
Posted by Julie | October 26, 2017
Telephone Consultation
Tim was extremely attentive and patient in listening to me and answering all the questions I had. I didn't feel rushed or hurried off the phone, as if my "time was up." He also encouraged me to call back if I had any further questions. If you have any questions, concerns, or just need some basic a...
Posted by Steve | May 11, 2017 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Absolutely the best, seriously!
Tim embodies the skill set and values one seeks in selecting an attorney. Every legal matter is adversarial, it is war, and rest assured Tim will zealously advocate on your behalf and do so in the most competent and skillful manner. Tim has garnered an impeccable reputation in the community and fello...
Posted by Erin | April 26, 2017
Attorney
Tim is an amazing attorney who truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for their cases. He is also known for working effectively and efficiently with other attorneys to ensure positive impacts for not only his clients but the community. Great person, incredible...
"Tim is a skilled lawyer helping his clients navigate the legal and court terrain to get them justice for their personal injury cases. I recommend his services."
"I had the pleasure of attending Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College with Tim. Tim's personal warmth is evident in everything he does. His passion for helping his clients is what distinguishes him as a great trial lawyer."
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Apr 26
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. He will work hard to achieve justice in your case."
"I endorse Tim. He is the consummate professional. His passionate and progressive attitude towards his cases is just what the legal profession needs. I can't wait to work with him again!"
"There is no finer lawyer than Tim. He is someone who truly cares about his clients and is willing to put in those extra hours to make sure that justice is served for his clients. I would recommend my family to Tim and would ask that he take my case on if I needed his help. I strongly endorse him."
"Tim is a fantastic person and an excellent attorney who conducts himself with integrity. If I found myself in need of a lawyer in Iowa, he's the first person I'd call."
"I met Tim last year when we both attended the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer’s College in Wyoming. I was impressed with his dedication to trial work and with the passion he brought to the classroom every day for 3.5 straight weeks! Iowa is very lucky to have such an experienced warrior fighting for justice! I endorse Tim Semelroth."
"I had the pleasure of spending three weeks working with Tim on his cases at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College. He stood out amongst our classmates as an exceptional advocate with a real passion for his clients. I would recommend Tim to anyone who has suffered a catastrophic injury or lost a loved due to the fault of someone else."
"Tim is a great lawyer and everything about him shows he is dedicated to his clients and his craft. I would not hesitate for a moment in hiring Tim."
"Tim is an advocate for his clients. One of the things that most sets him apart is his love of those in need, his profession, and his family. I would call on him in a heartbeat and would have no doubt that he would be there the first chance he had."
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This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Reprimand issued in IA, 2025
updated on 09/05/2025This 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.
2018
Super Lawyer, Great Plains Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
10 out of 10, Avvo
2005
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2001 - Present
Partner, RSH Legal
2005 - 2010
Adjunct Professor, University of Iowa College of Law
1998 - 2000
Associate, Riccolo & Baker, PC
2019 - Present
American College of Trial LawyersMember
2017 - Present
International Society of BarristersMember
2016 - Present
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College"F" Warrior
2015 - Present
American Inns of CourtMaster
2012 - Present
National Board of Trial AdvocacyMember
2007 - Present
Iowa Foundation for JusticeBoard Member
2016 - 2017
American Board of Trial Advocates (Iowa chapter)President
2015 - 2016
Iowa State Bar Association, Litigation SectionChair
2008 - 2009
Iowa Association for JusticePresident
2007 - 2016
Iowa Legal AidBoard of Governors
2003 - 2007
American Bar Association (Iowa chapter)Chair
$2.5 million settlement
1997
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2018
Focus Groups: Harnessing the Wisdom of the Crowd
2018
Eight Ways to Wreck Your Truck Case
2018
2018
Sticky Situations in the World Wide Web: How the Internet Can Cost Attorneys Verdicts, Reputations and Even Their Law Licenses
2017
What’s Between Me and A 1/3 Fee? - Landmines in General Personal Injury Claims
2017
Let’s Make a Deal: Strategies for Negotiating With (or Without) Mediation
2015
Landmines in Personal Injury Cases
2015
Discovery of Social Media: How to Ethically Get What You Need
2014
Nothing “Minor” About It: Iowa Civil Litigation When Children Are Involved
English
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