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Timothy S. Semelroth
also known as Tim Semelroth
About Timothy
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Iowa for 28 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 1997
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Location
RSH Legal
425 2nd St SE, Suite 1140, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401-1848
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Timothy S. Semelroth's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge
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 Jody | February 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Medical Malpractice
Knowledgeable, attentive, efficient, and effective
My husband and I hired Tim after my husband's neurosurgeon made an error in his surgery. Tim was knowledgeable about all facets of medical malpractice and took the time to educate us on the applicable laws. Tim did a great job of keeping in touch with us throughout the lengthy (2+ years) process to...
Posted by Pam | October 17, 2016 | Car Accidents
Excellent
I consulted with Tim Semelroth regarding a car accident. He was very helpful in answering all my questions. He gave me good advice in regards to signing off on the accident. Tim and his staff were all very friendly on the phone and got back to me very quickly. I would feel very confident in recommend...
Posted by Mark | October 12, 2016 | Insurance
Advice on car vs cow accident
He was very persistent on getting in touch with me, even with rare life events pulling us in opposite directions. Gave me step by step advice on how to proceed with and what to do in all scenarios of our pending insurance claim
Posted by Dawn | June 27, 2016 | Social Security Disability
RSH Legal's Advice was Key!
I contacted RSH Legal/Tim Semelroth regarding Social Security Disability. They sent me information on filing on my own, and it was extremely helpful. They felt that due to my condition I had a good chance of qualifying on my own, but they were there if I needed them. I was awarded SSDI in 2 months. F...
Timothy S. Semelroth's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
Barry Weathers
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."
"Tim is one of the best lawyers that I know."
Andrew Calandro
Litigation lawyer
Erin Hayden
Litigation lawyer
Barry Weathers
Personal injury lawyer
Michelle Martin
Personal injury lawyer
Michael Carrillo
Personal injury lawyer
Aaron Glover
Criminal defense lawyer
Colin Jones
Personal injury lawyer
Edwin Schwartz
Litigation lawyer
Frank Perez
Personal injury lawyer
Brecken Wagner
Criminal defense lawyer
Justin Strassburg
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
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.
Honors
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
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Partner, RSH Legal
2005 - 2010
Adjunct Professor, University of Iowa College of Law
1998 - 2000
Associate, Riccolo & Baker, PC
Associations
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
Sample of Legal Cases
Estate of Kathleen Haptonstall and William Haptonstall Individually v. State of Iowa
$2.5 million settlement
Education
1997
University of Iowa College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
Drake University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Iowa State Bar Association Bridge the Gap Seminar
Focus Groups: Harnessing the Wisdom of the Crowd
2018
Iowa Association for Justice Annual Convention
Eight Ways to Wreck Your Truck Case
2018
Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa Annual Conference
Prudence v. Negligence: Managing Risk in Concussion Response
2018
ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section Property Damage Conference
Sticky Situations in the World Wide Web: How the Internet Can Cost Attorneys Verdicts, Reputations and Even Their Law Licenses
2017
Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting
What’s Between Me and A 1/3 Fee? - Landmines in General Personal Injury Claims
2017
Iowa State Bar Assocation Annual Meeting
Let’s Make a Deal: Strategies for Negotiating With (or Without) Mediation
2015
Iowa State Bar Association Nuts & Bolts Seminar
Landmines in Personal Injury Cases
2015
Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers Annual Seminar
Discovery of Social Media: How to Ethically Get What You Need
2014
Iowa Association for Justice Annual Convention
Nothing “Minor” About It: Iowa Civil Litigation When Children Are Involved
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Guides
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
I Was Hit by Someone Driving a Company Vehicle in Iowa – What Do I Do Now?
21 May 2021
Video Legal Guide
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim After a Car Accident in Iowa?
27 Aug 2020
Video Legal Guide
Documenting Your Job Search After A Serious Car Crash in Iowa
15 Apr 2020