Mike C. Richards

Mike C. Richards is a Shareholder at Dentons Davis Brown, specialising in Dispute Resolution. He focuses on all stages of complex civil litigation with an emphasis on defense litigation, regularly representing individuals and businesses against claims of professional negligence (architects, engineers, medical providers, lawyers and brokers), construction disputes, contract claims, catastrophic personal injury, and municipal matters.

Mike has first-chaired numerous jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts across the country and has secured significant appellate victories before the Iowa Supreme Court. Notable successes include obtaining summary judgment on the state-of-the-art defense in a municipal liability case, an issue of first impression (Kellog v. City of Albia), and securing affirmation from the Iowa Supreme Court that the continuing storm doctrine remains good law in Iowa (Gries v. Ames Ecumenical Housing, Inc.). He also routinely provides coverage opinions for insurance carriers and insureds and serves as the Iowa Insurance Defense Department Chair.

Mike holds a J.D., with High Honors, from Drake University Law School (2001) and a BBA in Finance, with Honors, from the University of Iowa (1998).

He is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers USA for Insurance in Iowa (2022–2026) and is recognised by The Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Litigation – Municipal. He was named Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation – Municipal in the Des Moines metro (2026).