Matt McKinney, Esq.

Gov. Relations Counsel & Litigation Attorney; City Council Member, At-Large, City of West Des Moines

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I received my J.D., cum laude, along with certificates of concentration in litigation and criminal law and procedure from Creighton University School of Law in 2007. I was also the sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.

I was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 2007 and the State of Arizona in 2008. Additionally, I am admitted to practice law in Iowa Federal District Court (northern and southern divisions) as well as in Colorado Federal District Court.

It was a privilege to be elected to the West Des Moines City Council, in the at-large position, in 2019 and then re-elected in 2023. I am an active member of the Iowa and Polk County Bar Associations, in addition to serving as a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee; the United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabineet; BRAVO of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines ats Festival Board of Directors, Taste of the Junction Boaard of Directors and the Metro Advisory Council ICON Water Trails.

I am also a graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. I have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Best Lawyers® in America in the area of Government Relations Practice. Finally, it was an honor to have Super Lawyers® recognize me as a “Rising Star” in the area of Government Relations from 2017 – 2021.

My Specialties

•  Government Relations

•  Litigation/Trial Law

•  Data Security and Privacy

•  Administrative Law

•  Business and Corporate Law

•  Health Law