David L. Brown ’65
Distinguished Alumnus Award
David L. Brown ’65 is a preeminent trial attorney with the law firm of Hansen, McClintock & Riley in Des Moines, Iowa. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Lawrence University in 1969, a Master of Arts Degree in History from Michigan State University in 1972, and a Juris Doctor Degree from Drake University in 1975. Prior to attending law school, he taught school for Bloomington School District #87. After completing law school, Brown was an assistant attorney general for the State of Iowa and clerked for two years with Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Edwin Moore.
Brown has set high standards for himself. He is known for his professionalism, unimpeachable character, and absolute integrity. He is widely recognized for skill in advocacy, leadership, and services rendered in promoting the best interest of the legal profession. He has been honored by the bench and bar through invitation to fellowship in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, the American Board of Trial Advocates (president, Iowa Chapter 1999-2000), and the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers (president, 2000-2001).
Brown is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. He has been a contributing member to the C. Edwin Moore Inn of Court (Master) since its creation in 1990. Since his admission to practice, he has given generously of his time and effort to the bench and bar and for the benefit of the public by serving on numerous select committees, sections, boards and commissions. These include: chairperson of the Iowa Board of Law Examiners, who design, administer, and score the bar exam for the State of Iowa; the Supreme Court Commission to study proposed Rules of Professional Conduct; the Special Task Force on Administrative Law of which he was co-chair; Chair of the Litigation Section of the Iowa State Bar Association of the Uniform Court Instruction Committee; and the Special Task Force on Courthouse Security.
Brown has served as a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates and is currently the State Delegate from Iowa. In 1999 he received the Iowa State Bar Association’s highest honor, Award of Merit, in recognition of personal standards and accomplishments as a lawyer and citizen. In 2005 he received the President’s Award for his service to the legal profession and the citizens of Iowa. Most recently, he was named as the first-ever dean of the Iowa State Bar Association.
At Illinois State University, Brown has served as an Ambassador for the Laboratory Schools’ fundraising campaign. In honor of his parents and in recognition of his planned giving to the University, the Illinois State University Board of Trustees officially named the Bone Student Center ballroom the Dr. and Mrs. Francis R. Brown Ballroom on October 21, 2005. Brown is a lifetime member of the Legacy Society for the Laboratory Schools and the Illinois State University Heritage Society, both of which are Illinois State University Foundation recognition societies. Due to his knowledge, involvement, and interest in the University, Brown was named a member of the Illinois State University Foundation Board in 2005.
Brown has also distinguished himself through his service to and support of the Drake University Law School. His involvement with the School is of longstanding and has included quiet support of student and faculty functions on myriad occasions including: service on Drake University’s National Commission II – Toward the 21st Century, Task Force on the Law School; service on the Law School Board of Counselors; longtime service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Law School Endowment Trust; and most recently, Founding Membership in the Leland S. Forrest Society and the endowment of a scholarship for law students. Brown has consistently demonstrated leadership and support of efforts to enhance education of students and service to the profession. In 2004 he was awarded the Drake University Law School Alumni of the Year Award.
Brown is a current board member of the Des Moines Public Library Foundation. He maintains active involvement in charitable causes in Des Moines, particularly those at Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. He has created memorial gardens at both institutions for cancer patients, families, and caregivers in memory of the love of his life, Christa Lee Brown.
For his outstanding talents, success, and contribution, David Brown joins the select group of University High School Distinguished Alumni. Congratulations David Brown!