Kelsey J. Knowles - a Des Moines, Iowa (IA) Family Law Lawyer

Des Moines Family Law Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Family Law
Labor and Employment Law
Litigation
Appeals
Complex Civil Litigation
Trial Practice
White Collar Crime

Attorney Information

Overview

Kelsey Knowles is a shareholder practicing primarily in the areas of litigation and employment law. In her litigation practice, Kelsey assists clients through all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation administrative complaints through appeals. Clients are involved throughout litigation to ensure client objectives are being achieved to the greatest extent possible. In some cases, that means reaching out for early resolution, while in other cases it means pursuing a case through appeal.

Kelsey's employment practice focuses on helping employers navigate the always evolving area of employment including employee handbooks, the discipline process, and the complex statutory and regulatory laws governing the employer-employee relationship. While our goal is always to avoid litigation when possible, Kelsey's practice also focuses on helping employers successfully resolve litigation. Her practice also includes a focus on employment-based immigration issues.

Kelsey is a graduate of Arizona State University and of Boston College Law School, where she served as an Executive Editor of the Boston College Law Review. At Boston College, Kelsey was the recipient of Privitera Family Award for exceptional contribution to the Law School, the Dean Denis A. Dooley Award for the student with an outstanding scholarship average and the Wendell F. Grimes Award for outstanding work in advocacy competitions. She was also a member of the 2004 National Craven Constitutional Moot Court Championship Team.

Following law school, Kelsey served as a law clerk to Judge Richard L. Nygaard of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit during 2004-2005. She then served as a judicial clerk to Judge Ronald L. Longstaff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa during 2005-2007.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Kelsey J. Knowles included in a Super Lawyers® list

Other Sources of Feedback About Kelsey J. Knowles

Included on the 2026 Great Plains Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2025 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2024 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2023 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2022 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2021 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2020 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2019 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2018 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2017 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2016 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2015 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2014 Great Plains Super Lawyers list
2013 Great Plains Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- Boston College Law School, Boston, Massachusetts, 2004
  J.D.
  Honors: summa cum laude
  Honors: Order of the Coif
  Honors: Privitera Family Award
  Honors: Dean Denis A. Dooley Award
  Honors: Wendell F. Grimes Award
  Honors: Member, 2004 National Craven Constitutional Moot Court Championship Team
  Law Review: Boston College Law Review, Executive Editor
Non Legal Education
- Arizona State University, Arizona, 2001
  B.S.
  Honors: summa cum laude

Current Employment Position(s)

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Shareholder
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Past Positions

Judge Richard L. Nygaard, United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, Law Clerk, 2004 - 2005
Judge Ronald L. Longstaff, United States District Court, Southern District of Iowa, Law Clerk, 2005 - 2007

Bar Admissions

Iowa
U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa
U.S. District Court Southern District of Iowa
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit

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Contact

Des Moines, IA

606 Walnut Street
Suite 2000
Des Moines, IA 50309

Directions

Phone: (515) 283-4631

Fax: (515) 558-0631

Email: Send a message

Website: http://www.belinmccormick.com

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Kelsey J. Knowles - Des Moines, IA