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Gina Messamer

Partner

I focus on civil rights, appeals, personal injury, and criminal defense (both state and federal). It is important to me to make things right if someone has been injured or treated unfairly. I believe that the rules apply to everyone and I am not afraid to hold people—including police officers—accountable when they violate someone’s rights.

I really care about my clients and appreciate that they are often under a lot of stress. I make sure my clients are informed about what is happening and the plan forward to help relieve at least some of that stress. I typically deal with complex problems that impact my clients’ lives in extremely serious and interconnected ways. I’m able to navigate those difficult situations to find the best outcome. I am hardworking and do not give up even when the deck is stacked against me.

Before joining the Parrish Law Firm, I worked closely with several judges. I worked for Judge Mary Tabor on the Iowa Court of Appeals, Justice Thomas Waterman on the Iowa Supreme Court, and Judge Stephanie Rose in the Southern District of Iowa federal court. Through these experiences, I gained valuable insight into how Iowa judges decide cases.

Originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa, I attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. At TCU, I participated on the TCU Track & Field team, where I ran the 400 meter hurdles and 800 meter races. I am a very disciplined person and I think that is largely due to participating in athletics at a high level. After TCU, I came back to Iowa and earned my law degree from the University of Iowa. I now live in Des Moines with my husband, Alex, and our two children. My parents still live in Oskaloosa, and I enjoy frequent visits back to Southern Iowa.