Blake Hanson
Attorney and shareholder, Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor & Fairgrave PC
Age: 33
Wife: Isabelle Hanson
Children: Baby due in July
Reasons he is a Forty: Blake was recognized as one of the top 40 young lawyers in the nation by the American Bar Association as the recipient of the “On the Rise” award. He is the chair of the city of Des Moines transportation safety committee and is a member of the DSM Vision Zero Working Group, which pushes to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. He received the Rising Star Award from both the Iowa Defense Counsel Association and the Iowa Democratic Party. He served as chair of the litigation section of the Iowa Bar Association and has volunteered on a number of community boards and advisory committees.
What are your goals in your role at your company? To continue building my law practice and growing as an attorney. I have had the privilege to practice alongside many talented attorneys and my goal is to someday serve as a similar example to younger attorneys who share the drive, determination and focus necessary to succeed.
What are your goals for your community involvement? Much of my community involvement has centered around education, housing insecurity and transportation safety. I hope to continue to explore new and innovative ways to contribute to the community by focusing on the areas I am most passionate about.
What's your biggest passion, and why? I am passionate about being a lifelong learner, both professionally and personally. I constantly learn from everyone I work with and those that have graciously mentored me. I am most passionate about learning how to be the best husband and eventually father with our new addition coming this summer.
What is it that drives you? Advocating for my clients drives me. Litigation can be a stressful, confusing and complicated process for those who find themselves named in a lawsuit. I work to be a calm, consistent voice throughout this process, while also working to identify creative solutions to unique issues faced by clients.
What are your future aspirations? To be the most effective advocate I can be, while supporting the community I call home and spending time with my family.
Three hobbies: Supporting local restaurants with my wife, catching games with friends and spending time with family.
Fun fact: Blake was part of the legal team that brought civil litigation following the largest lottery rigging in U.S. history.
One word to describe you: Authentic.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? Business leaders should maximize their environmental, social and governance efforts. Consumers are demanding companies that don’t just succeed, but serve. Companies should be strategic about incorporating service initiatives into their ESG efforts. This makes business sense and it helps our community.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? I believe we can always work to further expand mental health resources to those in the community and consider how those experiencing mental illness are interacting with our justice system. Polk County has established problem-solving courts that have been vital in administering justice. If resources existed, the establishment of a mental health court in Polk County (this exists in some other Iowa counties) could further ensure residents are provided resources to rehabilitate and not recidivate.
What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Take time every day to think, set goals and push forward. Monitor your progress. When you reach a goal, make new ones. Don’t hesitate to seek out mentors and reach out to leaders you would like to learn from. You may be surprised by how willing they are to help you.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I would not be where I am without the generous guidance and active involvement of mentors throughout my life. These individuals include Jerry Crawford, Tom Fitch, Matt Haindfield and Jason Madden.