Ellen Hames
Member attorney, BrownWinick Law Firm
Age: 39
Education: Drake University Law School - J.D.; University of Iowa - B.A. international studies, emphasis in global resources and environment, Japanese minor
Spouse: Austin Hames
Children: Madison Hames, Beckham Hames
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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.
Chair of the Ankeny Business & Industry Collaborative, advancing regional economic vitality and workforce development.
Former co-chair of BrownWinick’s Corporate M&A Practice Group, shaping firm strategy and growth.
Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2019 and Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” across corporate and environmental law.
Formally served on the Ankeny YMCA board of directors to promote education, community engagement and encourage advocacy.
What’s an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?
Growing up in Tokyo, Japan, shaped my global perspective and instilled an appreciation for cross-cultural understanding. That experience continues to influence how I approach problem-solving, business strategy and community leadership.
What’s one decision you made early in your career that had an outsized impact?
Accepting the challenge to expand beyond mergers and acquisitions and move into environmental and regulatory law broadened my expertise and positioned me to become a trusted adviser across multiple complex practice areas.
What are your aspirations for the future?
To continue building a top-tier business and environmental law practice in Iowa while mentoring newer attorneys and strengthening economic growth and collaboration in Central Iowa.
What are you still working on to improve as a leader?
Balancing high-level client work with mentorship and firm leadership — ensuring I continue to empower others while maintaining excellence in my own practice.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?
Seek out challenges that stretch you beyond your comfort zone — growth often comes from taking on work you feel slightly unprepared for. A lot of power comes from the realization that you are just as capable as anyone else in the room.
What’s one regular habit that’s made you successful?
Even in this advanced technological age we are in, my written daily to-do lists always help keep me on task, both professionally and personally. Nothing like physically crossing an item off the list!
What’s one outdated way of thinking that you’d like to challenge?
That we need to tear others down to achieve success. On the contrary, I believe that mutual collaboration and support leads to more successful outcomes.
What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?
Cooperative research, discussions and action to address state water quality because it affects every person in the state and beyond.
What’s one fun fact about you?
Although I’m Midwestern at heart, I grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and still carry a global mindset shaped by that experience.
Hobbies: Full-time club soccer mom; national/state park aficionado; anything with family and my dogs.
What is one word that best describes you?
Earnest.
What’s one food you think people must try in the Des Moines area?
Anything at Siam Table in Ankeny.
What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?
Actually scoring 2026 World Cup Soccer tickets after many failed attempts.
What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?
Hiking at Ledges State Park.
What is your go-to snack?
Love a good bowl of popcorn.