James W. Carney

James W. Carney is the founding partner of Carney & Appleby Law and one of Iowa’s most experienced and respected trial attorneys. With a legal career spanning five decades, Mr. Carney focuses on personal injury law, civil litigation, and legislative advocacy. He has led clients through more than 150 jury trials across Iowa and beyond, earning a reputation for courtroom excellence and strategic counsel. His legal work includes multimillion-dollar plaintiff verdicts as well as successful defense outcomes in high-stakes litigation.

Mr. Carney holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Iowa and a J.D. from Drake University Law School.

In addition to his trial experience, Mr. Carney has argued more than 35 appellate cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and Iowa Court of Appeals, many resulting in landmark rulings and first-impression decisions. Notably, he handled the longest civil trial in Dubuque County’s history—a three-month trial ending in a favorable verdict for his client.

Beyond litigation, Mr. Carney is widely recognized for his work in legislative affairs. He is a past chair of the American Bar Association’s Government Relations Section and a member of The Advocacy Group (TAG), an elite network of national and international government affairs professionals. He has also served as president of the Iowa Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and is a member of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers.

A former U.S. Army officer, James W. Carney, coached at West Point before entering law. His leadership and impact have earned him numerous honors, including induction into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame and recognition from the University of Iowa for his ongoing support. Today, he remains a dedicated advocate for clients in both the courtroom and the legislature.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Carney Appleby Law
• Past President, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association
• Member, Iowa Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Polk County Bar Association
• Member, American Inns of Court (Blackstone Inns of Court)
• Member, American Veterinary Medical Law Association

Licensed State

• Iowa

Education

• Drake University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Phoenix
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• University of Iowa
  BA in Liberal Arts

Awards & Badges