Maria E. Brownell

Maria E. Brownell is an Iowa attorney and a member of the Government Law Practice Area and the Litigation Practice Group at Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., focused on municipal law, litigation, board governance, construction, procurement, and public entity lawsuits and disputes. She advises cities, utilities, counties, special districts, and other local governments on public improvement contracts, land use, zoning, open meetings, records requests, and home rule powers. She also handles contested matters involving government authority and public projects. Her practice combines practical counsel, litigation experience, and public-sector knowledge across Iowa communities.

Maria earned her J.D., with highest honors, from Drake University in 2009. She received her B.S., cum laude, from Creighton University in 2007 through a pre-law program. She was admitted to the Iowa bar in 2009 and practices before all Iowa courts. Her earlier experience includes serving as an Iowa administrative law judge and as a judicial law clerk to Chief Justice Mark S. Cady during her career.

Maria advises public entities on eminent domain, nuisance property actions, special assessments, public bidding, procurement procedures, and construction and engineering contracts. She has successfully represented a 28E entity in litigation involving eminent domain authority for a drinking water reservoir. She has also represented a city in a condemnation appeal following a jury trial. Her work helps local governments evaluate legal risks, manage disputes, and carry projects forward under Iowa law.

Maria E. Brownell has received recognition for municipal law, construction law, and related litigation. She was named a Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree in 2024. She has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for construction, municipal, and litigation work, including listings through 2026. Her professional memberships include municipal, state, county, and women’s attorneys’ organizations, reflecting her sustained involvement in Iowa’s legal community and public service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.
• Member, Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association
• Member, Polk County Bar Association
• Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association
• Member, Polk County Women Attorneys

Licensed State

• Iowa

Education

• Drake University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Creighton University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)