Theodore T. Appel

Theodore T. Appel is a Cedar Rapids civil litigation lawyer whose practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and employment law. His work also includes construction law and appellate advocacy. He represents clients in disputes requiring careful factual development, legal analysis, and procedural strategy. Appel helps clients address claims at trial and on appeal, bringing a practical perspective to matters involving healthcare, workplaces, commercial relationships, and construction projects.

Appel earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2021 after receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences in 2018. Following law school, he served as a judicial clerk to Chief Justice Susan Larson Christensen of the Iowa Supreme Court. This background strengthened his legal research, writing, and understanding of judicial decision-making, skills that are central to litigation and appellate practice.

Before entering his current role, Appel practiced at a West Des Moines law firm. He has handled successful appeals involving Iowa tort reform statutes, commercial business litigation, and significant constitutional issues of first impression. His civil litigation practice centers especially on defending medical malpractice claims, while his employment and construction work enables him to address a broader range of disputes. This combination allows him to evaluate legal issues from both trial and appellate perspectives and develop arguments responsive to evolving Iowa law.

Theodore T. Appel brings a disciplined, research-driven approach to complex civil disputes and appeals. His clerkship experience and work on emerging tort, commercial, and constitutional questions support careful analysis of both the record and controlling law. He helps clients understand the legal issues shaping their matters, assess litigation risks, and pursue well-supported positions. Through focused advocacy and clear legal reasoning, Appel provides practical guidance in medical malpractice defense, employment law, construction law, and appellate litigation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Bradley & Riley PC
• Member, Iowa Bar Association

Licensed State

• Iowa

Education

• University of Iowa College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Miami College
  Bachelor’s Degree