515-283-3106
700 Walnut St., Suite 1300, Des Moines, IA, 50309,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
As legislative counsel, I represent clients before the Iowa legislature, governor, and regulatory agencies. I perform lobbyist functions at the state capitol. I monitor, propose, advocate, draft, and sometimes oppose legislation. During law school, legislative tracking at a law firm piqued my interest in public policy. Today, public policy and public service remain embedded in my approach. If I can help make good public policy for the state of Iowa through my role in representing my clients, that's what I want to do. My work as mayor of Urbandale, Iowa, since 2005 has introduced me to many of the players in all sectors of state government. Building trust and a reputation for integrity are key.
Relationships are the heart of public policy. Working with legislators, you're showing there's a true need for the legislative change and real reasons why. I pride myself on finding the creative solution. There's not a cookie-cutter approach to everything. Depending on the circumstances, any number of issues could come up that you have to really think through to accomplish the best result for the client. As mayor, I do what's in the best interest of our city and our citizens. That's what I bring to legislative work - doing what's in the best interest of our clients and what's in the best interest of the state of Iowa too.
0-5 years
The Best Lawyers in America
2006-2026
The Best Lawyers in America
Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Law, Des Moines, 2025
Forty under 40 Alum of the Year--2017
Chambers USA
America's Leading Business Lawyers, Real Estate, 2004-2025
Great Plains Super Lawyers
Real Estate, 2009-2025
CITYVIEW's Business Journal
Honoree
"21 from 2021: Business People Who Made a Difference"
Drake Law Review
Editor-in-Chief, 1986-1987
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors' Bureau
Board Member and Former Chair, 2005-Present
Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Board Member and Former Chair, 2005-Present
American Bar Association
State and Local Government Section
Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section
Iowa State Bar Association
Real Estate and Title Law Section
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section
Government Practice Section
Polk County Bar Association
Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association
ABI Leadership Iowa--2010-2011
Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association
Board of Directors, 2006-2008
Mayor, City of Urbandale, Iowa
2005-present
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors' Bureau
Board Member and Former Chair, 2005-Present
City of Urbandale
City Council Member, 2000-2005
Planning and Zoning Commission, 1995-2000
Robert Palmer is an Iowa attorney, association executive, and government affairs advocate who helps businesses and associations shape legislation, navigate regulation, and deliver desired outcomes on high-stakes public issues. At Nyemaster, he advises and represents clients across Iowa and the Midwest, with a focus on business, energy policy, and economic development. Robert is also a longstanding civic and association leader, holding leadership roles across chambers of commerce, foundations, and industry associations. He brings clear legal analysis, deliberate strategy, and trusted relationships that move decision-makers and drive outcomes.
11-15 years
2025 West Des Moines Emerging Citizen of the Year
2019 Business Record Forty Under 40
Served eight years on the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy (three terms; appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate)
Served three years on the Chicago Federal Reserve Community Advisory Committee
Serving on the Chicago Federal Reserve Pilot Alumni Advisory Council (PAAC)
President, West Des Moines Community Foundation
Treasurer, Executive Committee, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Chair, Drake University College of Arts & Sciences National Advisory Council
President, Iowa Society of Association Executives (ISAE) (2025-2026)
Robert Palmer is an Iowa attorney, association executive, and government affairs advocate who advises businesses and organizations on high-stakes public issues at the intersection of law, policy, and economic growth. At Nyemaster, he represents clients navigating legislation, regulation, and complex stakeholder environments across Iowa and the Midwest, with a particular focus on business advocacy, energy policy, and economic development.
Robert's work is grounded in practical outcomes. Clients rely on him to assess legal and political risk, develop disciplined messaging and strategy, build coalitions, and engage effectively with lawmakers, regulators, and community leaders. He is known for clear analysis, strong judgment, and an ability to translate complex issues into persuasive narratives that resonate with decision-makers.
In addition to his legal and advocacy practice, Robert has extensive nonprofit and association leadership experience, giving him a strong understanding of governance, member value, and organizational strategy. He serves as President of the West Des Moines Community Foundation, Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Drake University College of Arts & Sciences National Advisory Council. He is also President of the Iowa Society of Association Executives (2025-2026).
Robert previously served eight years on the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate for three terms. He also served three years on the Chicago Federal Reserve Community Advisory Committee and continues to serve on the Chicago Federal Reserve's Pilot Alumni Advisory Council (PAAC). He has been recognized for leadership and community impact, including being named the 2025 West Des Moines Emerging Citizen of the Year and receiving the Business Record Forty Under 40 honor in 2019.
