Niko Pothitakis

Niko Pothitakis is the founder of Pothitakis Law Firm, P.C., with offices in Burlington and Keokuk. Licensed in Iowa since 1992, he has spent more than 30 years representing injured workers and accident victims across the state, primarily in workers’ compensation and personal injury. cases. He helps clients file claims and fights for them at hearings when claims are disputed or denied.

“Every client I have has been through something traumatic. I’m trying to help somebody that’s going through a very difficult process… They all are scared, fearful, and need help.

The best part of my job is I’m taking a person that’s in a very difficult situation… if they get to my office, they know they’re in the right hands. We’re going to put a stop to the way you’re being treated, and we’re going to fight for you.”

Education

A native of Fort Madison, Niko earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Iowa in 1988, with honors and high distinction. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1991.

Recognition

• Super Lawyers, 2013–2026, including Top 10 Iowa Super Lawyers (2026)
• The Best Lawyers in America, Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants, every year since 2013, and named Lawyer of the Year for the Davenport area in 2023
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent peer rating
• Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, member since 2010
• The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 (2013–2018)
• WILG Nation’s Top 100 Injured Workers’ Attorneys (2014)
• The College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, member
• Best Law Firms, Pothitakis Law Firm, P.C. (2023)

Leadership and Service

• Past President, Iowa Association of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers (2015); board member 2005–2011, Treasurer 2011, Vice President 2013
• Past member, Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board, appointed by the Iowa Supreme Court (2017–2023)
• Past member, Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission (appointed 2011)
• Appointed member, Judicial Nominating Commission, Iowa 8th Judicial District (8B)
• Past President, Des Moines County Bar Association
• Past Board of Governors, Iowa Trial Lawyers Association (now Iowa Association for Justice)
• Co-Chair, Iowa Workers’ Compensation Symposium (2009 and 2010)
• Member, Iowa Association for Justice, American Association for Justice and Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group

Results

• $750,000 jury verdict in a fatal boarding-house fire case, tried with co-counsel (2013)
• Permanent total disability award with a present value of about $500,000 in a Second Injury Fund claim, after the insurer’s $500 settlement offer was rejected

Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases

• Faeth v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 707 N.W.2d 328 (Iowa 2005)
• Sanford v. Fillenwarth, 863 N.W.2d 286 (Iowa 2015)
• Giese (Iowa Court of Appeals)

Author and Speaker

Niko wrote 7 Things You Must Know If You Get Hurt At Work (Word Association Publishers, 2011), which the firm gives to clients free. He is regularly invited to speak at workers’ compensation seminars. Topics have included:

• Law changes to Iowa workers’ compensation (2018)
• Commutations: tips and advice (2017)
• Maximizing Iowa work comp claims, University of Iowa Labor Center (2017)
• Getting your case from file to trial
• Permanent total disability versus high industrial disability (2011)
• The odd-lot doctrine (2009)