Des Moines, IA / Storyteller / Jun 26, 2026 /
BrownWinick, the largest Iowa-based law firm, has elected Cindy Lande as a Managing Partner—the first woman to hold the role in the firm’s 75-year history. The announcement comes as BrownWinick celebrates its 75th anniversary on July 9, 2026, making Lande’s election another in a series of defining pivotal moments.
“I am honored to step into this role at a time when we are reflecting on 75 years of service and impact,” says Lande. “BrownWinick’s success has been built by generations of talented attorneys and staff, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help steward that legacy while continuing to serve our clients and communities.”
By the Numbers
- Cindy Lande is the first woman to serve as Managing Partner in BrownWinick’s 75-year history.
- She now leads the largest Iowa-based law firm, guiding a team that serves clients across every industry and in all 50 states.
- Lande has practiced law for 15 years since earning her J.D. with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2010.
- She has served on the firm’s Executive Committee, the leadership body she now leads as Managing Partner.
- Lande brings a strong combination of legal and financial expertise to the role. In addition to earning her J.D., she successfully completed the CPA exam, a background that informs the practical, business-minded counsel she provides clients.
- Beyond the firm, she serves on two boards: Women Lead Change and the Iowa Law School Foundation.
Lande steps into the role as BrownWinick reflects on seven and a half decades of growth and looks ahead to its next chapter. Her election signals both continuity with the firm’s long-held values and a forward-looking vision for its future.
“Our strength as a firm has always come from our people and the long-term partnerships we build with our clients,” Lande says. “My focus is on carrying that legacy forward, supporting our attorneys and staff, and continuing to show up for the businesses and communities that count on us.”
A Leader Shaped by Partnership and Practical Counsel
Lande’s practice is transactional, primarily employee benefits and tax. She frequently works alongside her clients’ accounting teams on complex legal issues, serving businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries. That blend of legal and financial fluency reflects the kind of practical, business-minded counsel BrownWinick has been known for throughout its history.
“Cindy is a top-notch attorney whose sound judgment, leadership, and commitment to clients have earned the respect of her colleagues throughout the firm,” says Doug Gross. “She understands our culture, our values, and what it takes to serve clients at the highest level. As BrownWinick celebrates 75 years and looks toward the future, I am excited about what lies ahead for the firm with Cindy at the helm.”
Lande’s approach centers on partnering with clients to solve the legal issues standing in the way of business growth and identifying solutions to help take their businesses to the next level. Clear communication, responsiveness, and practical solutions define her work, mirroring the firm’s broader identity as a long-term, practical partner to the organizations it serves.
Lande graduated with distinction from Iowa State University in 2007 with degrees in accounting and finance, and earned her law degree with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2010. She has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® in the areas of Tax Law and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and recognized as a “Rising Star” in Super Lawyers® in the area of Tax.
A Pivotal Moment in a Pivotal Year
BrownWinick’s 75th anniversary campaign, themed “Pivotal Moments. Practical Partners. 75 Years Strong.”, has spent the year highlighting the moments that have defined the firm and the clients it serves. Lande’s election as the firm’s first female Managing Partner stands as another significant moment, marking both how far the firm has come and where it intends to go.
Founded in 1951, BrownWinick has grown from a small Des Moines practice into the largest law firm based in Iowa, serving clients across every industry and in all 50 states. As the firm celebrates this milestone anniversary, Lande’s leadership represents the next step in a legacy built on trust, long-term partnership, and a commitment to the people and businesses of Iowa.
BrownWinick Law Firm is a full-service law firm based in Des Moines, Iowa, and the largest Iowa-based law firm. For 75 years, the firm has partnered with business owners, executives, and organizations to navigate complex legal and strategic challenges. Known for its practical approach and long-term perspective, BrownWinick serves as a trusted advisor to clients across industries and throughout every stage of business growth.
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