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Tigges, Bottaro & Lessmann, LLPAttorney
Tim Bottaro
Pro

Tim Bottaro

4.8
37 reviews

613 Pierce Street, Sioux City, IA 51101-1205

Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents and 15 more

About Tim Bottaro

Attorney Tim Bottaro is a graduate of Creighton University (B.A. 1981) and the University of Iowa (J.D. 1983 With Distinction). He is admitted to practice law in the United States Appellate Court (8th Circuit) and United States Federal Court, as well as Iowa state courts. Tim handles primarily personal injury cases, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, semi accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian injury accidents, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, dram shop suits (vs. establishments who serve alcohol), slip and falls, and animal bites. He also handles insurance litigation and general litigation matters. With Tim, your consultation is always free!

In 2014-2016, Tim spoke to over 2,000 lawyers and their staff and traveled to Kansas and South Dakota to teach Iowa’s new Expedited Civil Actions (ECA) procedure. He was one of twelve members serving on a Supreme Court Task Force charged with creating this system. After countless hours and meetings, the Iowa Supreme Court accepted the Task Force’s proposal with few changes. Iowa’s ECA system is believed to be one of the most utilized types in the country. Tim feels his service in creating Iowa’s ECA system will be a part of his legacy to Iowa’s civil justice system. Tim has also been appointed to serve on a Supreme Court Advisory Committee, which reviews and recommends changes to the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure relating to how cases progress through the court system.

Tim has been involved in the Iowa Association for Justice (IAJ) for many, many years. The IAJ is the largest organization of plaintiff’s personal injury attorneys in the State of Iowa. He was elected President of the IAJ in 2017. Prior to this honor, he served in all four of the other officer positions with the IAJ. Tim has received several awards from the IAJ. As a result of Tim’s work with the ECA, he received the highest honor the IAJ bestows: the Verne Lawyer Outstanding Member Award. In 2010, Tim was honored with the IAJ’s Key Person Award for his work as Chair of the Iowa Legislative Committee – a position he has held for over a decade. This Committee monitors every proposed bill introduced in the Iowa Legislature to look for those that might take away the rights of Iowans injured by the actions of others. The Committee also proposes pro-justice laws and lobbies elected officials.

Tim became a member of the Iowa Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2017. In order to become a member, he had to be nominated by another member after first trying a certain number of cases before a jury. He will serve as President of the ABOTA Iowa Chapter in 2021. Tim serves on the Third Judicial District Nominating Commission, which is responsible for interviewing candidates to fill judicial vacancies. Nominees are then selected from the candidates based on merit, and their names are forwarded to the Governor. Tim is also a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and was the recipient of their 1st Annual Community Service Award. In addition, Tim serves on the board of a number of charitable, community, and political organizations.

Tim is a longtime Siouxland area resident and wholeheartedly supports all of our local music, acting, and other programs for the arts. He is a big believer in health and fitness and loves to debate everything to do with politics. He can often be found scheming ways to prank his partners and staff, who sometimes manage to get him back. All jokes aside, Tim’s hunger for justice is unmatched. He will strive to set things right for you!

Professional Involvement

• Iowa Supreme Court Advisory Committee Concerning Certain Civil Justice Task Force Recommendations

• Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure

• Iowa Civil Justice Reform Task Force

• Iowa Association for Justice f/k/a Iowa Trial Lawyers Association (2002-present): President (2017), President-elect (2016), 1stP. (2015), V.P. for Membership Services (2014), Parliamentarian (2013), Legislative Committee Chair (2006-present)

• American Board of Trial Advocates (Iowa Chapter), President (2021)

• Woodbury County Bar Association

• Third Judicial District Nominating Commission

• Iowa State Bar Association

• Iowa Legal Aid Local Advisory Council, Member

• Iowa American Board of Trial Advocates – President (2021-2022)

Community Involvement

• Sioux City Events Facilities and Tourism Advisory Board, Member

• Sioux City Public Library Foundation, Vice President and past President

• Woodbury County Democratic Party

• Iowa State Democratic Party

• Sioux City Museum and Historical Association, past Member

• Sioux City Public Library Board of Trustees, past President and Member

• Holy Spirit Retirement Center Board, past Vice President and Member

• Sioux City Calvary Cemetery Board, past Member

• Sioux City International Film Festival, past President and Founding Member

• KWIT-KOJI Public Radio, past Member

• Sioux City Community Theatre Board of Directors, past Member

• IAJ Foundation for Justice, past Member

Awards & Recognitions

• Best Lawyers®: Best Law Firms (Metropolitan Tier 2 – Sioux City – Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs) (2023)

• Best Lawyers®: Best Law Firms (Metropolitan Tier 2 – Sioux City –Trusts & Estates Law) (2023)

• Best Lawyers®: The Best Lawyers in AmericaTM (Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs) (2022-2023)

• Best Lawyers®: Top-Listed City Awards (Total Lawyers in Sioux City: 5 lawyers) (2023)

• Martindale-Hubbell®: AV Preeminent® (2022)

• Super Lawyers: Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorney (2013-2023)

• Best Lawyers®: Best Law Firms (Metropolitan Tier 2 – Sioux City – Trusts & Estates Law) (2022)

• Best Lawyers®: Top-Listed City Awards (Total Lawyers in Sioux City: 4 lawyers) (2022)

• Best Lawyers®: Best Law Firms (Metropolitan Tier 3 – Sioux City – Trusts & Estates Law) (2021)

• Iowa Association for Justice (IAJ) f/k/a Iowa Trial Lawyers Association 2013

• Verne Lawyer Outstanding Member Award (highest award given; IAJ Key Person Award (2010)

• 1st Annual Iowa State Bar Association Community Service Award

• 2009 Service Award as President and Board Member of Bishop Heelan Catholic School System

• 2002 Sioux City Public Museum Tom Peterson Award

• 1998 Sioux City Public Library Pearl Award

 

Tim Bottaro (Sioux City, Iowa) View website

Awards

Gold Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.
Champion Badge Gold
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Tim Bottaro got this award in 2021

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Tim Bottaro got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Tim Bottaro

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Overall Rating
4.8
See All Reviews
37
5.0
Lawyers.com
7
4.7
Martindale
19
5.0
Avvo
11
Showing 1-7 of 7 client reviews from Lawyers.com
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Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Automobile Accidents
Posted by anonymous
January 12, 2026
Hired Attorney

The system may be broken but not Mr. Bottaro's system! I just graduated college getting a diploma in Med Coding. What most do not know, me included, is some fields will drain you financially, mentally and physically before you see a positive for the hard work. I was in a car accident to which I was not at fault. Since I had to drop to strict liability and that only helps if you are at fault and compensates other and legally driving when financially can't get more insurance. I now have a damaged car, and no compensation nor affordable legal advice due to I followed the law and there were no injuries.Public defenders office straight out told me since 'I am not being sued, we can't help you.' Prior his call, I wanted to give up thinking 'law abiding' is a crock, I got a call with FANTASTIC advice and consult! Thank you Mr. Borraro for giving me faith again in 'doing the right thing!' Only one who saw me as a human not an ATM, plus amazing consult/advice!One of the good guys!

 
Automobile Accidents
Posted by Vicki
May 03, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with Tim was a very good experience. I had never had a car accident of this magnitude before and had no idea where to start. Tim assured me that he would handle everything for me. And that's exactly what he and Alicia did! I didn't need to worry about the bills getting paid they just handled it. This made my recovery much less stressful. When it came time to settle they took care of it. They made sure to keep me in the loop all through the process and got me the maximum amount available from the insurance companies. I would highly recommend him and would definitely use him again in the future if the need arises.

 
Response from
Vicki, you are sincerely a GREAT person and I really enjoyed working with you through this process. Thank you so much for your kinds words, but let's meet again on better circumstances. 😉 I wish you all the best!
Automobile Accidents
Posted by Christy
March 15, 2024
Hired Attorney

Trust in Tim! Tim is an amazing attorney that helps you every step of the way! I had total trust in him and was informed of everything. He goes above and beyond and is very thorough. Alicia his paralegal was also extremely helpful and made a difficult situation easier. Together they make a great team! I highly recommend Tim and appreciate his guidance and expertise. Thank you Tim and Alicia you are the best!

 
Automobile Accidents
Posted by Elizabeth
July 20, 2023
Hired Attorney

This is the second time I needed to consult a lawyer and did not hesitate to call on this law firm. I knew I would get the right results and he would be straight forward with me. When not understanding all the legal terms he sat and did not rush and broke down the wording to make me understand. When I got overwhelmed he talked me through it and took the time anytime to talk with me and let me know exactly what I should do. Thanks so much.

 
Motorcycle Accidents
Posted by Greg
March 29, 2023
Hired Attorney

The first time I met Tim, he was sitting across the table for me in a court room. I didn’t believe he had a leg to stand on. My lawyer‘s name was Skip, I should’ve known right there and then that I was in trouble. Tim went on to win his case and needless to say I was not pleased about this. Fast forward two years, an individual pulled out in front of me and my girlfriend while on a motorcycle and the first person that I thought of for a lawyer was Tim Bottarro. After all, if he won his case while his client was in the wrong, I couldn’t imagine what he would do for a client that was in the right. The more I got acquainted with Tim I was confident in my decision to use him as my personal injury lawyer. His attentiveness, knowledge of the law and his wit is what I needed. Alicia and Tim were wonderful with their response time and attentiveness to my case. I definitely would recommend Tim to anyone looking for a great personal injury attorney.

 
Response from
Greg, this is the ULTIMATE compliment. In my career, I've never had the other driver hire me to help with their own personal injury claim. I'm so glad you did. You were by far one of the most fun client's I've ever had. I really enjoyed working with you.
Automobile Accidents
Posted by anonymous
March 16, 2023
Hired Attorney

When we were trying to find a way to come to terms with some concerns, and many attorneys we contacted had no interest in talking, without billable hours, Tim Bottaro answered some questions and even offered to look at a legal document on our behalf. Tim humanized our email consultation. He is very knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing an honest attorney to assist with their legal matters.

 
Response from
Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad that I was able to help. I wish you all the best.
Automobile Accidents
Posted by Dustin
April 15, 2022
Hired Attorney

Tim & his team took extremely great care of myself after I was involved in a personal vehicle accident. I was always informed on where things were during the whole process. I never felt like 'just another case' - everything was very personal & very relatable. Tim & his team will treat you with care. His knowledge and years of experience in the field provided us a massive benefit versus doing it on our own. They were able to fight for the best possible outcome without having any stress on my end. The overall complete experience with Tim was better thank I had expected and I cannot thank them enough.

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Personal Injury 8
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
    • Boating Accidents
    • Railroad Accidents
    • Dog Bites
    • Automobile Accidents
    • Trucking Accidents
    • Head and Spinal Injuries
  • Construction Law 1
    • Construction Accidents
  • Other 8
    • Car Accidents
    • Semi Accidents
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Pedestrian Injury Accidents
    • Wrongful Death Claims
    • Dram Shop Suits
    • Animal Bites
    • General Litigation

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1983, Iowa
    1983, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa
    1984, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Iowa
    Class of 1983
    J.D.
    with distinction
    Other Education
    Creighton University
    Class of 1981
    B.A.

    Iowa Mediation Services
    Class of 2023
    Certificate
    Legal Certifications
    Mediator - Personal Injury Cases
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1958
    Buffalo, New York, September 20, 1958

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Tim Bottaro is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Tim Bottaro has a 4.7 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Tim Bottaro has a 5.0 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Tigges, Bottaro & Lessmann, LLP has 8 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Tim Bottaro attended University of Iowa.

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