Anjela A. Shutts

Anjie carefully guides her clients through the legal and emotional process involved in family law matters. To build understanding and comfort with the steps involved and desired outcome, she works with clients to gather important personal and family information to build the background and establish goals to use as an actionable plan.

Anjie understands the importance of negotiation in family law matters and the difference that clients can experience between settlement and litigation in court over complicated and contentious matters. Through her career as a family law attorney, she has a clear understanding of whether settlement or court would be the best alternative. Anjie has significant experience as a litigator, serving as an advocate in the courtroom for her clients.

Des Moines, Iowa family lawyer since 1996

She established a practice representing individuals and families in family law matters since she joined the firm in 1996 and has been recognized by Chambers USA High Net Worth, Best Lawyers in America and Great Plains Super Lawyers. Her focus is on domestic relations and she has assisted in complex dissolutions involving business owners, highly compensated executives, high net worth individuals and families, as well as highly contested custody matters.

As a resource for her clients, she has a number of professional relationships that include Certified Public Accountants, financial advisors, business and compensation valuation experts. When necessary, Anjie can also provide referrals for custody evaluation and therapists.

Through her professional practice, she understands the broad range of issues that arrive in matrimonial law including child custody, child support, and child visitation. Anjie is a sought-after speaker on topics for continuing education of Iowa Family Law practitioners. 

A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Anjie demonstrates active interest and substantial experience in family law. She fulfilled the criteria and standards established by the AAML Board of Examiners and Board of Governors. Additionally, she is recognized by attorneys and judges as a leading practitioner.

Community and bar Service

Anjie is a founding board member of the Iowa Center for Children's Justice and is board chair in 2023. She was the President of the Iowa State Bar Association 2021—2022. She was a member of the Iowa Family Law Case Processing Reform Task Force Steering Committee and the Iowa State Judicial Nominating Commission for Polk County. Anjie was vice-chair to the Iowa Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission from 2016—2021. She currently serves on the Remote Testimony Task Force - Family Law work group for the Iowa Supreme Court.

Community Recognition

Anjie was recognized as one of The Des Moines Register's 15 People to Watch in 2019. She received the Polk County Women Attorneys Willie Stevenson Glanton Award, the Iowa Supreme Court Voice of Justice Award, and the Luther College Distinguished Service Award in 2018. She was presented the Polk County Bar Association Award of Merit in 2017. 

Contact Anjie today or call us at 515-288-6041 for more information. 

Honors & Recognitions

• AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Chambers USA High Net Worth: Family / Matrimonial 2023
• The Des Moines Register 15 People to Watch in 2019
• Luther College Distinguished Service Award, 2018
• Iowa Supreme Court Voice of Justice Award, 2018
• Polk County Women Attorneys Willie Stevenson Glanton Award, 2018
• Polk County Bar Association Award of Merit, 2017
• Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Alumni Community Vision Award, 2014
• Selected by Best Lawyers in America as the Des Moines area's "Lawyer of the Year" in the area of Family Law (2022)
• Named the Best Lawyers® 2015 Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Des Moines
• Selected for inclusion in the Family Law section of The Best Lawyers in America (2015—2024) 
• Selected for inclusion in the Great Plains Super Lawyers in the field of Family Law (2007—2022)
• Named to the Drake University College of Law "150 in 150" list of outstanding alumni in 2015
• Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project: recognized for pro bono work hours in 2014—2015, 2015—2016, 2016—2017, 2019—2020 (also mediation), 2020—2021 (also mediation); recognized for 50 or more pro bono work hours in 2010—2011, 2012—2013, 2018—2019 (also mediation), 2021—2022, and 2022—2023)

• Iowa Legal Aid: recognized for pro bono work hours in 2022—2023

Thought Leadership

Selected Presentations and Teaching Appointments

• Co-presenter with Katelyn Kurt and Sydnee Waggoner, "Saving Your Sanity: Managing Client Expectations in Family Law Matters," Polk County Bar Association Fall CLE, December 2023
• Panelist, "The Legacy of Chief Justice Mark Cady: Access to Justice," Polk County Bar Association Virtual Luncheon, October 2021
• Panelist, "Committing to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Your Workplace: A Roundtable Discussion," Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting, June 2021
• Presenter, "Limited Scope Representation and  You," Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting, June 2016
• Moderator, "Access to Justice: an Iowa Edge - Diagnosing and Dealing with Barriers," Iowa State Bar Association Bench-Bar Conference, May, 2016
• Panelist, "Expanding Access to Justice In Iowa," Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting, June 2015
• Presenter, “Financial Planners' Tools and Skills Which Can Improve Your Domestic Relations Practice,” and “EDMS and Your Family Law Practice,” Iowa State Bar Association Family Law Seminar, October 2014
• Presenter, “Preventing Critical Financial Mistakes in the Divorce Decree,” 21st Annual Family Law Seminar (Iowa Association of Justice), April 2011
• Presenter, “Negotiating the Best Possible Settlement for Your Clients,” National Business Institute, 2006, 2007, 2009
• Adjunct Professor, “Trial Advocacy,” Drake University Law School, Spring 2006
• Presenter, “Legal Ethics in Iowa,” Lorman Education Services, August 25, 2005
• Presenter, “Ethics in Divorce Cases,” ISBA Young Lawyers Division, May 2004