Who are you?
I’m Dillon Besser. I grew up in Topeka, KS and am the son of a long-haul truck driver and a special education teacher. After going to college in Liberty, Missouri and law school at the University of Iowa, I am proud to now call Cedar Rapids my home. My wife, Brittney, and I met within months of me moving here, making it even more clear this is the place for me.
Who do you represent?
Overall, I work for injured individuals. Most of my practice is dedicated to helping injured workers during some of their most difficult and complicated times.
What led you to this work?
I did not begin my legal career doing this work for injured individuals. However, this firm showed what a real impact it can make on many lives each year. That clear purpose and direction attracted me to this work. I can now know that each day we are working to make people’s lives better.
What motivates you to do what you do?
When someone engages with us, looking for help, that individual is at a very difficult time in their life. For injured workers, their jobs and careers are potentially being taken away from them and often not receiving the care they need. Many times no one has given them any direction as what to do.
At these times, it is an honor to step in and get things back on track as much possible for my clients. I am committed to fighting for these individuals and insuring that they are not taken advantage of after they’ve been injured.
What is important to you?
Doing what is right and doing it to the best of your ability is something my family instilled in me at a young age. I was taught that the right thing might not always be the easiest thing to do. However, down the road, doing what is right will always bring back the biggest payoff. That lesson has always guided my decisions. Doing what is right means ensuring every person has a fair shot. It means making sure each individual is given the opportunities that they deserve and no one is taken advantage of during difficult times.
What do you do when you’re not working as an attorney?
When possible, my wife and I love to travel. We are always looking for new places to explore and hope to visit every state together. We also love to play sand volleyball, spend time with friends and family, or just hang at home with our dog and cat. I am also an avid sports fan that will almost always find a game to watch.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
After high school, I went to college at a NCAA Division II school called William Jewell to play football. I was a two-year captain while being an offensive lineman. An alum of Jewell and judge for the Missouri Supreme Court encouraged me to go to law school. Without knowing anyone in Iowa, I decided to move to Iowa City to start a new adventure.
If you weren’t an attorney, what would you be doing?
There have been many different jobs that I thought I would want to do. In the end, it was obvious that being a litigator, advocating to the fullest extent for my client, was the only job for me.
However, if that was off the table, I would most likely be coaching football at some level. The life skills and connection I formed through college helped shape the person I am today. Passing on those lessons to make better adults is a valuable skill. Getting to be around football more isn’t a bad aspect either!