With more than four decades of legal experience, Robert “Bob” Hatala is a trusted litigation attorney at Simmons Perrine PLC, serving clients across Iowa since 1983. Known for his practical insight and deep understanding of both public and private sector legal matters, Bob maintains a broad-based practice that includes:
- Commercial litigation
- Product liability
- Contract disputes
- Construction law
- Municipal law
- Insurance defense
Bob also advises businesses on organizational and transactional matters and represents small municipalities in areas such as planning, zoning, and regulatory compliance. His litigation experience includes appearances before the Iowa Supreme Court and the Iowa Court of Appeals, reflecting his depth of knowledge and courtroom acumen.
He is admitted to practice in the State of Iowa and the U.S. District Courts for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa.
Background and Leadership
A native of Fort Madison, Iowa, Bob earned his B.A. in Political Science from Iowa State University in 1974, followed by an M.A. in Public Affairs and a J.D. from the University of Iowa in 1983. Before entering law, he served as Mayor of Fort Madison and worked as an Employee Relations Manager for a Dial Corp.-owned manufacturing facility—experience that continues to inform his pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving.