profile headshot of Jackson G. O'Brien

Specialties

As a litigation attorney, I am always prepared to meet the unique needs of my clients.  I chose this profession because I truly enjoy listening to my clients, working with them to develop creative solutions, and using my skills and experience to stand up for them in court. In my practice, I strive to give prompt and thorough advice so that you can move forward with confidence.  My goal is to make sure every client understands their options, has the guidance they need to make their own decisions, and rests assured that their matters are in capable hands. 

Beyond litigation, I also handle agriculture compliance issues and education law, particularly special education and disability-related matters.

My Approach

My clients can count on me to listen to their goals and communicate the legal issues at hand in clear terms.  I handle every matter with attention and care so that my clients have peace of mind.  I draw from my knowledge and expertise to give each client carefully considered advice tailored to their unique circumstances.  My role is to give the client honest and direct guidance and recommendations so that they feel informed and empowered to make the choice that is right for them. Bottom line, in my view, there’s simply no substitute for staying attuned to my clients’ needs, offering professional advice, and doing the work. 

More About Me

I’m fortunate to say I have deep roots in Iowa, being born and raised in Sioux City.

In 2016, I graduated from Morningside University summa cum laude with degrees in History and Political Science and minors in Legal Studies and Theater. I was also recognized as the Outstanding Student in the Humanities, awarded the James M. Miller Excellence Award in History, and received distinction as President of the student body. 

During my time at Drake University Law School in Des Moines, I served as President of the Student Bar Association, Captain of the National Moot Court Team, an editorial board member of the Drake Law Review, a teaching assistant in the Legal Research & Writing Program, a research assistant to Associate Dean Andrew W. Jurs, a research assistant to the Honorable Mark W. Bennett, and an intern to Justice Brent R. Appel of the Iowa Supreme Court.  In 2019, I graduated summa cum laude as Valedictorian.  I was also recognized by the Iowa State Bar Association as the Outstanding Law Student of the Year, and received the Goodman Distinguished Advocate Award, the Rodney L. Hudson Advocacy Award, and the Martin Tollefson Leadership & Service Award.  I passed the Iowa bar that same year. 

Before joining BrownWinick Law Firm, I spent the first two years of my practice serving as a federal law clerk to the Honorable C.J. Williams in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.  I had the privilege of working at Judge Williams’s side in handling a wide variety of litigation matters, performing thorough research, and writing court orders. 

I live in the Des Moines area with my wife and daughter. In addition to private practice, I also serve as an adjunct professor at Drake University Law School teaching Legal Writing and as a Board Member of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. 

My Specialties

  • Agribusiness
  • Education
  • Litigation

Immigrants May Be Targets for Cybercriminals: What You Need to Know

03-22-2022 Immigrants face many unique challenges in American society.  Despite being a country comprised primarily of the descendants of immigrants, persons arriving in the United States to start a new life often find that there are many barriers to their success.  Some obstacles may be inherent in moving to a new country, but others often serve to...
Read More

The Supreme Court Has Ruled on the OSHA and CMS Vaccine Mandates, and the Result is...Mixed.

01-14-2022 On Thursday, January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States finally answered the question of whether the Biden administration’s vaccine mandates for certain employers will be enacted or not. The answer is mixed but clear: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (“OSHA”) Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) vaccine mandate...
Read More

The COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate (and More) is Here

11-8-2021 As discussed in our prior blog entry, on September 9, 2021, President Joe Biden announced that the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) would soon issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) which included a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for large employers.  OSHA’s ETS was finally released on November 4,...
Read More

Iowa Enacts a New Law on Employer Vaccination Mandates and Unemployment Insurance

11-8-2021 On October 29, 2021, Iowa passed and enacted House File 902 which establishes new requirements for employers mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees.  The new law also affects unemployment benefits for employees who are discharged for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.  In reviewing the summary below, keep in mind that the law...
Read More

An Update on Vaccine Incentives: Can Employers Raise Health Insurance Premiums for Unvaccinated Employees? 

09-13-2021   Last week, BrownWinick provided an update on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace, including anticipated requirements from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). It is expected that these requirements will apply only to certain larger employers, although the anticipated rule is still in its early...
Read More

No News Posts Currently Available

Assistant

Brooke Johnson

515-242-2489

Undergraduate

Morningside University

B.A., summa cum laude, History and Political Science; Minors in Legal Studies and Theater, 2016

Legal

Drake University Law School

J.D., summa cum laude, Valedictorian, 2019

Admitted

Iowa, 2019

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, 2021

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, 2021

U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, 2022

 

Memberships & Associations

  • Adjunct Professor - Drake 
    University Law School
  • Polk County Bar Association
    Member
  • Iowa State Bar Association
    Member
  • American  Bar Association
    Member; Litigation Section
  • Order of the Coif
  • Order of the Barrister
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
  • Omicron Delta Kappa