profile headshot of Julie Solis-Alvarado

Specialties

As an attorney at Brownwinick, I assist clients in a variety of legal matters including corporate/business transactions, business formation, mergers & acquisitions, immigration, employment, construction & real estate, wills & estate planning, and litigation. As a first-generation student and attorney, I have expertise in navigating challenges and finding creative and practical solutions. My education and training combined with my prior experience  in a wide range of industries such as banking, legal services, non-profits, and state and federal government, has naturally shaped me into a well-rounded and versatile attorney. I enjoy forming relationships and helping my clients work through complex ideas to capitalize on opportunities and solve problems.  

My Approach

My role as your lawyer is to provide expertise and practical advice to help you reach your personal and business goals. My approach is to listen to your needs, understand your business and the issues or opportunities you are facing, and provide you with tailored advice and solutions to meet your objectives and priorities in an efficient and effective manner. As I work with you, my goal is to provide you with sound guidance so that you feel empowered to make informed decisions and achieve results that work for you. I believe there is no substitution for hard work, and you can be assured that I will advocate for you  every step of the way. I strive to be your trusted advisor and your point of contact not just when you encounter a legal issue, but also when you are presented with an opportunity. 

More About Me

Raised in Des Moines since my early years, I proudly consider myself a life-long Iowan. I love Des Moines so much that I stayed local to complete both my undergraduate and law degrees. I received my undergraduate education from Drake University in 2011, graduating cum laude, with a B.A. in Law, Politics, and Society and minors in Sociology and Rhetorical Studies. After graduation, I started my career with the State of Iowa, Attorney General’s Office until I decided to fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer. In 2021, I graduated from Drake University Law School with my J.D., cum laude.  

During my time in law school, I was an editorial board member of the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law. My student Note was published in Volume 25, of the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law and was the recipient of the Outstanding Note Award. I was also a member on the National Moot Court and Client Counseling Teams, served as a member of the Moot Court Board, served as Vice President of Drake Law Hispanic and Latino Law Student Association, was a Cady Law Opportunity Fellow, and upon graduation was inducted into Order of the Barristers and passed the Iowa bar. 

Prior to joining  BrownWinick, I obtained a diverse legal background working as law clerk for various other legal firms in the Des Moines area, Meredith Corporation, and clerked for Polk County District Judge Brent Pattison. I also provided legal representation as a student attorney through Drake Law’s General Civil Legal Clinic. 

Upon graduation from Drake Law, I clerked as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Helen C. Adams in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. I had the privilege of working alongside Judge Adams and assisted in a broad range of criminal and civil litigation matters, including conducting extensive legal research, writing court orders on motions, and assisting in settlement and status conferences, motion hearings, and trials.  

I am also a native Spanish speaker/writer, a certified interpreter, and have extensive training in various crime types/victimizations (i.e. human trafficking, homicide, etc). In addition to my legal practice, I am a member of various community and legal organizations including: the Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations, along with memberships with the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association. I am also on the board of the Polk County Women Attorneys and am a member of Latinos Unidos of Iowa.  

My Specialties

  • Corporate/Transactional
  • Business Transactions
  • Estate Planning
  • Employment & Labor
  • Litigation
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Agribusiness
  • Immigration
  • Data Security & Privacy

Updates to Form I-9 Effective August 1, 2023

07-27-2023 The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services is set to publish a revised Form I-9 on August 1, 2023. The old Form I-9 may be used through October 31, 2023, after which employers will be subject to penalties. The revised Form I-9 follows from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizing the end of temporary Covid policies that allowed for...
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Key Immigration Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions

07-6-2023 Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become common strategies for companies seeking growth, market expansion, or increased competitiveness. However, M&A activity is typically complex, high value and long-term in nature. It is therefore vital that both buyer and seller understand the full range of obligations, liabilities, risks and opportunities...
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DOL Proposes New Rule to Clarify the Distinction Between an Employee and an Independent Contractor

10-18-2022 On October 13, 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) officially published a new Proposed Rule addressing independent-contractor classification under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping standards affecting employees in the private and public sectors. Because...
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BrownWinick Welcomes Attorneys Carter Albrecht & Julie Solis-Alvarado

10-4-2022 BrownWinick is excited to announce that our firm is continuing to grow and expand with new associate attorneys Carter Albrecht and Julie Solis-Alvarado joining our firm. Commenting on their arrival, Recruiting Committee Chair, Brian McCormac said, “We are excited to welcome Carter and Julie to BrownWinick. Their unique backgrounds and abilities...
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Assistant

Jakkie Guerrero

515-248-6627

Undergraduate

Drake University

B.A., cum laude, Law, Politics & Society, Minors: Sociology & Rhetorical Studies, 2011

Legal

Drake University Law School

J.D., cum laude, 2021

Admitted

Iowa, 2021

Memberships & Associations

  • Iowa State Bar Association
    Member
  • Polk County Bar Association
    Member
  • American Bar Association
    Member
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
    Member
  • Hispanic National Bar Association
    Member
  • Polk County Women Attorneys Association
    Board Member
  • Order of the Barristers