profile headshot of Matthew H. McKinney

Specialties

I am a member at BrownWinick and Chair the firm’s nationally-recognized Government Relations practice group. During the legislative session, I maintain a full-time presence at the Iowa Capitol where I serve as an “on-call” point of contact for both my clients and for elected officials on matters relating to our clients’ interests. 

My Approach

Professional, prepared, and proactive, while moving at the speed of business and achieving client objectives. In short, I know your business depends upon timely and effective representation that achieves objectives. I further understand that while publicly representing your interests with elected officials while on Capitol Hill,  I am a direct extension and reflection of your business’ valuable brand (whether presenting during a committee hearing, advocating during one-on-one meetings, or coordinating a press conference). Consequently, whether your business’ objectives require an aggressive offensive agenda, a thoughtful defensive stand, or careful monitoring, I show up to achieve best-in-class results in a manner that moves your agenda forward, protects your brand, and brings value to your business.

Our team has a reputation of tackling technically complex, politically challenging, bet-the-company projects. From highly-regulated industries such as insurance and alcohol, to utilities and gaming, our background and experience provide valuable insight and perspective that informs our work and approach.

Finally, as a small business owner, former prosecutor, and someone who has been on the ballot and served in a public office, I bring a unique perspective to our team’s work and firm’s client representation. First, having served in public office where I’ve been asked to consider and vote on public policy, knocked thousands of doors, raised record campaign funds, designed and sent thousands of mailers, run social media campaigns, and managed absentee ballot work, my approach and perspective of working with elected officials on the Hill is informed and shaped through this unique experience. Second, as a business owner, I understand practical challenges that owners, management, and executive boards face in managing a business, meeting budgets, and achieving quarterly goals. Finally, as a former prosecutor and litigation attorney - having worked-up and tried countless cases - I know first-hand the importance of thoroughly preparing for the known, and unknown. These unique experiences shape and drive the work our team undertakes everyday as we advance our clients’ agendas.

More About Me

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I received my J.D., cum laude, along with certificates of concentration in litigation, and criminal law and procedure from Creighton University School of Law in 2007. I was also the sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.

I was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 2007 and the State of Arizona in 2008. Additionally, I am admitted to practice law in Iowa Federal District Court (northern and southern divisions) as well as in Colorado Federal District Court.

It was a privilege to be elected to the West Des Moines City Council, in the at-large position, in 2019 and then re-elected in 2023. I am an active member of the Iowa and Polk County Bar Associations, in addition to serving as a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee; the United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet; BRAVO of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Arts Festival Board of Directors, Taste of the Junction Board of Directors and the Metro Advisory Council ICON Water Trails. I am also a graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. I have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Best Lawyers® in America in the area of Government Relations Practice. Finally, it was an honor to have Super Lawyers® recognize me as a “Rising Star” in the area of Government Relations from 2017 - 2021.

My Specialties

  • Government Relations
  • Litigation / Trial Law
  • Data Security and Privacy
  • Administrative Law
  • Business and Corporate Law
  • Health Law

Government Relations Update - October 17, 2024 REC Summary

10-18-2024 The Revenue Estimating Conference (“REC”) met Thursday (10.17.24) as part of their standard schedule of meetings to estimate future state revenues. REC members Kraig Paulsen (Gov.’s Appointee), Jennifer Acton (LSA), and Jeff Plagge (Public Member) serve on the three-member panel. A summary of the information discussed during the meeting is below,...
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Government Relations Update 6-5-24

06-5-2024 Iowa’s Primary Election was held on Tuesday, June 4.  There were several hotly contested races featuring challengers to incumbent legislators – most notably: Republican Senator Waylon Brown vs. Doug Campbell - Incumbent Senator Brown won; Democratic Senator Clair Celsi vs. Julie Lasche Brown - Incumbent Senator Celsi won; House Republican Jane...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Fourteen

04-15-2024 On Thursday, the first appropriations bill of the year passed one chamber. Kind of like seeing a robin in winter…you know that sine die (spring) is getting closer. This week also saw a lot of action in subcommittees and Appropriations Committees. Although the Senate and House have agreed within their Chambers on targeted amounts for the various...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Thirteen

04-8-2024 The Senate was busy this week confirming Governor’s Appointees. Confirmations require a two-thirds vote of all Senators. This means that 34 of the 50 must vote to confirm. With 34 Republicans in the Chamber, confirmations were less contentious than they have been in the past. Senators vote to confirm either En Bloc or on an Individual basis. Some...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Twelve

04-1-2024 State Budget. The final stages of the 2024 session took a big step forward on Thursday when House and Senate Leaders released budget targets. The Senate’s target is to limit expenditures to $8.872 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, the House has a higher budget number at $8.955 billion, and the Governor’s budget is at $8.919 billion. The next three...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Eleven

03-25-2024 Week #11 ended with movement on one of the main issues of session, the Area Education Agencies (AEA) bill. One of the major priorities of the Governor, the AEA bill in different forms has passed the Senate once and now the House twice. On Monday, the Senate amended HF 2612, and sent it back to the House with a strike-after amendment. On Thursday,...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 10

03-19-2024 The past week was the second funnel week. Thursday was the last day of action at the Statehouse. The Senate did not debate and instead focused on Committee work. The House debated Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday, the House placed 31 bills on the Unfinished Business Calendar which means they will continue to be eligible for further...
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March 15, 2024 REC Summary

03-18-2024 The Revenue Estimating Conference (“REC”) met Friday (3.15.24) as part of their standard schedule of meetings to estimate future state revenues. REC members Kraig Paulsen and Jennifer Acton welcomed Jeff Plagge to the panel as the new public representative. A summary of the information discussed during the meeting is below, along with the linked...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 9

03-11-2024 Capitol Update The second funnel deadline is next Friday. We expect to see mostly Committee work next week as bills that have not made it through the Committee in the other Chamber will be considered dead for the session, with exceptions. Even though a bill itself may be considered dead, ideas are not dead and can come back in the form of...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Eight

03-4-2024 Capitol Update This week, many bills were debated in either the House or Senate and then passed onto their last stop in the legislative process. Each chamber must vote on the exact same language in order to finally pass the bill and have it become law. The Senate will often substitute a House File and vice versa during floor debate so the language...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Six

02-19-2024 Funnel week. Funnel week has come and gone and it was quite a week with 227 bills moving through Committees and 99 scheduled subcommittees. The purpose of the funnel is to “weed out” those bills that will not be given further consideration this session. The next major procedural deadline - the second funnel - is March 15. For a bill to be...
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Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Five

02-12-2024 The pace continued during week 5 with 164 bills scheduled for consideration in Committees and 165 scheduled for subcommittee discussions. Next week is funnel week - which means bills must be considered in a subcommittee and pass the Committee by next Friday. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule. Although based on the large numbers of bills...
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2020 Iowa Election Takeaways

11-6-2020 While several close races remain following Tuesday’s elections, Republicans have expanded their Iowa House majority, maintained control of the Senate, and netted at least one new congressional seat. BrownWinick’s Government Relations team has carefully reviewed the current election results and produced a detailed report on all 130 state and...
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2020 Election Summary

10-30-2020 With only days until the November 3rd election, the BrownWinick’s Government Relation’s Team has developed a 2020 Election summary document to provide the most up-to-date information. As a reminder, the Iowa Senate has 25 seats up for election this year and the Iowa House has all 100 seats. Currently, the Iowa Senate and House are controlled by...
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COVID-19 Update: New Proclamation Restricting Northeast Iowa Activities

04-16-2020 Today, Governor Reynolds announced additional restrictions in Northeast Iowa due to the heightened risk of COVID-19. Risk is based upon several factors, measured across 6 different geographic regions (as we’ve outlined before and depicted on the attached map), and ranked on a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being highest risk). Today, region 6 (northeast...
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33 BrownWinick Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers® in America 2025 List

07-9-2024 BrownWinick is pleased to announce that 33 of our lawyers have been included in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. BrownWinick would like to congratulate the following attorneys named to the 2025 The Best...
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BrownWinick Law Firm Attorneys Featured in 2021 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars

08-20-2021 BrownWinick is excited to announce the following attorneys were selected for inclusion in the Great Plains Super Lawyers directory for 2021. Seven BrownWinick attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2021 Great Plains Super Lawyers online listing: William Brown - Tax Michael Dee – Business Litigation Thomas Johnson – Business/Corporate James...
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McKinney Elected to West Des Moines City Council

11-6-2019 Congratulations to BrownWinick attorney Matthew McKinney for being elected to the West Des Moines City Council in yesterday’s election! He will serve in an at-large seat on the council. BrownWinick is proud of Matthew and the hard work he devotes to both his community and his law practice. Great job, Matt!
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BrownWinick Attorneys Featured in 2019 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars

07-11-2019 Eleven BrownWinick attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2019 Great Plains Super Lawyers online listing: William Brown – Tax Elizabeth Coonan – Employment and Labor Michael Dee – Business Litigation Alice Helle – Employee Benefits Thomas Johnson – Business/Corporate Ann Holden Kendell – Employment and Labor James Pray – Environmental Brian...
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Unifying GDPR With US Laws Compliance

08-21-2018 Matt McKinney was a guest speakers on an international podcast - Data Security and Privacy with the Privacy Professor Rebecca Herold. The podcast was on "Unifying GDPR With US Laws Compliance." Organizations are struggling to meet compliance with GDPR, US regulations and laws and all the other worldwide data protection legal requirements. There is...
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BrownWinick Attorneys Featured in 2018 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars

07-2-2018 Twelve BrownWinick attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2018 Great Plains Super Lawyers online listing: Ronni F. Begleiter - Employee Benefits William C. Brown - Tax Elizabeth A. Coonan – Employment & Labor Michael A. Dee - Business Litigation Alice E. Helle - Employee Benefits Thomas D. Johnson - Business/Corporate Ann Holden Kendell -...
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BrownWinick Attorneys Featured in 2017 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars

07-17-2017 Ten BrownWinick attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2017 Great Plains Super Lawyers online listing: Ronni F. Begleiter - Employee Benefits/ERISA William C. Brown - Tax Elizabeth A. Coonan – Employment & Labor Michael A. Dee - Business Litigation Alice E. Helle - Employee Benefits Ann Holden Kendell - Employment & Labor James L. Pray -...
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Business 'Divorce' and Discounts

08-22-2016 Check out BrownWinick attorney Matt McKinney's latest blog post, Business 'Divorce' and Discounts, featured in the Business Record's IowaBiz Blog. Read more IowaBiz Blogs at www.iowabiz.com.
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When LLC Owners are Personally Liable

06-1-2016 Check out BrownWinick attorney Matt McKinney's latest blog post, When LLC Owners Are Personally Liable, featured in the Business Record's IowaBiz Blog. Read more IowaBiz Blogs at www.iowabiz.com.
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Greater Transparency for Out-of-State LLCS? Not So Fast.

04-27-2016 Check out BrownWinick attorney Matt McKinney's latest blog post, Greater Transparency for Out-of-State LLCs? Not So Fast, featured in the Business Record's IowaBiz Blog. Read more IowaBiz Blogs at www.iowabiz.com.
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Assistant

Tia Calhoun

515-242-2492

Undergraduate

University of Iowa

B.A., Political Science; Entrepreneurship Certificate, 2004

Legal

Creighton University School of Law

J.D., cum laude, 2007

Admitted

Iowa, 2007

Arizona, 2008

 

Memberships & Associations

  • West Des Moines City Council (At-Large) (2019-Present)
  • BRAVO of Greater Des Moines
    Board of Directors
  • Des Moines Arts Festival
    Board of Directors
  • ICON Water Trails
    Co-Chair
  • Iowa State Bar Association
    Member; Government Practice Section
  • Polk County Bar Association 
    Member
  • State Law Resources (SLR)
    Board of Directors (2022-2025); Site Selection Committee
    Finance Committee
  • Professionals for Charity
    Co-Founder, Director and Secretary
  • The United Way of Central Iowa
    Policy Cabinet
  • Metro Advisory Council
  • Taste of the Junction, Inc., Board of Directors
  • Iowa Legal Aid Foundation 
    Governing Director (2010-2012)
  • West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce 
    Member; Board of Directors and Former Chair (2015-2019)
  • West Des Moines Due Diligence Committee (2017)
  • West Des Moines Leadership Academy
    Graduate (Class of 2012-2013); Alumni Marketing Committee Member
  • Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute
    Graduate (Class of 2014-2015)
  • West Des Moines Historical Society 
    Board of Directors (2015-2018)
  • West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission
    Appointed Member (2014-2016)
  • Arizona State Bar Association 
    Member (2009-Present)
  • Arizona Small Business Association 
    Board of Directors and Vice President-Elect (2009-2010)
  • Maricopa County Bar Association 
    Corporate Counsel Division Ð Director and Treasurer (2009-2010)