
Specialties
Whether positioning you for successful litigation or preventing it in the first place, strategy drives my work. I focus on the changing landscape (and landmines) of the workplace so you can focus on running your business.
But I'm not just committed to understanding legal issues for businesses or workplaces. I'm committed to understanding your business; your workplace. Because I want to deliver more than just a solution. Let's collaborate to find the right solution for your business, your needs, your priorities, and your budget. My sincerest goal is for you to walk away from every interaction with me trusting that I have your back.
I have been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® in the Employment Law - Management and Labor & Employment Litigation areas and in Super Lawyers®, as a “Rising Star”, in the Employment and Labor Law area.
My Approach
Legal issues can be nuanced, complex, and stressful. But talking to your lawyer shouldn't be. Be forewarned: I don't use words like “wherefore” when I'm drafting contracts. It's my job to understand the legal nuances and complexities so: (1) I can communicate the issues to you without the jargon, and (2) you trust me to handle the stuff that would otherwise keep you up at night. Whether you're a multi-jurisdictional client or a small start-up, our mutual goal is your success.
I get that lawyers rarely hear from clients checking in to cheer, “Everything is going SO well right now!” That's why I want you to feel a sense of relief, not dread, when you pick up the phone and start dialing my number. I try to foster that kind of trust in every client interaction I have.
We may be digging into your wage and hour practices, developing new HR processes and controls, reviewing a sensitive EEO issue, harmonizing compliance concerns across several jurisdictions, or navigating restrictive covenant nuances. We may be knee-deep in litigation strategy, performance managing an unruly employee, sorting out difficult medical issues in the workplace. Whatever our project, I believe my role demands straightforward communication, pivoting with your changing needs and circumstances, and finding creative solutions.
More About Me
I grew up in rural Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University, with distinction, in 2004. I earned degrees in Journalism (Public Relations) and Sociology, and I received the Top Graduating Senior Award (Sociology). I went on to law school at Drake University Law School and was an Opperman Scholar. I received my law degree, with high honors, in 2007.
I'm married to the best guy I've ever met, and we have the two greatest and most adorable young children in all the universe, ever. And I promise I am abundantly more objective when giving legal advice than when describing my kids.
When I'm not doing law, you can usually find me with my family or doing cardio. And by “cardio”, I mean, trying to get my toddler to put on his pajamas.
My Specialties
- Wage & Hour Compliance (and specialized in FLSA issues)
- Discrimination, Harassment, & Retaliation Laws
- Family, Medical, & Other Workplace Accommodation Issues
- Multi-Jurisdictional Workplace Issues
- Employment Policies & Procedures
- Restrictive Covenants
- Contracts
- Litigation
- Workplace Training
- Investigations
- Private Sector Employee Drug Testing
EEOC Updates Guidance Addressing COVID-Related Caregiver Discrimination & Religious Accommodations
OSHA Withdraws Portion of COVID-19 Healthcare ETS
State of Iowa Ending Participation in COVID-Related Unemployment Programs Next Month
DOL Issues Final Rule On Retail or Service Establishment Commissioned Sales Exemption
COVID-19 As We Enter May: What Should Employers Be Thinking About?
DOL Issues Much Anticipated Guidance for FFCRA Paid Leave Requirements
Small Business Exemption to FFCRA
DOL Updates Effective Date and Issues Model Notice Posters
DOL Provides Additional Information About the New Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Employer Guidance Regarding COVID-19 Impact on Unemployment Benefits in Iowa
Court Grants Motion for Summary Judgment
BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2021 Best Lawyers in America List
Returning Employees to the Workplace? We’ve Got You Covered.
BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers List
BrownWinick Attorneys Featured in 2019 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars
BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2019 Best Lawyers® List
BrownWinick Attorneys Featured in 2018 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars
BrownWinick Attorneys Named to 2018 Best Lawyers List
BrownWinick Attorneys Featured in 2017 Great Plains Super Lawyers and Great Plains Rising Stars
Assistant
Jakkie Guerrero
515-248-6627
Undergraduate
Iowa State University
B.S., with distinction, 2004
Legal
Drake University Law School
J.D., with high honors, 2007
Admitted
Iowa, 2007
Memberships & Associations
- Polk County Bar Association
Member - Iowa State Bar Association
Member; Sections on Labor and Employment Law; Litigation - American Bar Association
Member; Labor and Employment Law Section - Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Member - Polk County Women Attorneys
Member - Drake Law Review