Iowa Employer and Employee Unemployment Assistance Program Just Announced

By BrownWinick | 03.16.2020

Governor Reynolds just announced a plan to provide assistance for employers and employees affected by COVID-19-related layoffs. If an employee is laid off due to COVID-19 or stays home to self-isolate, care for family members, or because they themselves are ill due to COVID-19, those employees might be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if... Read More

Is Your Business Protected Against Business Interruptions?

By Amy Johnson | 03.13.2020

COVID-19 has reminded businesses of the need to have plans for business interruption, contingency processes and procedures, and human resources and staffing preparedness in the event of disaster. Additionally, businesses need to review their contacts and ensure they are protected in the event their ability to perform per contractual obligations is... Read More

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By BrownWinick | 03.11.2020

As can be seen from the stockpiling of goods, many people are frightened by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. However, employers must not act out of fear and assumptions, but based upon facts, guidance from the government and the law. For example, the CDC provides the following sage advice for employers, “Do not make determinations of risk... Read More

Coronavirus — Advance Planning is Key

By BrownWinick | 03.10.2020

As instances of the coronavirus are on the rise both nationally and across Iowa, it’s important for businesses to assess their contingency and disaster plans. Yesterday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a disaster proclamation following the Iowa Department of Public Health's confirmation of 8 cases of COVID-19 in Iowa. The threat is real and requires... Read More

Preparing for the Coronavirus: Getting Back to Basics

By BrownWinick | 03.04.2020

Although there are currently no reported cases of the coronavirus in Iowa, now is a good time for all Iowa long-term care facilities to review their policies and practices relevant to disease control and emergencies. The recent news of the death of a long-term care resident in Washington and the exposure to other residents and staff show how dire... Read More

It’s 2020, is Hemp legal yet?

By BrownWinick | 02.24.2020

Hemp is still illegal in Iowa. And while legalization is coming, it is unclear how exactly hemp and hemp-derived products, such as certain CBD (cannabidiol) products, will be regulated. The United States Department of Agriculture has yet to approve Iowa’s state plan for licensing and regulating the production of hemp, which is necessary for... Read More

BrownWinick Provides Valentines for Area Seniors

By BrownWinick | 02.18.2020

BrownWinick’s Charity Committee assembled 120 pink and red carnations with handwritten valentine cards to share with the residents of the Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines last month. On February 14, BrownWinick attorneys and staff delivered the valentines to the residents. Volunteers had the opportunity to interact with residents and... Read More

BW Wins Appeal in $30 Million Contract Dispute

By Michael Dee | 02.18.2020

The Iowa Supreme Court on February 7, 2020, held that BrownWinick client Homeland Energy Solutions, LLC (HES) had an enforceable contract with a former HES board member to repurchase the member’s units in HES. In 2013, HES entered into a contract with then-board member Steve J. Retterath to repurchase Retterath’s units in HES for $30 million.... Read More

A Bold New Brand for a Brave New World

By BrownWinick | 02.17.2020

We are proud to announce that BrownWinick is launching a new brand centered on the principles our clients value most - the unparalleled wisdom and boldness our attorneys bring to the table every day. Today, nearly 70 years since we first opened our doors, the nature of our work is rapidly evolving, as are the challenges our clients face. In... Read More

EPA Greenlights Ten Pesticides for Use on Hemp in Advance of the 2020 Growing Season

By BrownWinick | 01.31.2020

Last month, the EPA approved 10 pesticides—including one conventional pesticide, or synthetic chemical, and nine bio pesticides, or naturally occurring bioactive organisms—for use on the cannabis plant. These are the first crop protection tools ever to be approved for the plant because, up until passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was classified... Read More