BW News

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Releases New Contract Documents

If you were not aware, the American Institute of Architects ("AIA") updates its family of contract documents every ten years. This is why you may hear AIA’s documents referred to as the 1997 set or its 2007 set of documents. Consistent with its past practice, in April 2017, AIA released its new core contracts, which includes the following... Read More

Factors in Choosing Between Arbitration and Litigation

In drafting contracts, one provision that must be considered for inclusion is the way disputes are resolved. Some parties, especially those in the construction or financial industries, have a preference for using arbitration to resolve disputes, while others prefer the traditional route of resolving disputes in a courtroom. There are potential... Read More

BrownWinick Supports the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa

BrownWinick's charitable giving during April 2017 was focused on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, Inc. The staff and attorneys at BrownWinick held a “Jeans Day” fundraiser in early April. On April 20, BrownWinick staff and attorneys worked together to prepare meals for the family members staying at the Ronald McDonald House near... Read More

Can You Give That To Me In Words I Can Understand?

Recently I was working with a client on a large and complicated transaction. We were discussing the legal relationship between several different agreements. The client gave me one of the best compliments I have ever received as an attorney when he told me he appreciated that I could explain the agreements in terms he could understand. That is... Read More

Some Delays and Some Immediate Changes with OSHA

On April 6, 2017 the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a delay in the enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry. The new standard was to go into effect on June 23, 2017 but now will not be enforced until September 23, 2017. The reason for the delay was... Read More

Choosing to Operate as an LLC: What Next?

Congratulations on choosing to operate your business as a limited liability company. Limited liability companies offer the liability protection of a corporation and the tax benefits of a partnership, which make them a great choice. Deciding what form of entity you will be operating under is a huge step; however, there are now many things you need... Read More

Recent Changes to Workers' Compensation System: Know Your Rights and Opportunities

If you have been monitoring the activity of the Iowa legislature, you are likely aware that several controversial initiatives have recently been undertaken. Of particular note to my practice, a bill was passed that, in many ways, will dramatically change our state's workers’ compensation laws. See House File 518. As expected, Governor Branstad... Read More

Beneficiary Designations - SAY, WHAT?!!

A majority of my working day is spent drafting and interpreting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. As many people know, these documents create the foundation of any well-drafted estate plan. All too often my clients pay relatively little attention to the beneficiary designations on payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts. Many times... Read More

Allergic to Work?

According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or to a food that does not cause a reaction in most people. “Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and can affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In... Read More