Labor & Employment: Iowa

THE FIRM This long-standing firm provides full-service labor and employment coverage, from litigation to general counsel, for clients of all sizes. The team is particularly celebrated for the strength of its public sector employer practice.

Sources say: "An excellent group - very organized, genuinely concerned about the client and very reasonably priced."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Elizabeth Gregg Kennedy has extensive employment law knowledge and experience, and is building a great reputation as a mediator. "She has the ability to handle tricky issues, bringing difficult clients together," sources say. "She's extremely pleasant, gets back to you right away with good advice and is always ready to expand on an issue." James Hanks is highly respected for his experienced labor law practice, and praised by sources for being "quick on his feet and a great problem solver." He principally acts for public sector clients and is head of the firm's K-12 education practice area. Steven Nadel is "very thorough, diligent and responsive," according to sources. He counsels and litigates on issues relating to workers with health problems, including FMLA and ADA matters, and other discrimination cases. Nathan Overberg heads the employment group. His practice focuses on employment litigation, covering FLSA, discrimination and class action cases. "He's smart and goes straight to the heart of the matter," say sources.

THE FIRM With one of the state's largest dedicated labor and employment teams, the firm is able to assist clients of all types with their employment issues. Active clients include Briggs Medical Services, Goldleaf Financial Solutions and Merit Resources.

Sources say: "The firm has strong employment law knowledge and takes a true team approach to meeting a client's needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bridget Penick is highly regarded for her knowledge of immigration law, as well as her strong employment litigation practice. Clients say: "She is able to take a complex area of law and make its practical application easily understood." Department head and experienced employment lawyer Russell Samson "listens to the concerns of the client and provides remedies that both limit risk and meet legal obligations." Ann Holden Kendell is a "terrific attorney and extremely good negotiator" who handles all areas of employment litigation. Jill Jensen-Welch is praised for her common-sense approach to employment law, helped by her having been a human resources executive before becoming an attorney. Clients say: "She is knowledgeable, quick to identify the issues and really looks out for the client's interests." Jeffrey Krausman represents public sector employers, including a number of schools. Interviewees say: "He's easy to work with and has a practical approach to getting things fixed."

THE FIRM The department is respected for its deep bench, which allows it to advise clients on all areas of labor and employment law. The team features a number of strong employment litigators and dispute resolution is one of its strongest suits. Active clients include Plumrose USA, HNI and Care Initiatives.

Sources say: "One of the best groups in Iowa, with great experience and the ability to quickly get to the crux of the matter and suggest viable solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Frank Harty is one of the state's preeminent employment litigators. He is noted for his "intelligence and zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients." He has completed over 50 jury trials and recently defended a company in a computer fraud case involving one of its former employees. Randall Armentrout focuses on employment litigation, particularly discrimination cases. "He's thorough and timely, and is an expert in his field," say sources. Mary Funk is highly respected for her varied practice, lately advising employers on workforce reductions, discrimination disputes and employment contract litigations. Sources praise her direct manner and practical approach. She recently successfully decertified the union of a large employer, working in tandem with Thomas Cunningham. He combines an employment law practice with traditional labor law work and impresses clients with his "tremendous knowledge and high level of responsiveness."

THE FIRM The firm has a strong reputation for handling employment disputes and traditional labor law issues. Active clients range from medical institutions to telecommunications companies, including several regional businesses.

Sources say: "The group is easy to work with, very effective and always leaves us extremely pleased with its service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Swanger is head of the practice and its "premier go-to guy for labor law." Sources praise his patience and troubleshooting approach. Michael Reck focuses on employment disputes and litigation. Clients say: "He's a true business lawyer, excellent at taking a very complicated case and breaking it down to see how to reach the desired result."

THE FIRM This department may be modestly sized but it is highly effective. It handles a broad range of labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining, dispute resolution and immigration. Active clients include Trinity Health, United Fire & Casualty and Yellow Book USA.

Sources say: "A well-respected Cedar Rapids firm where customer service really does come first."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kelly Baier is chair of the practice group and impresses sources with deep knowledge across labor, employment and litigation. "He gives very sound advice and is great at creating a plan to solve any matter," say sources. Nancy Wood focuses on employment disputes. Sources praise her excellent client service.

THE FIRM This team handles a range of labor and employment matters but is best known for its strength in employment litigation and immigration. The group acts for employers with unionized and nonunionized workforces. Clients include Holmes Murphy & Associates, AgLeader Technologies and Iowa Orthopaedic Center.

Sources say: "An excellent firm with a compact and effective employment team."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lori Chesser is a "really top-notch immigration attorney." She has 20 years' experience advising individuals and companies on employment-related immigration issues, including visa and compliance matters. Gene La Suer is lauded for his excellent trial skills and his experience in traditional labor law, and his book of business includes Titan Tire. Sharon Malheiro advises clients on a range of employment law issues and disputes, with particular expertise in handling discrimination matters. Deborah Tharnish uses the platform of her litigation practice to act for clients on a range of employment law issues, including discrimination, wrongful termination and restrictive covenants cases. Becky Knutson is a highly regarded employment lawyer and litigator, experienced in areas ranging from FMLA matters to wage and hour investigations and termination issues.

THE FIRM This full-service Cedar Rapids-based firm provides clients with all manner of employment law advice and litigation counsel. It also handles employee benefits and employment-related immigration issues.

Sources say: "A highly respected firm of the east Iowa corridor."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Zaiger is hailed as "one of the best attorneys in Iowa." He advises and litigates for clients across the state. Interviewees describe him as "a problem solver who really knows the law."

THE FIRM This firm became one of the state's largest when it merged in 2009. It has offices in Cedar Rapids and Coralville and the team has the experience to advise clients on a broad range of employment issues. Active clients include GreatAmerica Leasing, CRST Expedited and Ohnward Bancshares.

Sources say: "An excellent, dependable law firm with talented, hard-working lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Iris Muchmore is a "fantastic attorney" who advises clients in all areas of labor and employment, from general counsel to dispute resolution. Clients praise her for being "very straightforward, thorough and easy to communicate with." Kevin Visser focuses on employment litigation as part of a wider litigation practice. "He works hard to understand the client's business and assess the matter, then very persuasively argues the case," say clients. Leonard Strand also has a broad litigation practice, while specializing in employment litigation. He has extensive experience handling discrimination and ERISA disputes.

THE FIRM This compact team maintains a solid position in the market by providing strong general employment advice and taking matters to litigation when required. Clients praise the group's focus on educating the client, as well as its proactive approach to communication, keeping clients up to date throughout a case or process.

Sources say: "I'm confident the group can solve any employment problem we might encounter."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Gilliam chairs the practice group and handles a wide variety of employment counsel and litigation matters. "He has tremendous knowledge of the local legal environment," say clients, "and so knows when to take risks and when to take a more conservative approach."

THE FIRM This Davenport-based firm is a respected market presence, with experienced practitioners handling traditional labor, employment and litigation matters.

Sources say: "One of the best firms in the east of the state." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Judith Herrmann is a highly reputed lawyer with a broad employment and labor law practice. She recently acted on a complicated discrimination case in front of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the EEOC.

THE FIRM While modest in size, this firm has four offices across the state and so has the reach to assist a broad spread of clients. The team provides employment litigation and general counsel, and advises on traditional labor law matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Greg Naylor is described as a "knowledgeable and thoughtful attorney." He is highly respected by interviewees for his employment counsel and traditional labor law work. Jaki Samuelson has a strong general litigation practice with a focus on employment litigation.