Brian P. Rickert

I am a member at BrownWinick and am Chair of the firm's Construction practice group.  Most of my time is spent working in two main areas.  First, I litigate matters for public and private businesses and individuals in a variety of fields and industries.  My work includes handling complex business disputes, contract disputes, construction and design disputes, various business torts including fraud and interference with contracts, conflicts between business competitors, claims between majority and minority shareholders, relations and disputes with governmental agencies, and employment disputes involving wrongful termination, discrimination, and claims arising from non-compete, non-solicitation and other agreements.  Second, I serve as outside general counsel advising on corporate, contract, employment, regulatory matters, business planning and succession, and others.  In my over twenty years of practice, I have seen things from about every angle. 

I spend a significant amount of my time representing owners (public and private), architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, insurers and sureties in all facets of their business, including bidding and document preparation, contract negotiation and drafting, work and performance issues, financing and warranty issues, regulatory and legislative guidance and advice, bonds, liens and public claims, litigation and arbitration of claims, and claim avoidance.  I have also provided testimony or background information to legislative committees and legislators on construction and litigation related legislation.

I routinely handle matters where the amount at issue involves seven, eight, and nine figures.  My practice is not limited to Iowa, is national, and goes where my clients need me.    

My Approach

I try to understand your business, your problems, your needs and goals, and then help get you where you want to be.  I can be creative using my extensive experience, but always focus on service to you and reaching your goals.  I strive for excellence in everything I do. 

I am proud to say that, for a number of years, my clients, peers and Super Lawyers® have selected me as one of the “Top Ten Lawyers” in all of Iowa regardless of practice area.  My peers have also selected me as a leader in Iowa in the Chambers USA® listing for commercial litigation, in Best Lawyers®  for construction law, litigation - construction and litigation - municipal, in Super Lawyers® for construction litigation, as a Senior Fellow in the prestigious Litigation Counsel of America, and named as Best Lawyers' “Lawyer of the Year” 2016 in Construction Law.  I am AV-rated in Martindale Hubbell - the highest possible rating.

A common comment that I hear from my new clients is “We wish we would have hired you sooner.”

More About Me

In 1998, I received my J.D., with honors, from Drake University where I served on the Drake Law Review.  In 1995, I received my Finance Degree from the University of Iowa.  I am licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Missouri, as well as the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

I am a member of the Polk County, Iowa State and American Bar Associations; the American Bar Association's Forum on Construction Law and Construction Litigation Committee; Master Builders of Iowa; and the Associated General Contractors of Iowa.  I serve on the Federal Practice Committee of the Iowa State Bar Association and am a former chair and founding member of the Construction Law Section of the Iowa State Bar Association.  I am a frequent speaker to professionals, trade associations, and attorneys on topics relating to construction law and litigation. 

I am proud to give back to my community in many ways.  I am the former Chair of the West Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa, and serve on the board at my church.  I have helped coach various sports teams, and volunteer in other ways.

My Specialties

• Litigation and Arbitration
• Construction
• Real Estate and Development
• Employment
• Business and Corporate
• Governmental and Regulatory
• Agribusiness
• Insurance
• Energy and Renewable Fuels

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