Caleb J. Brus

As a business law attorney at BrownWinick, I understand the power of mission focused collaboration.  I believe your knowledge and experience will guide our work as much as mine.  While we have different roles, we have the same objectives.  Together, we are a team.  I am committed to understanding your business, including your current and future needs.  It is inevitable that we will encounter expected and unexpected challenges.  I will be your responsive partner as we work through your legal and business obstacles.  I believe in intellectual honesty.  That means I will be clear about the basis and rationale for my advice, even if it means we need to pivot in an unexpected direction.  You and your business needs are my top responsibility.  While I have listed specialties below, I view myself as a generalist and I can take on a variety of legal matters. 

My Approach

My work will be guided by three principles: (1) simplicity, (2) adaptability, and (3) dedication.   

Often, legal issues are complex and governed by complicated regulatory bodies.  I believe the ability to communicate simply is the best measure of a deep subject matter understanding.  My value will be demonstrated in how well I can simplify concepts and not my ability to use grandiose legal jargon.   

Adaptation is a universally transferable skill.  I am skilled in overcoming obstacles whether it’s changes to your business structure, strategic initiatives, economic, regulatory or some other unexpected change.  I will help navigate you through.  

Finally, I will be dedicated to your business and legal needs.  I believe the foundation of my role is rooted in an understanding of your business.  Knowledge of you and your business allows me to provide the best legal consultation. In turn, you will be able to make informed and calculated business decisions.  

More About Me

Before joining BrownWinick, I worked for a fortune 500 global financial services company where I was the Chief Compliance Officer for the bank and trust company.  I oversaw a multitude of regulatory bodies including ERISA, DOL, IRS, SEC, FINRA, OCC, and FDIC.  I served in several executive management committee roles, working directly with senior management.  This experience allows me to be more than “just your lawyer” as my issue spotting and consultation skills stretch well beyond legal and regulatory issues. 

I’m a native Iowan.  I attended Simpson College where I received a B.A., with honors, in Business Management and Marketing.  I also received the top award for Business Management from the Department of Business Administration and Economics.  I graduated from Drake University Law School, and I am admitted to the Iowa bar. In the community, I am on the Board of Directors for Bravo of Greater Des Moines.  

My Specialties

• ERISA 
• Retirement Plans 
• Qualified Plans 
• Employee Benefits 
• Regulatory Compliance 
• Financial Services 
• Government & Regulatory 
• Deferred Compensation 
• DOL Investigations 
• IRS Audits 
• Business & Corporate Law 
• Banking & Finance 
• Trust 
• ESOPs