profile headshot of R.G. Schwarm

Specialties

I am an associate attorney with BrownWinick and a member of the firm’s government relations team. I maintain a full-time presence at the Iowa Capitol throughout the legislative session advocating for businesses and interests before the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, and state agencies. Outside of the legislative session, I focus on strategizing to best position our clients to succeed during the upcoming sessions.

My Approach

As a government relations attorney, it is my job to deliver wins for our clients. I work as a loyal extension of your organization. I am equally passionate about achieving your goals and will spare no effort pursuing favorable outcomes. Whether it requires developing winning strategies, executing multifaceted communications plans, coordinating public and media relations, vigorously lobbying state lawmakers, or influencing key decision-makers, I refuse to be outworked. Fueled by my competitive nature, I am determined to overcome barriers and secure victories for my clients.

The cornerstone to success is often the power of connection. Whether it’s forging strong relationships with clients, establishing rapport with decision-makers, or bridging the gap between problem and solution, I pride myself on my ability to make connections. Drawing upon more than fifteen years of experience in the political arena, I rely on my relationships built over time to successfully navigate the intricacies of policymaking.

More About Me

I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, earning a double major in Business Management and International Business along with a minor in Political Science. I subsequently went on to Drake University Law School where I received my Juris Doctor with a certificate in legislative practice. While at law school, I interned with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board and was responsible for drafting assistance for the board’s advisory opinions, conducting legal research on state and local compliance policies, and investigating complaints of ethical violations by campaigns and elected officials.

I live in West Des Moines with my wife Cassie, our son Grayson, and our dog Rufus. In my spare time, I can be found cheering on my alma mater (Go Cyclones!) in any sporting event, traveling, or enjoying time at the backyard grill with friends.

My Specialties

  • Lobbying & Public Policy
  • Campaign Finance
  • Ethics/Political Compliance and Reporting
  • Gaming
  • Government & Regulatory
  • Health Care
  • Administrative Law

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Eight

03-10-2025 Capitol Update Week #8 was busy! The first major funnel of 2025 is behind us. There were 165 different subcommittees scheduled between Monday and Thursday. For comparison purposes, last year’s funnel week had 99 subcommittees. Last week (#7) 192 different subcommittees were scheduled. The BW team doesn’t attend ALL of those subcommittees, but does...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Seven

03-3-2025 Capitol Update The pace quickened this week at the Capitol. The first major funnel deadline is next Friday, March 7, the eighth week of session. March 7th is the date by which Senate bills must be voted out of Senate Committees and House bills must be voted out of House Committees. However, there are certain committees that are not subject to this...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Six

02-24-2025 Capitol Update A Good Week for Governor’s Bills. The Governor held a Press Conference on Tuesday to discuss her new health care policy proposals. The bills, HSB 191 and SSB 1163 follow up on the goals the Governor discussed in her Condition of the State Speech to address health care workforce shortages and scarcity of care in rural Iowa. The bill...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Five

02-17-2025 Capitol Update New This Week. Newly elected Democratic Senator Mike Zimmer took the Oath of Office this past Monday. Zimmer was elected to fill the Senate seat previously held by Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer. In addition, Governor Reynolds set March 11th as the Special Election date to fill House District 100, a seat vacated by the sudden...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Four

02-10-2025 New This Week. Week 3 (last week) ended on a sad note with the sudden passing of Representative Martin Graber (R) on Friday, January 31st. The House didn’t gather in Des Moines on Tuesday of week 4 so that members could attend Representative Graber’s funeral. Graber, from Fort Madison, represented House District 100. He was first elected to serve...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Three

02-3-2025 Capitol Update New This Week. After Tuesday’s special election, a new State Senator will take the oath of office in Des Moines. Democrat Mike Zimmer, the Central DeWitt School Board president, won the seat for Senate District 35 in eastern Iowa. The district includes Clinton County and parts of Jackson and Scott Counties. Zimmer succeeds in the...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Two

01-27-2025 Capitol Update Monday was a very busy day in D.C. with the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald J. Trump (and former 45th President). It was also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and celebrations honoring Dr. King were held in Iowa and around the country. Hands-Free Legislation Passes First Subcommittee. Both the Senate and House are considering...
Read More

2025 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week One

01-21-2025 First Day. The first day of the 91st General Assembly began on Monday, January 13, 2025. The State Constitution directs that session be held annually commencing on the second Monday of January and the Iowa Code directs that the general Assembly convene at 10:00 a.m. It was an exciting day for the newly-elected and reelected legislators who took...
Read More

Government Relations Update - October 17, 2024 REC Summary

10-18-2024 The Revenue Estimating Conference (“REC”) met Thursday (10.17.24) as part of their standard schedule of meetings to estimate future state revenues. REC members Kraig Paulsen (Gov.’s Appointee), Jennifer Acton (LSA), and Jeff Plagge (Public Member) serve on the three-member panel. A summary of the information discussed during the meeting is below,...
Read More

No News Posts Currently Available

Assistant

Michelle Battaglia

515-242-2421

Undergraduate

Iowa State University

B.S., Business Management and International Business; Minor, Political Science, 2008

Legal

Drake University Law School

J.D., 2021

Admitted

Iowa, 2024

Memberships & Associations

  • Polk County Bar Association
    Member
  • Iowa State Bar Association
    Member