BW INSIGHTS

BrownWinick Attorneys & Staff Participate in Annual Firm Volunteer Day

By BrownWinick | 07.27.2022

BrownWinick attorneys and staff recently participated in the firm’s annual volunteer day to support several Des Moines non-profit organizations. Groups ranging from eight to 20 people volunteered at six different locations across the metro including the Animal Rescue League; Ashcraft Library Project; Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa; Food Bank... Read More

Understanding Hemp/CBD In Iowa

By BrownWinick | 07.21.2022

What is Hemp; What is CBD? Hemp is a type of Cannabis Sativa plant, while CBD is a naturally occurring chemical found within the plant itself. CBD (cannabidiol) is usually produced using the hemp plant, rather than the marijuana plant, which is another type of Cannabis Sativa. Hemp plants contain more CBD and less THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the... Read More

Iowa's New & Improved Retail Alcohol Licenses: What Changes to Expect

By William Daniel | 07.21.2022

Iowa recently enacted significant changes to its laws regarding the regulation of retail alcohol sales during the 2022 legislative session by the passing of Senate File 2374. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2023. These changes seek to make the alcohol licensing process more simplified and efficient for manufacturers, retailers, and... Read More

45Q Carbon Sequestration Tax Credit: What It Is & How To Get It

By BrownWinick | 07.15.2022

The Carbon Sequestration Tax Credit (commonly referred to as the 45Q Tax Credit) was first added to the tax code in 2008, with subsequent expansions and clarifications in 2018 and 2021. This article will walk you through the basics of what the 45Q tax credit is and how to know if you are eligible to receive it. What is carbon sequestration? Carbon... Read More

The EPA's Rule Withdrawal Impact on Environmental Due Diligence

By Ellen M. Hames & Karen L. Karr | 07.12.2022

Since our last post, “New ASTM Standard for Commercial Real Estate Phase I Environmental Site Assessments”, the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) withdrew its direct final rule to adopt the new ASTM E1527-21 standard for the EPA’s “All Appropriate Inquiry” rules. The “All Appropriate Inquiry” rules provide a framework under which a... Read More

Will v. Trust: What's the Difference and Which One is Right for You?

By Robert D. Hodges & Katheryn J. Thorson | 07.06.2022

You have probably heard of wills and trusts in the estate planning context, but what is the difference between the two? Both a will and a trust are used to distribute your assets upon your death. Both allow you to name beneficiaries to receive your assets and a fiduciary to control the distribution of your assets. However, there are some key... Read More

Estate Planning Considerations with Your Vacation Home

By Robert Hodges | 07.01.2022

With Memorial Day in the rear-view mirror and the July 4th holiday quickly approaching, many of us are enjoying weekends or longer stays at a family vacation property on the water. The gathering spot may be known as a lake house, beach house, cabin, camp, cottage, lodge, or condo (depending on the location and use). In addition to waterfront... Read More

BrownWinick Attorneys Successfully Represent New Fashion Pork and BWT Holdings before the Iowa Supreme Court

By Jen E. Lindberg & James L. Pray | 06.30.2022

In a major development for the agricultural industry in Iowa, the Iowa Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of a nuisance case and reversed a previous Supreme Court decision on constitutional grounds. BrownWinick attorneys James White, Jen Lindberg, and Jim Pray successfully represented New Fashion Pork and BWT Holdings before the Iowa Supreme... Read More

Rights as a Transgender Person in the Workplace

By Danielle Smid | 06.22.2022

It is not always clear what rights you have in the workplace as an employee. This task becomes more challenging when your rights have been a topic of controversy in the media. To provide clarity on this matter, we have provided explanations for the workplace rights transgender people have in Iowa. The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination... Read More

Who Should I Name as Guardian for my Minor Children?

By Robert D. Hodges & Katheryn J. Thorson | 06.17.2022

Naming a legal guardian is often the most important estate planning decision for people with minor children. When you become a parent, it is a good idea to have a will in place so you can name a legal guardian for your children if anything were to happen to you. Here are seven things to consider when choosing who to name as your children’s... Read More