Factors in Choosing Between Arbitration and Litigation

By Brian Rickert | 04.25.2017

In drafting contracts, one provision that must be considered for inclusion is the way disputes are resolved. Some parties, especially those in the construction or financial industries, have a preference for using arbitration to resolve disputes, while others prefer the traditional route of resolving disputes in a courtroom. There are potential... Read More

BrownWinick Supports the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa

By BrownWinick | 04.20.2017

BrownWinick's charitable giving during April 2017 was focused on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, Inc. The staff and attorneys at BrownWinick held a “Jeans Day” fundraiser in early April. On April 20, BrownWinick staff and attorneys worked together to prepare meals for the family members staying at the Ronald McDonald House near... Read More

Can You Give That To Me In Words I Can Understand?

By Joe Leo | 04.12.2017

Recently I was working with a client on a large and complicated transaction. We were discussing the legal relationship between several different agreements. The client gave me one of the best compliments I have ever received as an attorney when he told me he appreciated that I could explain the agreements in terms he could understand. That is... Read More

Some Delays and Some Immediate Changes with OSHA

By BrownWinick | 04.10.2017

On April 6, 2017 the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a delay in the enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry. The new standard was to go into effect on June 23, 2017 but now will not be enforced until September 23, 2017. The reason for the delay was... Read More

Choosing to Operate as an LLC: What Next?

By BrownWinick | 04.10.2017

Congratulations on choosing to operate your business as a limited liability company. Limited liability companies offer the liability protection of a corporation and the tax benefits of a partnership, which make them a great choice. Deciding what form of entity you will be operating under is a huge step; however, there are now many things you need... Read More

Recent Changes to Workers' Compensation System: Know Your Rights and Opportunities

By Benjamin Merrill | 04.04.2017

If you have been monitoring the activity of the Iowa legislature, you are likely aware that several controversial initiatives have recently been undertaken. Of particular note to my practice, a bill was passed that, in many ways, will dramatically change our state's workers’ compensation laws. See House File 518. As expected, Governor Branstad... Read More

Beneficiary Designations - SAY, WHAT?!!

By Robert Hodges | 04.02.2017

A majority of my working day is spent drafting and interpreting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. As many people know, these documents create the foundation of any well-drafted estate plan. All too often my clients pay relatively little attention to the beneficiary designations on payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts. Many times... Read More

Allergic to Work?

By BrownWinick | 03.24.2017

According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or to a food that does not cause a reaction in most people. “Allergy symptoms depend on the substance involved and can affect the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In... Read More

2016 Tax Return Preparation Reminders

By Christopher Nuss | 03.20.2017

It’s that time of year again when folks are sorting out (or maybe just starting to sort out) their tax return filing obligations for 2016. As this is done, consider whether any of the following apply to you – this tax season I’ve been seeing and advising on these topics frequently. Limitations on the deductibility of pass-through losses on your... Read More

An OSHA Inspector is in my Lobby and They Want to Inspect. What Do I Do?

By BrownWinick | 03.09.2017

Are you going to require a warrant? The advantages to requiring a warrant to inspect is that if there is a problem you are aware of and you can fix it quickly then you can avoid some citations. The disadvantages to requiring the inspector to go to court to get a warrant is that by causing the inspector to do the extra work they are going to come... Read More