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Fighting for fairness, equity, and accountability in workplaces in Des Moines and nationwide. Contact us today to protect your rights and create real change.

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Employment Lawyers in Des Moines

Serving Clients in Iowa & Minnesota

Employment is a critical part of life, and for that reason, protections are in place to prevent employers from abusing the relationships they have with their workers. However, the laws governing and dictating the terms of this relationship can be confusing, ambiguous, and may leave someone wondering if they have been wronged after they have been either mistreated, unfairly disciplined, or even terminated. At Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C., we’re here to help make sense of employment law and provide staunch, aggressive defense for employees and workers who have been wronged by their employers.

Led by experienced attorneys Jill Zwagerman , Tom Newkirk, and Leonard Bates, Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. proudly represents employees, workers, students, and those whose civil rights are under threat from larger and more powerful corporate or public entities. Whether it’s fighting for fair pay, negotiating a severance package, or creating fair disability accommodations, our legal professionals are personally invested in securing a positive outcome for each case. As champions for workers, we make it our mission to provide a fighting chance for those who simply can’t stand up to their employers on their own by giving them advocacy and representation that knows how to put the law on their side. Whether your case is settled through negotiation or needs to go all the way to trial, we are prepared to do whatever it takes.

We offer free consultations both virtually and in person! Call Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. at (515) 497-9409 today to schedule yours.

"No One I'd Recommend More"
We came to Jill Zwagerman and were met with compassion, calm, intelligence and a fierce dedication to legally hold our offenders accountable. Jill walked us through the entire process leading us with confidence and compence.

- Jodi S.
"They Helped Return my Faith in Humanity"
They helped me through an exhaustive process and understand things that even I found confusing as a physician. They not only had a lasting effect on my life, but every patient I will treat in the future...ever!

- Catherine H.

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Your Advocate For A Fair Workplace Our Services

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Justice That Works for You Meet Your Dedicated Legal Team

We'll Be Your Voice in the Fight

Legal Counsel for Employees in Iowa & Minnesota

As an employee, it’s easy to feel powerless or overwhelmed by the process of facing your employer, especially if you work for a large company that has a massive human resources department and a small army of attorneys working to protect their best interests. At Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C., we know what you’re up against, and we’ve taken on these fights for thousands of clients over our distinguished history. Since opening our doors in 2009, we have stood up for employees and given them the chance to pursue justice when they have been wrongfully treated by entities that have mistreated them, including both private businesses and public institutions alike. We can even handle employment matters pertaining to the federal government!

Our services include:

Our team is made up of attorneys who are licensed to practice in Iowa and Minnesota, meaning we can assist you on both sides of the state line.

Disability and FMLA

Both federal and state laws protect against discrimination based on a disability and protected leave related to a serious health condition.

A disability is any physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities. These activities include walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, working, or the ability to perform manual tasks.

Usually, employers provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. However, if the employer will not provide accommodations or you miss out on employment opportunities because of your disability, you may have a claim for disability discrimination.

Some employers, depending on the size and how low long you have been employed with them are required to provide you with leave for a serious health condition under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If the employer refuses to provide you leave, harasses you about the leave, or terminates you related to the leave, you may have a claim under the FMLA.

If you have experienced disability discrimination or discrimination or harassment under the FMLA in Iowa or Minnesota, Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. is here to help. With decades of combined experience exclusively representing employees, our attorneys are passionate about fighting for your rights and making your voice heard.

Our employee-only advocacy means having a dedicated partner by your side. We take a personalized approach to every case, crafting strategies tailored to your unique situation.

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Know Your Rights as an Employee or Contractor

In both Iowa and Minnesota, the vast majority of employer/employee relationships are considered “employment at will.” What this essentially means is two things: first, employees can leave their job at any time, without warning or reason, and second, employers retain the power to terminate an employment agreement with an employee at any time and for any reason with no warning or notice required. However, this power is not absolute, and employers are still forbidden from firing an employee as an act of retaliation or discrimination against a protected quality or reason.

For example, employers may not fire an employee for:

Discrimination based on age, sex, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity
Discrimination for requesting or taking a leave of absence for something you are legally entitled to do, such as parental leave or jury duty leave
Discrimination for association with someone based on any of the protected characteristics listed above
Retaliation for filing a complaint about harassment or discrimination
Retaliation for doing something you are legally obligated or entitled to do, such as reporting an injury or incident or filing a workers’ compensation claim

Of course, employers know they are not allowed to do this, but that unfortunately does not stop some of them from trying to do so anyway. If they wish to get around these rules, they will often devise some other reason for termination. If you believe that your termination may have been illegal retaliation or discrimination masked by some frivolous, irrelevant, or untruthful reasoning, talk to the team at Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C.. We can work to get to the bottom of your incident and protect your rights as an employee.

Looking for an employment attorney in Des Moines or throughout Iowa & Minnesota? Contact Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. for assistance today.

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Defending Your Dignity Bold Representation for Bold Change

See What Sets Us Apart

Equity for All

Fighting for your rights, we work towards the fundamental equality of every individual.
Accountability-Focused

We work to ensure organizations are responsible for creating fair and just workplaces.
Employee Advocates

We empower our clients to have their voices heard and their rights protected.
Fostering Inclusion

At our core, we drive positive change through education and implicit bias training.

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