Ames Employment Law your rights. Our Fight.

Employment Attorney in Ames

Employee-Side Advocacy for Ames Workers, Students & Coaches

We represent employees, workers, students, and coaches in Ames, Iowa who face employment, education, or civil rights concerns involving powerful organizations. At Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C., we advocate for individuals whose rights are threatened by private employers, universities, public entities, or the federal government.

Since opening in 2009, we’ve represented individuals, not employers. That focus shapes how we assess workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and related disputes. We listen to what happened, identify the laws that may apply, and develop a strategy based on each client’s circumstances.

Call (515) 497-9409 to request a free case evaluation with an employment attorney serving Ames.

Employment & Civil Rights Matters We Handle

Employment disputes rarely fit neatly into one category. A request for leave may be followed by discipline, or a report of harassment may lead to retaliation. We examine the sequence of events and the relationship between the employer’s actions and the employee’s rights.

Our practice includes:

Disability discrimination and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) matters
Gender and sexual orientation discrimination
Race discrimination and age discrimination
Workplace harassment and employer retaliation
Wrongful termination and equal pay violations
Executive employment disputes
Severance agreement negotiations
Title IX actions involving students and coaches
Civil rights issues, including unlawful background checks

The FMLA provides eligible employees with job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Its application depends on factors such as the employer, the employee’s eligibility, and the reason for the leave. We handle disputes involving both disability-related treatment and FMLA rights.

Title IX addresses sex discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. We represent students and coaches in actions involving educational institutions. Our work also includes executive disputes and negotiations over severance agreements.

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.

What to Expect from an Ames Employment Law Attorney

The process begins with a review of the relevant events and a discussion of your employment, education, or civil rights concern. Evaluations are available virtually or in person, and we develop a personalized legal strategy for each matter.

Evaluating the Available Legal Paths

Depending on the facts and applicable law, a claim may involve an administrative filing, direct negotiation, or court proceedings. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission receives complaints under state law. Federal discrimination charges arising in Ames fall within the jurisdiction of the EEOC Chicago District Office.

We pursue employment matters through negotiation or litigation as circumstances require. Our attorneys are admitted before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Iowa and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit. These admissions enable us to handle federal employment and civil rights litigation when a claim proceeds to court.

Building a Strategy Around the Facts

Employment disputes can turn on communications, policies, reported concerns, and the timing of an employer’s decisions. We assess the available information under state and federal law, then explain the procedural options that may apply. Because deadlines and filing requirements depend on the specific facts, contacting an employment law attorney promptly can clarify what requires attention.

Iowa Employment Law Deadlines & Procedures

Iowa employment is largely at will, which generally means an employer or employee can end a working relationship without a fixed term. However, an employer may not terminate someone for an unlawful reason. Exceptions may apply when a decision involves prohibited discrimination, retaliation, or another violation of law.

The 300-Day Iowa Filing Period

Under Iowa Code chapter 216, a complaint generally must be filed within 300 days of the most recent alleged discriminatory incident. The Iowa Civil Rights Act addresses discrimination in employment, education, housing, credit, and public accommodations. This deadline makes the date of each relevant event important when evaluating a potential claim.

The scope of Iowa Code chapter 216 changed on July 1, 2025, when gender identity ceased to be a protected basis under that state statute. This change doesn’t determine whether other legal rights or claims may apply. An assessment must consider the facts, the date of the conduct, and the laws governing the particular case.

Right-to-Sue Requests & Probable Cause

After a complaint has been on file with the commission for at least 60 days, the complainant may request a right-to-sue letter. This letter allows the complainant to move the case from the administrative process to court, subject to applicable procedural requirements. Requesting one is a significant decision because it changes how the claim proceeds.

If an administrative law judge finds probable cause, the parties have 20 days to choose district court proceedings or continue through the commission process. Probable cause is an administrative determination that a reasonable basis exists to believe discrimination occurred. It isn’t a final judgment on the claim.

Employment Concerns in Ames

Ames workers may be employed by private companies, a university, or a state public entity, including major area employers such as Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Transportation. The employer’s status can affect which laws, administrative procedures, and court options apply. We represent individuals confronting larger corporate and public entities, including people whose concerns cross employment, education, and civil rights law.

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Discuss Your Employment Concern with Our Firm

A case evaluation gives you an opportunity to explain what happened and learn about potential next steps. We offer evaluations virtually and in person for Ames individuals facing workplace, education, or civil rights concerns.

Our contact page for Newkirk Zwagerman, P.L.C. provides another way to share your circumstances. We’ll consider whether our employee-side practice fits your case.

Call (515) 497-9409 to request your free case evaluation with an employment lawyer serving Ames.

"Fighting the Good Fight"
Tom is passionate about exposing biases and helping women fight the good fight. Without his guidance, I have no doubt I would not be sitting in where I am now. He made sure that I was prepared.

- Tina 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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