Let’s get down to brass tacks. The main reason Republican lawmakers in Iowa are looking to change the way Iowa judges are selected is because they want protection for social issues like an anti-abortion bill they hope to pass this legislative session and due to the Iowa Supreme Court decision in Varnum from several years ago where the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that non-religious, civil marriage, is available to everyone. Since Varnum, special interests worked hard to oust Iowa Supreme Court justices. And now, these special interests are setting their sights on changing the process for the Judicial Nominating Commission that ultimately appoints judges in Iowa. Under the current system, Iowa lawyers elect one-half of the commissioners to the Judicial District Nominating Commissions while the governor appoints the other half of the members. Lawmakers want to change this so that lawyers no longer elect one-half of the commissioners but rather lawmakers from the political parties would nominate the other half.
Continue Reading Iowa Lawmakers Looking to Politicize our Courts?
Employment Law
Do You Need to Take Risks to be in Business?
If you’re not a risk-taker, you should get the hell out of business.
– Ray Kroc
I read the above quote today, and wondered, is this true? Do you really need to be a risk-taker to be in business? And, if you don’t take risks you should actually get the hell out of business. Because as a business lawyer, our whole being is about reducing risks for clients, not advocating for it.Continue Reading Do You Need to Take Risks to be in Business?
Michigan State $500 Million Settlement Should be a Wake Up Call for Business and Organizational Leaders
On our new Brick Gentry Trial Team Blog I write about how the $500,000,000 settlement Michigan State is paying to the young women sexually abused by Larry Nassar sends a strong message to business and organizational leaders.
DO THE RIGHT THING!
I know it is a really simple message. But organizations consistently minimize, hide or…
Changes in Sexual Harassment Laws Coming?
I saw an interesting blog post from Brian McGinnis of Fox Rothchild that Minnesota is considering a sweeping change in its sexual harassment laws. The proposed change states,
An intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment … does not require the harassing conduct or communication to be severe or pervasive.
McGinnis does a nice job of explaining…
Assault on Iowa Courts Should Worry Everyone
A year ago I joked that I didn’t know the governor (Branstad at the time) and the legislature could cut another $7.7 million from our judiciary. While my comment was tongue-in-cheek, my worries were not. Our Iowa judiciary is facing challenges like we have never seen before. And it’s showing. The US Institute for Legal…
Sexual Harassment Claims will Continue to Climb in 2018
2017 was a watershed year for the publicity of sexual harassment claims. Time Magazine even named its “Person of the Year” as the Silence Breakers. Business owners should expect those claims to become even more prominent in 2018 as the masses, not just celebrities, begin to break their silence as well. Just yesterday, I…
Protect Your Confidential Business Information
I often see cases involving the theft of confidential business information by former employees. Attorney Eric Roth has some helpful tips in a recent blog post on how to deal with the problem.
The main take away reminder in my opinion is to take action to protect your trade secrets BEFORE it becomes a problem.…
Iowa Governor Branstad to Cut $7.7 Million from Judiciary Budget
Governor Branstad announced his proposed budget yesterday with $110 million in cuts. This includes $7.7 million in budget cuts for the judiciary.
The budget cuts in the judiciary are alarming. Today, Chief Justice Mark Cady will give his state of the judiciary address. It will be interesting to hear his comments based upon the…
Best Lawyers in America® Recognition for Brick Gentry Lawyers
Several Brick Gentry lawyers were recently recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2016-2017.
See the full article here.
Rush Nigut was named one of the Best Lawyers in America® in three categories including:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Firm receiving a Tier I rating);
- Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law
- Franchise
…
Coaches Beware! Lawsuits to Become New Norm?
It was reported that Iowa State women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly and ISU have been sued by former player Nikki Moody. Fennelly is known as a “passionate” and “demanding” coach. In other words, he isn’t afraid to “get after” players in order to motivate them. Moody obviously took exception to his techniques and has…