Nola believes her role as a lawyer is not only to provide excellent legal representation, but to help clients navigate complex people and business challenges with clarity and intention. Whether advising an organization on a workplace issue or representing a client in litigation, Nola focuses on understanding the desired outcome from the start so strategy, decisions, and advocacy stay aligned. Her work is grounded in practicality, foresight, and results that make sense in the real world.
Employment Law & Workplace Counseling
Nola devotes a substantial portion of her practice to advising employers on employment law matters ranging from day-to-day compliance issues to complex disputes. She regularly counsels clients on workplace investigations, policy development, performance management, and workforce-related challenges, helping leaders make informed decisions that reduce risk and strengthen organizational trust..
Before returning to private practice, Nola served in-house as Chief Diversity Officer and Legal Counsel for a multi-state organization, partnering closely with executive leadership, human resources teams, and operational leaders. That experience gives her a unique perspective on how legal guidance plays out inside organizations. Having sat on the client side of decision-making, Nola understands competing priorities, reputational considerations, and the need for advice that is both legally sound and operationally realistic.
In addition to traditional employment counseling, Nola regularly works with leaders to address the underlying workplace and leadership issues that, if left unaddressed, often lead to conflict and litigation. Her approach emphasizes foresight, alignment, and long-term organizational impact.
Although Nola’s goal is to help clients avoid litigation whenever possible, she is a skilled advocate when disputes arise and represents employers before administrative agencies and state and federal courts.
Litigation
Nola litigates matters in both employment and general commercial contexts, bringing the same disciplined analysis and strategic lens to every case. She has experience representing clients in Iowa district and appellate courts, as well as federal courts.
While she is an experienced litigator, Nola understands that litigation is rarely the end goal. Some matters require decisive advocacy in court; others call for thoughtful resolution outside of it. Regardless of the path, Nola works tirelessly to achieve outcomes aligned with her clients’ objectives.
Family Law
Nola maintains a select family law practice, representing trusted clients in high-asset and complex matters. She brings the same strategic rigor and steady judgment to family law that define her employment and litigation work, with a focus on discretion, long-term perspective, and minimizing unnecessary escalation.
Nola understands that family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally charged. She advocates strongly for her clients while serving as a calm, grounded presence through what are often some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Personal
Nola grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa, and returned to Des Moines after law school to begin her legal career at Belin McCormick. She remains deeply engaged in the community and currently serves on the Des Moines Performing Arts Board as Immediate Past Chair. She is also a frequent speaker on leadership and workplace issues.
Outside the office, Nola is a lifelong fan of Broadway musicals, Iowa Hawkeye football, and the Chicago Bears. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and — at the insistence of her daughter — coordinating matching outfits, a tradition she considers both joyful and highly underrated.
Honors and Accomplishments
Recognized by Best Lawyers in Americain the practice areas of Employment Law -- Management and Litigation -- Labor and Employment
Recognized in Chambers and Partners for her Labor and Employment Law Practice
The National Black Lawyers 40 Under 40 (2016)
Des Moines Business Record"Forty Under 40" Award (2016)
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (2011-2012)
Community & Professional Activities
Iowa State Bar Association (Member)
American Bar Association (Member)
Polk County Women Attorneys (Member)
Des Moines Performing Arts (Past Chair)
Representative Work
Successfully resolved numerous family law matters resulting in favorable terms for my clients without litigation. Litigated family law disputes when necessary including divorce trials, modification trials, temporary hearings, contempt hearings, and appeals on issues, including property division, alimony, child custody and visitation, child support, common law marriage, and guardianships.
Trained supervisors and hourly employees regarding topics including the FMLA, discrimination, and harassment. Represented numerous employers in unemployment appeals resulting in denied unemployment benefits.
Des Moines Water Works v. Various Drainage Districts. Clean Water Act, nuisance, trespass, and constitutional violation claims resulting in summary judgment for our clients.
Jones v. New Care Clinics. Breach of contract claim resulting in summary judgment for our client.
Lavia v. Siegwerk. Age and gender discrimination claim resulting in summary judgment for our client.
Rasch v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. Iowa Wage Payment and Collection Act and breach of contract claims resulting in summary judgment for our clients.
Swinehart v. Wells Fargo. FMLA retaliation and interference claim resulting in summary judgment for our client.
Wilson v. ACH. Workers’ compensation retaliation claim resulting in a jury verdict in favor of our client.
Publications and Presentations
"The Stilletto in Your Back: Workplace Bullying", Employment Law Seminar (2017)
"Hot Topics in Employment Law: What to Worry About Now", ISBA Seminar (2017)
"Same Claims, Different Times: The New World of Harassment and Discrimination Claims", Iowa Employment Conference (2017)
"Let's Talk About Sex(ual) Harassment", Employment Law Seminar (2016)
"It's Five O'clock Somewhere: How to Keep a Sober Workforce," Employment Law Seminar (2015)
"B&B Women's Rights Workshop," The Iowa Black and Brown Presidential Forum, Panelist (2015)
"Equal Pay for Equal Work," Employment Law Seminar (2014)
"COBRA and HIPAA," Central Iowa SHRM's HR Law Series (2014)
"Employees Gone Wild: Crisis Control In The Workplace And ADA Considerations" BUILD Des Moines (July 2014, ppg 44-45)
"Promoting Diversity in the Workplace: Lessons Learned from Affirmative Action," Employment Law Seminar (2013)
"Employees Gone Wild: Crisis Control in the Workplace," Employment Law Seminar (2013)