Mariah sees herself as a problem-solver above all else. Mariah utilizes a holistic approach to tailor her advice and strategy to each issue or case according to the client's needs and goals. Mariah has emerged as a trusted advisor and advocate across diverse industries, utilizing both her expertise and intellectual curiosity to advise clients at all stages of representation.
Mariah practices in Belin McCormick's Litigation group where she regularly assists clients in every stage of litigation, from initial investigations to appeals. Whether representing employers, individuals, or businesses, Mariah approaches each case with vigor. Mariah has represented clients in a variety of disputes, including breach of contract cases, disputes over wills and trusts, wrongful termination, and others. Mariah also has experience in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation, to negotiate settlements outside of court.
Mariah is dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive legal representation, risk management advice, and strategic guidance as they navigate labor and employment matters. In her labor and employment law practice, Mariah regularly assists clients in several employee relations issues, including maintaining compliance with employment regulations, advising on discipline/discharge decisions, and drafting and enforcing company policies, handbooks, and contracts. Mariah has also played a pivotal role in defending employers in cases involving allegations of wage and hour violations, retaliation, discrimination, harassment, constructive discharge, and wrongful termination. Additionally, Mariah routinely represents clients in responding to civil rights complaints before Iowa's Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Mariah has similarly developed a strong foundation in family law, focusing on serving clients during what is often one of the most personal and emotional legal challenge they will face. Mariah has helped clients navigate divorce, child custody disputes, adoptions, and other related issues. Mariah's strong communication skills allow her to reach amicable solutions for her clients through negotiation and mediation while vigorously protecting her clients' interests in court when necessary.
Mariah joined Belin's Litigation group after clerking for the Honorable Justice Thomas Waterman on the Iowa Supreme Court. While at the University of Chicago Law School, Mariah was a member of the Jenner & Block Supreme Court and Appellate Clinic, where she collaborated with students, professors, and practitioners on United States Supreme Court appellate litigation to research and write merits briefs, amicus curiae briefs, and petitions for certiorari. Mariah’s small group within the clinic also successfully developed case strategy, researched and wrote briefs, and conducted a moot argument for a successful direct appeal to the Seventh Circuit. As the Executive Comments Editor of the University of Chicago Law School’s Legal Forum, Mariah oversaw the professional development of twenty students’ scholarly writing, managed the Comments Editors, and provided extensive feedback on the substance and legal arguments of each student’s Comment.
Mariah believes in devoting her time to community involvement. Mariah serves as the Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Young Lawyers Division, which successfully brought back the Justice Fore All event to raise money for local legal nonprofit organizations. In addition to its fundraising initiatives, the Committee regularly organizes events for young lawyers to connect professionally while supporting their community.
Personal
Mariah is proud to be a lifelong Midwesterner. Mariah grew up in the small town of Reading, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with summa cum laude honors, completing her undergraduate degree in two years. After living in Minneapolis for undergrad and Chicago for law school, Mariah moved to work and live in Des Moines because she found it to be the perfect balance of the lifestyles she enjoyed in those cities and in her small hometown (after all, she can still drive by a cornfield and see deer and turkeys on her way to work!). In her free time, you can find Mariah reading, hunting, cheering on the Vikings, and spoiling her French Bulldogs.
Honors and Accomplishments
Young Lawyers Division Award of Merit Recipient, Iowa State Bar Association, 2023
Community & Professional Activities
Iowa State Bar Association, Member
Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Member
- Executive Council, Member
- Fundraising Committee, Co-Chair
Polk County Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
- Litigation News, Contributing Editor
Federal Bar Association, Member
Publications & Presentations:
Feeback v. Swift Pork Co. – Providing Parity in Iowa Employment Law, 83 The Iowa Lawyer 12 (October 2023)
Presenter, "Unemployment Cases, Hearings, New Regulations," September 2023
Bad Settlement Advice Triggers Malpractice Claim, Litigation News, ABA Litigation Section (September 2023)
Lawyers Have Duty to Protect Client Contacts in Smartphones, Litigation News, ABA Litigation Section (September 2022)
Presenter, "Internet – Friend and Foe (Litigating with Social Media and e-Discovery)," September 2022
Interpreting "Use" of a Minor in § 3B1.4, 2018 U. Chi. Legal F. 365