Michele L. Warnock
CONCENTRATION
Michele is a member of the firm's Litigation Division and maintains a diverse litigation practice and represents both individuals and companies in business litigation matters including, but not limited to, contract disputes, products liability, employment litigation, premises liability, dram shop, motor vehicle accident, probate litigation, workers' compensation and personal injury lawsuits of all kinds.
Michele is licensed to practice in courts of the state of Iowa, as well
as federal court. She tries both jury and non-jury cases, including
appellate work.
- Michele defends employers against claims by former employees of improper termination.
- Michele also represents employers and insurers in workers' compensation matters at the administrative level and beyond.
- She is the firm's in-house resource for Medicare and Medicaid
compliance and its recent impacts on litigated matters.
- She advises clients as to warranty disclaimer matters associated with products liability claims.
REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS
- Certified Payment Processing v. Mavinga: Complete Defense decision. Prevailed on summary judgement against claims of intentional interference with a contract and conspiracy to breach fiduciary duties.
- C & J Management Corp. v. FirstLease: Complete
Defense Verdict after an eight day trial in favor of a leasing company
against claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, conversion, unjust
enrichment, breach of fiduciary duties, and conspiracy.
- Sak v. City of Aurelia, United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, successfully defended the Americans with Disabilities Act against breed-specific legislation by obtaining a permanent settlement agreement allowing a disabled man to keep his "pit bull" service dog.
- Buland v. Ames Community Bank: Complete Defense Verdict. Defended Ames Community Bank over the course of a two-day trial against claims of breach of contract.
PUBLICATIONS, SPEECHES & SEMINARS
- Effective Use of Evidence, Trial Preparation from Start to Finish Seminar for Institute for Paralegal Education, Nov. 2012
- Where Are We on Medicare Set Asides?, Annual Fall Seminar for the American Academy of ADR Attorneys, Sept. 2012.
- E-Discovery Concerns, Best Practices for Health Care Facilities Considering Electronic Health Records , October 2011.
- Contested Trustee Litigation: Advising Financial Institutions on the concerns and best practices related to trust management and fiduciary litigation, December 2011.
OF NOTE
Michele graduated from Drake University Law School with Highest Honors, where she was heavily active in the American Bar Association Oral Advocacy programs. Michele was a member of the Drake Law Review and is also a member of the Drake Chapter of the Order of the Coif and the Honorary Order of the Barristers. She received her undergraduate degree from Drake University, earning a B.A. in Political Science, Law, Politics, and Society with a minor in general business.
COMMUNITY
Michele volunteers for a variety of organizations including assisting law students in various capacities at the Drake University Law School. Additionally, she is an active member of the Chrysalis Foundation Board of Directors and the Drake Law Women Advisory Board.
PERSONAL
Michele was raised in Des Moines and is a graduate of East High School. She enjoys tennis, reading, music and training her West Highland Terrier, Tucker.
Memberships
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American Bar Association
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Blackstone Inns of Court
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Defense Research Institute (DRI)
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Iowa State Bar Association
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Polk County Bar Association
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Polk County Women Attorneys
Alma Maters
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Drake University
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Drake University Law School
Bar Admissions
Articles