Haley
Hermanson

Preparation and strategy are key to Haley Hermanson’s litigation practice. “Some of my favorite aspects of practicing law involve strategy and the long game,” Haley says. “I think through a case well in advance of making an argument.”

 

With a primary focus on employment litigation, Haley defends clients against discrimination claims brought pursuant to the Iowa Civil Rights Act and related federal acts, equal pay claims, defamation, and other employment law disputes. She also has an active appellate practice, representing clients before Iowa’s appellate courts and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in a wide variety of cases including contract disputes, premises liability and tort claims, and employment matters. Haley enjoys that each case offers a new set of facts with unique challenges.

 

In-depth preparation is essential to Haley’s litigation practice. It’s particularly vital in appellate work. “You have to know the record inside and out, everything that’s been submitted as evidence,” she says. “You need to know what’s in the record, where to find it, be able to explain what impact a particular fact has on the case overall, and present your legal analysis as applied to those facts.”

 

Haley has proved her ability to develop effective strategies. She’s had successful appearances at oral arguments before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Iowa Supreme Court.

 

Besides reviewing the entire record and trial transcripts for her appellate cases, she listens to previous oral arguments to get a feel for the judges’ perspectives and positions on the issues. She analyzes the types of facts they focus on, which gives her a sense of who is likely to be averse to her position and who will likely be supportive. “I may not be the most experienced person in the room making the argument, but I can be the most prepared,” Haley says.

 

That preparation also helps her to be effective in her three favorite elements of practice: argument, writing, and strategy.

DeSousa v. Iowa Realty Co., Inc., 975 N.W.2d 416 (Iowa 2022). On interlocutory appeal, the Iowa Supreme Court reversed the district court’s denial of summary judgment.

 

White Communications, LLC v. Synergies3 Tec Services, LLC, 4 F.4th 606 (8th Circuit 2021). Jury verdict in favor of satellite installation company on breach of contract claims affirmed on appeal.

 

Lennette v. Grace C. Mae Advocate Center, No. 20-0802 (Iowa Ct. App., April 28, 2021). The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment in favor of therapy provider on negligence and tort claims.

 

Anantarow v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, No. 4:20-cv-00378-CRW-SBJ (S.D. Iowa 2022). District court granted summary judgment on whistleblower retaliation and defamation claims.

 

Betz v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, No. 4:21-cv-00022-RP-SHL (S.D. Iowa 2022). District court granted summary judgment on Title VII retaliation claim.

 

Betz v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, No. 4:21-cv-00022-RP-CFB (S.D. Iowa 2021). District court granted motion to dismiss on wrongful termination, interference with employment rights, defamation, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy claims.

 

Escue v. Pries Enterprises, Inc., et al, No. LACV010023 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Buchanan County, 2022). Jury verdict in favor of defendants on wrongful termination in violation of public policy claims.

 

Sokol v. City of Johnston, No. CVCV060802 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Polk County) and No. CVCV060714 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Polk County, 2022). District court denied petitioner’s motion for writ of certiorari and granted summary judgment in favor of city on constitutional and common law claims.

 

Fulk v. Perry, et al. No. 4:19-cv-00249-SMR-HCA (S.D. Iowa 2021). District court granted summary judgment in favor of nurse practitioner on claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

Bott v. St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, No. 4:22-cv-00063-RGE-SBJ (S.D. Iowa 2022). Obtained dismissal following motion for judgment on the pleadings.

American Bar Association

 

Association of the Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

  • Board of Directors, Southern District of Iowa Representative, 2023
  • Nominating and Governance Committee, 2023

 

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Polk County Bar Association

 

Polk County Women Attorneys

“Disciplinary Documentation: Managing the Borderline Employee Legally,” Nyemaster Labor & Employment Seminar, 2022 (speaker)

 

“Iowa Supreme Court Update,” Nyemaster Labor & Employment Seminar, 2021 (speaker)

 

“Implicit Bias Evidence: A Compendium of Cases and Admissibility Model,” 68 Drake Law Review 1, 2020 (coauthor with Frank Harty)

 

“The Right Recovery for Wrongful Birth,” 67 Drake Law Review 513, 2019

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024

 

Order of the Coif

 

Drake Law Review
Junior Staff

 

Overview

Preparation and strategy are key to Haley Hermanson’s litigation practice. “Some of my favorite aspects of practicing law involve strategy and the long game,” Haley says. “I think through a case well in advance of making an argument.”

 

With a primary focus on employment litigation, Haley defends clients against discrimination claims brought pursuant to the Iowa Civil Rights Act and related federal acts, equal pay claims, defamation, and other employment law disputes. She also has an active appellate practice, representing clients before Iowa’s appellate courts and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in a wide variety of cases including contract disputes, premises liability and tort claims, and employment matters. Haley enjoys that each case offers a new set of facts with unique challenges.

 

In-depth preparation is essential to Haley’s litigation practice. It’s particularly vital in appellate work. “You have to know the record inside and out, everything that’s been submitted as evidence,” she says. “You need to know what’s in the record, where to find it, be able to explain what impact a particular fact has on the case overall, and present your legal analysis as applied to those facts.”

 

Haley has proved her ability to develop effective strategies. She’s had successful appearances at oral arguments before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Iowa Supreme Court.

 

Besides reviewing the entire record and trial transcripts for her appellate cases, she listens to previous oral arguments to get a feel for the judges’ perspectives and positions on the issues. She analyzes the types of facts they focus on, which gives her a sense of who is likely to be averse to her position and who will likely be supportive. “I may not be the most experienced person in the room making the argument, but I can be the most prepared,” Haley says.

 

That preparation also helps her to be effective in her three favorite elements of practice: argument, writing, and strategy.

SIGNIFICANT CASES

DeSousa v. Iowa Realty Co., Inc., 975 N.W.2d 416 (Iowa 2022). On interlocutory appeal, the Iowa Supreme Court reversed the district court’s denial of summary judgment.

 

White Communications, LLC v. Synergies3 Tec Services, LLC, 4 F.4th 606 (8th Circuit 2021). Jury verdict in favor of satellite installation company on breach of contract claims affirmed on appeal.

 

Lennette v. Grace C. Mae Advocate Center, No. 20-0802 (Iowa Ct. App., April 28, 2021). The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment in favor of therapy provider on negligence and tort claims.

 

Anantarow v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, No. 4:20-cv-00378-CRW-SBJ (S.D. Iowa 2022). District court granted summary judgment on whistleblower retaliation and defamation claims.

 

Betz v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, No. 4:21-cv-00022-RP-SHL (S.D. Iowa 2022). District court granted summary judgment on Title VII retaliation claim.

 

Betz v. Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, No. 4:21-cv-00022-RP-CFB (S.D. Iowa 2021). District court granted motion to dismiss on wrongful termination, interference with employment rights, defamation, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy claims.

 

Escue v. Pries Enterprises, Inc., et al, No. LACV010023 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Buchanan County, 2022). Jury verdict in favor of defendants on wrongful termination in violation of public policy claims.

 

Sokol v. City of Johnston, No. CVCV060802 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Polk County) and No. CVCV060714 (Iowa Dist. Ct. Polk County, 2022). District court denied petitioner’s motion for writ of certiorari and granted summary judgment in favor of city on constitutional and common law claims.

 

Fulk v. Perry, et al. No. 4:19-cv-00249-SMR-HCA (S.D. Iowa 2021). District court granted summary judgment in favor of nurse practitioner on claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

Bott v. St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, No. 4:22-cv-00063-RGE-SBJ (S.D. Iowa 2022). Obtained dismissal following motion for judgment on the pleadings.

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

American Bar Association

 

Association of the Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

  • Board of Directors, Southern District of Iowa Representative, 2023
  • Nominating and Governance Committee, 2023

 

Iowa State Bar Association

 

Polk County Bar Association

 

Polk County Women Attorneys

SPEECHES & PUBLICATIONS

“Disciplinary Documentation: Managing the Borderline Employee Legally,” Nyemaster Labor & Employment Seminar, 2022 (speaker)

 

“Iowa Supreme Court Update,” Nyemaster Labor & Employment Seminar, 2021 (speaker)

 

“Implicit Bias Evidence: A Compendium of Cases and Admissibility Model,” 68 Drake Law Review 1, 2020 (coauthor with Frank Harty)

 

“The Right Recovery for Wrongful Birth,” 67 Drake Law Review 513, 2019

RECOGNITION

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024

 

Order of the Coif

 

Drake Law Review
Junior Staff