James R. Wainwright - Brochure
 

Education

J.D. (with Honors), Drake University, 1999

B.A., Boston College, 1992

  

Practice Groups

  • Board Governance
  • Higher Education
  • Public Finance

Overview

Jim is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Public Finance practice groups, serving cities, city utilities, counties, school districts, airport authorities, special districts, and other local governments in the exercise of their powers and in litigation. Jim currently chairs the Library Committee and previously served on the firm's Management Committee.

Jim’s expertise in local government law allows him to serve as a resource for city attorneys and local government officials. His representation of municipal entities includes litigation in federal and state courts, as well as practice before administrative agencies in regard to such matters as election contests, franchise fees, special assessments, Chapter 573 claims, public improvement contract litigation, open meetings, public records requests, public bidding, eminent domain, annexation, and the exercise of home rule powers.

Since 2019, Jim has also assisted school district clients with the issuance of governmental bonds. As bond counsel, Jim prepares the proceedings necessary for issuance of the bonds and assists clients in compliance with state and federal laws related to the issuance, including federal tax regulations. As disclosure counsel for a bond issue, Jim assists clients with compliance with the federal securities laws and regulations. Jim also assists clients with finance issues unique to schools, including lease-purchase financing, bond elections and the adoption of special levies and taxes.

Bar Admissions

Iowa Bar, 1999

Court Admissions

All Iowa Courts

U.S. District Courts – Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa

Representative Projects

  • Counsels school districts in the negotiation and drafting of agreements
  • Counsels school districts in the issuance of general obligation and revenue bond financings, including Qualified School Construction Bonds and Qualified Zone Academy Bonds
  • Counsels school districts in connection with public investments and use of various revenue sources
  • Counsels public bodies related to open meeting law requirements and public record requests. Has assisted public bodies in providing public record information while also protecting records that are to be held confidential
  • Counsels governmental entities in connection with corporate governance issues
  • Successfully defended taxpayer challenge to City’s special assessment for the costs associated with street improvements in a residential subdivision.  Nelson, et al. v. City of Hampton, 802 N.W.2d 224 (Iowa 2011)
  • With Ivan Webber, successfully defended taxpayer challenge to city's special assessment for paving gravel road.  Gray, et al v. City of Indianola, 797 N.W.2d 112 (Iowa 2011)
  • With Ivan Webber, successfully defended class action claims brought against the cities of Dubuque, Bettendorf, and Waterloo alleging that cable television franchise fees were an illegal tax and seeking refunds.  Zaber v. City of Dubuque, 789 N.W.2d 634 (Iowa 2010)
  • Successfully defended a breach of employment contract claim brought by a former city administrator.  Bass v. City of Huxley, 728 N.W.2d 852, 2007 WL 257914 (Iowa App. 2007)
  • Successfully defended employee’s suit against school district for disability discrimination and retaliatory discharge.  Brown v. Des Moines Independent Community School Dist., 2004 WL 433853 (Iowa App. 2004)

Memberships

American Bar Association

Council of School Attorneys 

Iowa State Bar Association

Polk County Bar Association

Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association

International Municipal Lawyers Association

National Association of Bond Lawyers 

Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America©

  • Litigation - Municipal (2020-2024)
    • Des Moines Lawyer of the Year 2023

Speaking/Presentations

Jim's most recent speaking engagements include:

Iowa State University, Iowa School Business Management Academy, "Legal - Bonding & Contracting," with Emily Kolbe, April 2024

Iowa State University, Iowa School Business Management Academy, "Legal - Bonding & Contracting," with Beth Grob, May 2023

Iowa State University, Iowa School Business Management Academy, "Legal-Bonding & Contracting" with Beth Grob, April 2022 

Iowa State University, Iowa School Business Management Academy, “Bonding & Contracting,” with Beth Grob & Ron Peeler, April 2021

Iowa Association of School Board Officials, Virtual Spring Conference, "SAVE & Bonding in a New Era," with Ron Peeler, May 2020

Ahlers & Cooney P.C., Webinar, "SEC Amendments to Rule 15c2-12 on Disclosure for Municipal Securities," January 2019

Iowa School Business Management Academy, Spring Academy, "Bonding and Contracting Class" with Ron Peeler, April 2018

Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association, Annual Seminar, "Case Law Update," November 2017

Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, Municipal Utilities Law 101 Workshop, “Compliance with Public Bidding Requirements,” October 2017

Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities - Annual Water and Wastewater Operator’s Training Workshop, “Legal Considerations,” November 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Iowa Section - American Water Works Association, “Legal Issues and Challenges Facing the Water Industry in Iowa,” October 2016

Professional, Community and Civic Leadership

Windsor Heights Foundation, Board Member (2018-2021) 

ISBA Government Practice Section Council, (2016-2019)

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, School Board member (2010-2012)

 

  
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