Samuel A. McMichael - Brochure
 

Education

J.D. (Highest Honors), Drake University Law School, 2021

B.A. (Summa Cum Laude), Wartburg College, Business Administration, 2018

 

Practice Groups

  • Construction Law
  • Employment & Labor Law
  • Litigation

Overview

Sam joined the firm in 2022 as a member of both the Public Law and Private Law Practice Areas, with a focus on Litigation, Employment Law, and Construction Law. Sam enjoys the challenge of problem solving and loves advocating on behalf of the firm’s clients to work collaboratively through any issue that arises. 

Sam handles general litigation and advises clients on all manner of cases. In his practice, he counsels clients on their legal rights and litigation strategy throughout the litigation process. Sam also prepares clients for the courtroom and works to facilitate the best possible outcome in any scenario. In the area of employment law, Sam works on a variety of issues, including employment discrimination, FMLA violations, wrongful termination, retaliation, unemployment claims, and wage and payment matters. In addition, Sam conducts internal investigations for a variety of employment-related matters. 

Prior to joining Ahlers & Cooney, Sam worked at another Des Moines law firm in its litigation department with a focus on insurance defense. He assisted senior attorneys in trial preparation and participated as second chair in multiple trials. During law school, Sam gained significant experience through summer associate positions that honed his litigation skills, and he also served on the editorial board of the Drake Law Review.

Bar Admissions

Iowa, 2021

Court Admissions

All Iowa Courts

Memberships

American Bar Association

Iowa State Bar Association

Polk County Bar Association

Recognitions

Order of the Coif

Drake Law Review, Best Note Award (2021)

Drake Law School, CALI Excellence Award – Legal Writing I, Contracts I, Constitutional Law II, Criminal Procedure, and Modern Torts (highest scoring student in these law classes)

Speaking/Presentations

Ahlers & Cooney, Employment Law Client Seminar, "Case Law Update," with Brad Beaman, April 2023

Published Articles & Books

Hold Your Breath: Predicting How the Eighth Circuit Will, and Should, Hold Regarding Autocratic Asphyxiation Claims Under ERISA-Governed Accidental Death Policies, G9 Drake L. Rev. 631 (2021)

Professional, Community and Civic Leadership

Young Variety, Variety - The Children's Charity, Board Member (2023-2025), Volunteer (2022-2023)

Drake Law Review, Editorial Board, Production Editor (2020-2021)

Wartburg College Student Senate (2016-2018)

Wartburg College, Writing, Reading, Speaking Lab, Tutor (2016-2018)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa, Big Brother (2016-2017)

 

Legal Disclaimer

If you are not currently a client of Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., please do not send confidential information to the firm through this website. Sending unsolicited information through the website does not create an attorney/client relationship or other type of fiduciary relationship between you and the firm. Accordingly, absent a previously established client relationship with the firm, unsolicited information sent through the website is not protected by confidentiality rules, and does not prevent us from representing parties potentially adverse to you.

The determination of the need for legal services and the choice of a lawyer are extremely important decisions and should not be based solely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. This disclosure is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.

Memberships and offices in legal fraternities and legal societies, technical and professional licenses, and memberships in scientific, technical and professional associations and societies of law or field of practice does not mean that a lawyer is a specialist or expert in a field of law, nor does it mean that such lawyer is necessarily any more expert or competent than any other lawyer. All potential clients are urged to make their own independent investigation and evaluation of any lawyer being considered.  This notice is required by rule of the Supreme Court of Iowa.

Presentation Materials and Client Alerts Disclaimer
Presentation materials and Client Alerts published on this website are intended to be for our clients' and contacts' information purposes only.  Neither these materials, nor the lawyers who authored them, are rendering legal or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters. Further details are necessary for a complete understanding of the subjects covered.  In addition, the laws and legal principles discussed in these materials may change from time to time. For these reasons, nothing in these materials should be construed as an offer of legal advice, and the specific advice of legal counsel is recommended before acting on any matter discussed within.

Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. assumes no liability in connection with the use of these publications or Client Alerts, but will be pleased to provide additional details regarding any article upon request.