CONCENTRATION
Michele is an associate at the Davis Brown Law Firm. As a member of the firm's Litigation Department, Michele maintains a diverse litigation practice and represents both individuals and companies in business litigation matters including, but not limited to, contract disputes, products liability, real estate, 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.
· She defends employers against claims by former employees of improper termination;
· She is the firm's in-house resource for Medicare and Medicaid compliance and its recent impacts on litigated matters. Michele also maintains membership in the firm's Health Law Department to monitor the widespread effects of Medicare and Medicaid compliance on insurers and health care providers;
· She defends individuals and entities engaged in fiduciary positions such as trustees in contested matters;
· She advises clients as to warranty disclaimer matters associated with products liability claims;
· She has extensive experience representing financial entities on the many aspects of real estate concerns, including property management, real estate litigation and foreclosure;
· Michele also represents employers and insurers in workers' compensation matters at the administrative level and beyond.
REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS
· 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 Auriela, United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, succeeded in obtaining a preliminary injunction against the City of Auriela prohibiting them from banning a service dog for a disabled man from living within the city limits.
· Buland v. Ames Community Bank: Decision pending. Defended Ames Community Bank over the course of a two-day trial against claims of breach of contract.
PUBLICATIONS, SPEECHES & SEMINARS
· "Breed Specific Legislation as a Disservice to Service Animals," Animal Law Committee Newsletter, TIPS Committee News Winter/Spring 2012
· Contested Trustee Litigation: Advising Financial Institutions on the concerns and best practices related to trust management and fiduciary litigation, December 2011.
· E-Discovery Concerns, Best Practices for Health Care Facilities Considering Electronic Health Records, October 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 organization 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.
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.
RESOURCES
BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION AS A DISSERVICE TO SERVICE ANIMALS
04/02/2012 - Davis Brown associate Michele L. Warnock recently wrote an article for the 2012 TIPS...
MICHELE WARNOCK NAMED TO THE CHRYSALIS FOUNDATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
08/17/2011 - Michele Warnock was recently named to the Chrysalis Foundations' Board of Directors. The...
MEMBERSHIPS
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
BLACKSTONE INNS OF COURT
DEFENSE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (DRI)
IOWA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
POLK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
POLK COUNTY WOMEN ATTORNEYS