Kelsey J. Knowles

Kelsey believes a lawyer’s job is to prevent and solve problems consistent with a business’s mission, philosophy and needs.  Legal solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Whether it is day-to-day legal advice or litigation, Kelsey works with you to understand your unique needs and find a solution.

Kelsey dedicates a substantial portion of her practice to assisting employers in employment law compliance.  Kelsey regularly drafts handbooks, policies, employment agreements and non-competes that not only comply with the law, but are functional and practical.  This practical approach is carried through Kelsey’s work with clients on employment-related problems, whether it is a potential termination, a new approach to PTO or navigating a tricky situation involving the FMLA and ADA.  Kelsey recognizes that as legal counsel, her job is two-fold: (1) ensure clients have accurate legal advice, and (2) help clients consider business options and weigh risks.

Kelsey also assists with internal audits on issues such as wage and hour and pay equity and provides guidance and representation for administrative audits before the Department of Labor, and Iowa Workforce Development.

• Legal: Boston College Law School, J.D., summa cum laude, 2004 (Order of the Coif; Executive Editor, Boston College Law Review)
• Undergraduate: Arizona State University, B.S., summa cum laude, 2001

• Young Women's Resource Center Board (Governance Committee Chair 2021)
• Living History Farms (Chair 2018-2019, Vice-Chair 2016-2017, Secretary 2013-2014)
• Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (2012-2013)
• Greater Des Moines Partnership Workforce and Education Board Member
• Iowa State Bar Association, Member
• American Bar Association, Member
• Polk County Bar Association, Member

Please call for details.