Overview
Jodie is a construction and real estate attorney who handles both litigation and transactional matters for her clients within the construction, real estate and landlord/leasing industries in Iowa and beyond.
In her construction work, Jodie counsels clients within the commercial and residential construction industries including general contractors; homebuilders; construction management companies; architectural, engineering and other design professional firms; subcontractors; material suppliers; and property owners and developers.
In Iowa’s construction industry, Jodie is regarded as among the most knowledgeable attorneys on mechanic’s lien law. Jodie is a member and former Chair of the Construction Law Section of the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA). She acts as general counsel for multiple construction industry associations.
In her real estate work, Jodie represents commercial and residential landlords and property management companies, real estate buyers, sellers, owner-developers, realtors, and homeowner associations in transactional and litigated real estate matters. Jodie has a niche in affordable housing, representing dozens of manufactured housing community owner-operators, including several national companies.
As an active member of several construction, real estate and landlord associations, Jodie speaks regularly to industry groups and takes pride in helping to educate these industries. Also, Jodie regularly publishes articles on various construction, real estate and landlord topics and is the Iowa author of the national lien law resource LienLawOnline.com.
Jodie is general counsel for multiple landlord, construction and real estate associations, and in this role, she has spoken several times on landlord and construction matters at the Iowa State Capitol, educating lawmakers on proposed legislation. In 2012, she was selected to be part of the Iowa Attorney General’s working group of attorneys that drafted, reviewed and finalized the administrative regulations relating to Iowa’s New Lien Law.
Services
Experience
Construction
Jodie’s range of expertise allows her to act as general counsel for her construction and design industry clients, assisting them with everything from contract negotiations to post-project litigation, and everything in between. Her construction law and litigation experience include:
- Mechanic's lien law and litigation
- Iowa Code Chapter 573 claims for public projects (i.e., public improvement claims/bond claims)
- Construction contract negotiation for commercial and residential construction projects, including AIA, ConsensusDocs, EJCDC and DBIA contracts
- Handling pre-litigation disputes and otherwise advising companies regarding disputes that arise during projects, including situations involving AIA Claims, Initial Decision Maker decisions, Change Order disputes, liquidated damages claims and contract termination and/or extensions
- Litigation/arbitration matters involving allegations of negligent work and/or defective products, negligent design claims, mechanic's liens, Chapter 573 (public project) claims, breach of contract claims, warranty claims, water intrusion and mold claims, bond claims and collection matters
- Acting as general counsel for various construction and design companies and advising them as to their various contract, dispute, best practices and other questions that arise throughout their various projects
Real Estate
Jodie represents real estate buyers, sellers, owner-developers, realtors, and homeowner associations in transactional and litigated real estate matters. Her real estate law and litigation experience include:
- Mechanic’s lien matters
- Homeowners’ association issues, including collection of delinquent assessments, enforcement of covenants, and preparation and amendment of association rules and covenants
- Breach of purchase agreement disputes
- Negotiation of real estate purchase and sale contracts for sellers and purchasers
- Obligations of realtors and other realtor issues
- Mandatory seller disclosure claims and claims of pre-existing water and/or mold problems
- Nuisance actions involving municipalities
- Drainage-related matters
- Subdivision-related work
- Enforcement of installment contracts
- Infringement of property ownership rights by an adjacent landowner
Landlord
Jodie represents commercial and residential landlords and property management companies. She has a niche in affordable housing, representing dozens of manufactured housing community owner-operators, including several national companies. Her work includes:
- Drafting and negotiating residential and commercial lease agreements and other forms and policies (e.g., installment sale contracts for manufacturing homes, pet policies, application forms, etc.)
- Advising landlords on legal issues under Iowa Code Chapter 562A (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
- Advising landlords on legal issues under Iowa Code Chapter 562B (Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act/Manufactured Home Communities)
- Handling pre-litigation landlord-tenant disputes
- Defending HUD, Fair Housing Act and other housing discrimination complaints
- Litigating matters including breach of lease agreement, enforcement of landlord liens, FED actions, collection actions, actions involving abandoned mobile homes, matters involving the alleged breach of the implied warranty/covenant of quiet enjoyment, guaranty disputes, and private nuisance disputes
As an active member of several real estate and landlord associations, Jodie speaks regularly to industry groups and takes pride in helping to educate these industries. She often publishes articles on various landlord topics. Jodie is general counsel for multiple landlord and real estate associations, and in this role, has spoken several times on landlord and real estate matters at the Iowa State Capitol.
Credentials
Education
- James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona, J.D., 2004
- Iowa State University, B.S., 2001
Admissions
- Iowa, 2004
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, 2004
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law, 2016-2025; Litigation - Construction, 2025
- Great Plains Super Lawyers Rising Star, Construction Litigation, 2013-2023
- Reader’s Choice Award Top Author, Real Estate, JD Supra, 2021
- Young Professional of the Year, Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, 2020
- Friend of Nursing Award, Iowa Nurses Association, 2013
Civic & Professional
Professional Activities
- Iowa State Bar Association, Member, Construction Law Section Council, 2017-2025
- Iowa State Bar Association, Chair, Construction Law Section Council, 2021-2023
- Iowa State Bar Association, Vice-Chair, Construction Law Section Council, 2019-2021
- Polk County Bar Association
- Master Builders of Iowa
- National Association of Home Builders
- Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines (HBA), Board Member
- Home Builders Association of Iowa
- HBA’s Professional Women in Building Council
- Iowa Manufactured Housing Association
- American Apartment Owners Association
- American Institute of Architects (AIA Iowa)
Community
- Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Former Board Member
- Project SOAR, Former Mentor
- Leukemia Society of America, Former Volunteer
- Make a Wish Foundation, Former Volunteer
News & Insights
News
- Firm News
- Firm News
- Firm News
- Firm News
- Firm News
Legal Updates
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Article
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
Publications & Presentations
Frequent Contributor, BUILD DSM
Frequent Contributor, HBA Iowa Blueprint
Iowa Construction Law Insights Newsletter
Presenter-and Panelist, Legislative and Legal Update for Real Estate Agents and Property Managers, Iowa Association of Realtors’ Annual Convention, October 17, 2024
Presenter-and Panelist, Legislative and Legal Update for Real Estate Brokers, Iowa Association of Realtors’ Annual Convention, October 16, 2024
Keynote Speaker-and Presenter, Legislative and Legal Update for Landlords and Best Practices When Dealing with Reasonable Accommodations and Assistance Animals, Landlords of Iowa’s Annual Convention, October 10, 2024
Presenter, Legislative and Legal Update for Landlords and Manufactured Housing Community Owner-Operators, Iowa Manufactured Housing Association Annual Convention (Iowa City, IA), September 25, 2024
Presenter-Panelist, Assistance Animal Law and Best Practices for Landlords and Property Managers, Greater Iowa Apartment Association’s Fair Housing Training, April 17, 2024
Co-Presenter, Biggest Employment Concerns Issues for Iowa Employers in the Construction Industry, HBA of Greater Des Moines’ Education Series, April 11, 2024
Presenter of 2 sessions on various topics including recent legislative changes affecting landlords, recent service of process trends, best practices regarding Public Relation matters, best practices regarding evictions and other matters, Iowa Manufactured Housing Association Annual Convention, September 19, 2023
Presenter, Risk Mitigation and Protecting Your Construction Business through Contracts, Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation, HBA of Greater Des Moines’ Leveling Up Your Business Conference, March 29, 2023
Session Leader, Iowa State Bar Association Construction Law Seminar, May 24, 2023
Presenter, 2022-2023 Case Law and Statutory Update, Iowa State Bar Association Construction Law Seminar, May 24, 2023
Presenter, Best Practices for Acquisition, Ownership, and Management of Manufactured Home Communities, 2023 MHU Annual Summit, February 9, 2023
Presenter, A Review of Construction Law Topics Relevant to Roofers, Siding Companies, and other Remodelers, ABC Supply Co.’s Contractor Training Session, February 8, 2023
Presenter, Iowa Manufactured Housing Association’s Annual Convention, October 14, 2022
Presenter, Landlords of Iowa’s Annual Convention, October 13, 2022
Panelist, Iowa Association of Realtor’s Annual Convention, October 6, 2022
Panelist, Understanding CMAR for Public Projects, AIA Iowa’s (American Institute of Architects—Iowa Chapter) Annual Convention, September 30, 2022
“Iowa Now Allows 'Construction Manager at Risk' Delivery Method for Iowa Public Projects, Business Record, September 2022
“Construction Manager at Risk Project Delivery Method Now Permitted for Iowa Public Projects,” Iowa State Bar Association’s The Iowa Lawyer, August 2022
“Major Change to Iowa's Construction Law,” The Iowa Lawyer Weekly, July 1, 2022
Presenter, Iowa Supreme Court Case—Amanda DeSousa v. Iowa Realty, et. al., Coldwell Banker’s Monday Mastermind Speaking Series, May 23, 2022
Presenter, Case Law and Statutory Update, ISBA Construction Law CLE, May 16, 2022
Featured, "Mental Health in the Construction Industry," HBA of Iowa Blueprint Newsletter, May 2021
Presenter, Iowa State Bar Association Annual Construction Law CLE, April 2021
Presenter, Landlords of Iowa Association Quarterly Virtual Meeting, April 2021
Featured, "Federal Rental Assistance Funds for Landlords," Iowa Association of Realtors Newsletter, April 2021
Quoted in “Iowa Mobile Home Tenants Unlikely to Get More Legal Protections After This Year's Legislative Session, Lawmakers Say,” Des Moines Register, April 2021
Quoted in “Hard Hats Aren’t Enough,” BUILD DSM Magazine, April 2021
Author, "Mental Health in the Construction Industry," Iowa Construction Law Insights Newsletter, March 2021
Presenter, Iowa Construction Law, Kirkwood Community College—Construction Management Students, March 2021
Author, "Construction-Industry Bills to Watch in Iowa Legislature," BUILD DSM Magazine, February 2021
Presenter as Construction Industry Expert on SSB1006, Iowa State Subcommittee, February 2021
Quoted in “Legislative Notes: Construction-Industry Bills to Watch in Iowa Legislature,” Business Record, January 2021
Author, "Construction-Industry Bills to Watch in Iowa Legislature," Business Record Commercial Real Estate Weekly, January 2021
Presenter, COVID-19 Response and Best Practices, Iowa Manufactured Housing Association Annual Conference, November 2020
Author, “Increased Material Costs Leave Contractors Asking About Contract Protections,” HBA Iowa Blueprint Newsletter, November 2020
Author, “Is a Worker an Employee or Independent Contractor? DOL Proposes New Rule,” BUILD DSM Magazine, November 2020
Presenter, CDC Eviction Order, Landlords of Iowa Board Meeting, October 2020
Presenter, Rising Costs of Lumber and Contract Protections, National Association of Home Builders Leadership Meeting, October 2020
Presenter, Ruff, Ruff! Was That a Dog? Avoiding Lawsuits Relating to Assistance Animals, Iowa Association of Realtors Annual Convention, September 2020
Author, “Implications for Iowa Landlords on Recent Iowa Supreme Court Order,” HBAI News Weekly, October 2020
Author, “Increased Material Costs Leave Contractors Asking About Contract Protections,” BUILD DSM Magazine, October 2020
Quoted, “Des Moines attorney: CDC’s proposed order won’t halt all evictions,” Business Record, September 2020
Quoted in “CDC-Issued Eviction/Foreclosure Moratorium Targeted by Lawsuits,” DSnews, September 2020
Author, “Contracts & COVID-19,” HBA Iowa Blueprint Newsletter, May 2020
Presenter, COVID-19 Laws and Best Practices for Contractors, Remodeler’s Council of the Greater Des Moines Home Builders Association, April 2020
Panelist, COVID-19 Legal Panel for Brokers, Iowa Association of Realtors, April 2020
Presenter, COVID-19 Laws and Best Practices for Construction Industry, Greater Des Moines Home Builders Association, March 2020
Co-Presenter, Statutory and Case Law Update, Iowa State Bar Association Construction Law Seminar, March 2020
Quoted in “Iowa House Panel Advances Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents,” Iowa Public Radio, February 2020
Quoted in “Bills at the Statehouse Aim to Protect Mobile Home Park Residents,” KHQA News, February 2020
Quoted in “New Regulations Proposed for Iowa Mobile Home Parks,” RadioIowa, February 2020
Presenter, Legal Update, ABC Supply Co Contractor Seminar, January 2020
Presenter as Manufactured Housing Industry Expert, Iowa Senate Public Hearing, December 2019
Keynote Speaker, Legal Update and Fair Housing, Iowa’s Manufactured Housing Association Annual Conference, November 2019
Keynote Speaker, Recognizing and Avoiding Common Landlord Problems, Landlords of Iowa Annual Convention, October 2019
Presenter, Risk Management, Greater Des Moines Home Builders Association Remodelers Council, September 2019
Quoted in “Investor Firm that Hiked Lot Rents at Iowa Mobile Home Parks is Subject of Complaints in Other States,” Des Moines Register, May 2019
Author, “Contractors Must Proceed Cautiously,” Build DSM Magazine, May 2019
Author, “Contractors Must Proceed Cautiously,” HBA Iowa Newsletter, May 2019
Quoted in “Rent Hikes Hit Iowa City, West Branch Mobile Home Parks,” The Gazette, April 2019
Quoted in “'I Made Myself a Bull's-Eye': Waukee Man Fighting Mobile Park Rent Hike Gets Cease-and-Desist Letter,” Des Moines Register, April 2019
Co-Presenter, OSHA Training, Ames Home Builders Association, April 2019
Co-Presenter, OSHA Training, Greater Des Moines Home Builders Association, February 2019