Call For A Free Consultation 515-283-1111

Roxanne Conlin & Associates, P.C
EMAIL

Call

Helping Individuals Who Have Been Hurt By Others

Des Moines Civil Rights and Equal Rights Lawyers

At Roxanne Conlin & Associates, P.C., our Des Moines civil rights and equal rights attorneys have extensive experience handling legal matters for people with a number of different needs. From fighting for compensation for victims of personal injury to protecting people from employment discrimination, you can rely on us to work tirelessly on your behalf to help you get the full and fair compensation you need in order to move forward with your life.

We Protect the Rights of Employees

As a lifelong advocate of civil rights, our founding attorney, Roxanne Conlin, has dedicated her practice to protecting the constitutional rights of others. Much of our civil litigation practice is focused on cases involving employment discrimination, sexual harassment and civil rights violations. We can help protect you in cases involving:

Experienced and Thorough Representation

Civil lawsuits can be complex. Experience and attention to detail are the keys to bringing a successful case. We will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your claim and consult with experts whenever necessary. Although many cases settle before ever reaching a courtroom, we prepare every case as if it were going to trial. As experienced litigators, we know how to help prepare effective arguments.

Seek Legal Representation Immediately

Many cases, especially employment discrimination cases, are subject to a very short statute of limitations of 300 days. This means that there is a narrow window in which you have to file a lawsuit before a deadline makes it impossible. That is why it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. We can let you know whether you are likely to have a strong claim and when it must be filed.

What Iowa Discrimination Data Reveals About Filing Errors

Public data from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) shows that nearly 60% of cases are screened out during the initial 120-day Tier 1 review. This means more than half of complaints never move forward because they are missing required details, legal elements or proper framing under Iowa law.

Several common issues lead to early dismissal, including:

  • Complaints that do not clearly connect the facts to a protected characteristic under state or federal law.
  • Missed procedural requirements, such as incomplete timelines or unclear employer information.
  • Failure to allege conduct that legally qualifies as discrimination rather than general workplace conflict.

These outcomes show why working with an Iowa employment discrimination attorney from the beginning can affect whether a claim survives initial review.

Another critical data point is the 300-day rule. Iowa imposes a strict 300-day deadline to file a discrimination complaint with the ICRC, which is one of the shortest filing windows in civil litigation.

The ICRC Process And Right-To-Sue Letters

Many victims attempt to file directly with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission without fully understanding the process. The ICRC investigation unfolds in two stages, each with specific legal consequences.

The process generally includes:

  • Tier 1 review: The Commission evaluates whether the complaint meets basic legal and procedural standards within 120 days.
  • Tier 2 investigation: Evidence is gathered, responses are exchanged and the Commission assesses whether probable cause exists.
  • Issuance of a Right-to-Sue letter: If the Commission closes the case or determines it will not proceed further.

A Right-to-Sue letter is not an approval of the claim. It only grants permission to file a lawsuit in court. Once issued, you only have 90 days to file a civil lawsuit. Missing this deadline ends the case entirely.

Employers With Fewer Than 15 Employees: Are You Still Protected From Discrimination? What Counts As Public Accommodation Discrimination In Iowa?

Even when federal laws do not apply due to employer size, Iowa law may still offer protection. The Iowa Civil Rights Act covers employers with fewer than 15 employees in certain circumstances. It also prohibits discrimination beyond the workplace.

Public accommodation discrimination can include:

  • Denial of service by businesses open to the public
  • Unequal treatment by landlords, lenders or service providers
  • Discriminatory policies affecting access to goods, housing or facilities

Our experienced Iowa discrimination lawyer can assess whether state protections apply to your case.

Call for a Consultation With a Des Moines Civil Litigation Attorney

If you have suffered discrimination or have experienced an equal rights violation, it is possible to pursue justice in the civil courts. Contact our Des Moines civil litigation lawyers online or call 515-283-1111 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your situation.

Harnessing Third-Party Civil Lawsuits to Secure Justice for Crime Survivors
READ THE WHITE PAPER

Practice Areas