Navigating Complexity.
Securing Success.
YOUR LEGAL COMPASS IN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT
Committed to helping our
clients succeed
Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C. is a municipal, business, and employment law firm helping Iowa cities, public entities, and employers navigate complex people and policy questions with confidence.
Our Des Moines metro and Quad Cities teams focus on proactive counseling, training, and policy work so workforce issues are addressed before they become crises.
SERVING IOWA & ILLINOIS FOR QUAD CITY AREA | OFFICES IN DES MOINES METRO & QUAD CITIES
| Why choose us?
Guided by its mission to be a legal compass where people and policy meet, the firm operates on core values of integrity, community service, practical problem‑solving, clear communication, and collaboration. These values shape every aspect of the practice—from matter selection and staffing to client communication and billing practices.
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We work at the intersection of municipal, business, and employment law, with deep experience in HR and public‑sector workforce issues.
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We emphasize training, policy design, and early issue‑spotting so you can address workforce problems before they become crises.
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We translate complex laws into straightforward, usable advice for city leaders, boards, business owners, and HR professionals.
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Our attorneys and professional staff bring decades of combined municipal, employment, and litigation experience to every matter, from routine questions to high‑stakes disputes.
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Our attorneys and staff prioritize responsiveness, long‑term partnerships, and solutions that fit your organization and community.
MEET THE PROS
| Our Attorneys
Brent Hinders
PARTNER SHAREHOLDER
Brent Hinders helps Iowa cities and public entities navigate governance, open meetings, public records, and public‑sector employment issues with practical, defensible solutions. With more than 18 years of experience and repeated recognition for his municipal and employment work, he is a frequent trainer for boards, councils, and administrators across the state.
Eric Updegraff
PARTNER SHAREHOLDER
Eric Updegraff advises public and private employers on day‑to‑day labor and employment questions, from hiring and discipline to investigations, handbooks, and compliance with state and federal law. A frequent speaker on HR topics and a long‑time “Rising Star” honoree, he focuses on clear, practical guidance that helps leaders manage risk while running their organizations.
Kylie Franklin
PARTNER SHAREHOLDER
Kylie Franklin represents individuals and families in personal and work injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful‑death matters, as well as guiding clients through wills, trusts, and estate planning. Licensed in Iowa and Illinois with extensive trial and appellate experience, she pairs strong advocacy with thoughtful counsel on long‑term financial and family planning.
| How can we help?
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Real Estate
Transactions, easements, development, and property issues for municipalities, businesses, and individuals.
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Government & Municipal
Governance, ordinances, open meetings, public records, ethics, and day‑to‑day counsel for cities and public entities.
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Law Enforcement & First Responders
Counsel and defense for police, fire, EMS, public‑safety agencies on employment, discipline, investigations, and liability.
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Construction
Contract, bid, and project‑related issues for public and private construction, including disputes and risk management.
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Labor & Employment
Union and collective‑bargaining matters, labor relations, and related public‑ and private‑sector labor issues.
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Administrative
Representation before state and federal agencies, boards, and commissions in employment, licensing, and regulatory matters.
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Appellate Practice
Briefing and arguments in appeals from trial‑court and administrative decisions, including to the Iowa appellate courts.
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Personal Injury
Claims involving personal or work injuries, including auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and related insurance disputes.
| Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Many of our clients are cities and employers without in‑house legal departments; we serve as ongoing outside counsel for day‑to‑day HR and employment questions, from hiring and discipline to accommodations and terminations. -
We routinely represent employers before state and federal agencies, including EEOC, ICRC, and unemployment hearings, and we can coordinate strategy from the first charge or complaint through resolution.
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Yes. We review and revise handbooks, policies, and HR procedures to align with current law and your organizational goals, and we help you roll out changes with clear, practical guidance for managers and staff.
EMPLOYERS & HR LEADERS
CITIES & PUBLIC ENTITIES
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Yes. We regularly advise cities and public entities on labor negotiations, collective bargaining, and related grievances, focusing on fair, sustainable agreements that fit legal requirements and long‑term budget realities.
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We conduct and advise on internal investigations involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, and policy violations, and we help you document findings and next steps in a way that is defensible and practical for your organization.
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We offer tailored trainings for elected officials, boards, and supervisors on topics like open meetings, public records, harassment prevention, documentation, and basics of supervising in a public‑sector environment.
READY TO BEGIN?
| Talk to a Lawyer
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards resoling your legal matter.