PRACTICE AREAS

• Government & Municipal

• Labor Law

• Employment Law​

• Law Enforcement & First Responders​

• Litigation & Appellate Practice​

Brent Hinders is a stakeholder partner at Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C., focusing on municipal and public‑sector clients across Iowa. He advises city councils, boards, administrators, and other public entities on governance, open meetings, public records, ordinances, and public‑sector employment and HR matters. With more than 18 years of experience, Brent has been recognized as a Best Lawyer in the State of Iowa in employment benefits law, employer and employee labor and employment law, and as a litigator in labor, employment, and municipal law.​

His practice spans policy and handbook development, discrimination and harassment issues, internal investigations, and a wide range of municipal law questions, including zoning, takings, contract interpretation, and writs of certiorari and mandamus. Brent has tried numerous jury and non‑jury trials and represents municipal boards of adjustment, zoning commissions, and drainage districts. He is also a frequent speaker on employment and municipal topics at seminars, webinars, conferences, and other programs throughout Iowa.​

EDUCATION

• J.D., Drake University Law School, 2005 (with prior graduate study at Drake University College of Business and Public Administration)​

• B.A., Simpson College​

BAR ADMISSIONS

• Iowa, 2005​

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa, 2006​

• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Iowa, 2011​

• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2011​

• U.S. Supreme Court, 2011​

HONORS & AWARDS

• Best Lawyer in the State of Iowa, Employment benefits law; Employer and Employee Labor and Employment law; Labor, employment, and municipal law litigation (since 2020)​

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Brent regularly presents on employment and municipal law issues to a wide range of audiences, including public officials, HR professionals, and industry groups across Iowa. He has extensive experience advising municipal boards of adjustment, zoning commissions, and drainage districts on their legal obligations and decision‑making processes.​