PRACTICE AREAS

• Labor Law​

• Employment Law​

• Government & Municipal (employers’ compliance with city and state law)​

• Litigation & Appellate Practice (employment and related matters)​

Eric Updegraff is a stakeholder partner at Hinders, Updegraff & Franklin, P.L.C., advising public and private employers on labor and employment issues, city and state code requirements, and compliance with state and federal law. For more than 15 years, he has helped HR leaders, administrators, and business owners navigate hiring and termination decisions, workplace investigations, classification issues, and day‑to‑day policy questions.​

Eric is a frequent seminar speaker and has presented on topics including drug testing, return‑to‑work issues, disabilities in the workplace, the interview process, job descriptions, unemployment hearings, employment law updates, employee classification, discipline policies, and how to draft effective employee handbooks. He has been included on the Great Plains Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for six consecutive years, reflecting his experience and focus in employment law.​

EDUCATION

• J.D., University of Iowa College of Law, with Distinction, 2004​

• B.A., Economics, Simpson College, 2001​

BAR ADMISSIONS

• Iowa, 2004​

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

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

• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2006​

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2012​

HONORS & AWARDS

• Great Plains Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2013–2019​

PROFESSIONAL FOCUS & AFFILIATIONS

Eric’s practice spans general employment counseling, policy and handbook development, investigations, and representation in administrative and court proceedings for employers. He has co‑authored publications on terminations under veterans’ preference law, working with a disability, the Fair Labor Standards Act and exempt employees, and employee handbooks.​