- Of Counsel
- psd@nyemaster.com
- 515-283-8023
- Des Moines Office
Paula S.
Dierenfeld
“Every day, I have the opportunity to make Iowa a better place. That’s what motivates me—to make our state a better place for everyone who lives here through the representation of our clients.”
Few lobbyists have Paula Dierenfeld’s insider view. As the mayor of Johnston, Iowa, she understands the challenges government officials face every day. “When I interact with elected officials and legislators in my practice of law, they know I understand what they go through on a daily basis,” she says. “It helps establish a rapport and a relationship with them.”
For Paula, working hard through the multiple moving parts and intricate details of government is her core philosophy. “Policy making isn’t just showing up one day to effect a change,” Paula says. “It’s a long process. You have to be vigilant and persistent and strategic in accomplishing your clients’ goals.”
In addition to serving in elected offices in Johnston for the past 20 years, Paula spent 15 years working in state and federal government, where she honed her skills in policy making, politics, and the law. “Being proficient in these areas allows you to get up every day and know you have the opportunity to impact the lives of Iowans,” Paula says. And she does so by creatively and strategically finding solutions to clients’ issues related to funding, barriers in current law, and crafting new policies. “At the end of all the hard work, I know I have achieved positive results for our clients in a way I can be proud of,” she says.
Because of her legal knowledge, she can effectively research and write the legislation needed to accomplish the goals of her nonprofit, business, and large association clients. This sets Paula and her Nyemaster colleagues apart from other lobbyists in Iowa. “Because we are trained in the law, we’re able to provide a much higher level of service,” she says. “We’re able to craft solutions from start to finish all in one place.”
Despite the negative connotation lobbyist sometimes has, Paula has developed her reputation as a person of integrity, a person who can be trusted, a great lawyer, and a very effective lobbyist at the state capitol.
Being involved with government, both as a profession and a passion, has allowed Paula to improve the lives of citizens in her community and across the state. “Contributing positively to people’s quality of life is something you can feel good about,” she says. “By working together, we can continue to grow as a state and make Iowa the best that it can be.”
Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished
The Best Lawyers in America®
Government Relations, 2014–2024
American Bar Association
- Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice Section
- Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law Section
Iowa State Bar Association
Administrative Law Section
Polk County Bar Association
Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, Iowa
Board member
Federation of Iowa Insurers
Executive director
Iowa Business Energy Coalition
Executive director
OVERVIEW
Few lobbyists have Paula Dierenfeld’s insider view. As the mayor of Johnston, Iowa, she understands the challenges government officials face every day. “When I interact with elected officials and legislators in my practice of law, they know I understand what they go through on a daily basis,” she says. “It helps establish a rapport and a relationship with them.”
For Paula, working hard through the multiple moving parts and intricate details of government is her core philosophy. “Policy making isn’t just showing up one day to effect a change,” Paula says. “It’s a long process. You have to be vigilant and persistent and strategic in accomplishing your clients’ goals.”
In addition to serving in elected offices in Johnston for the past 20 years, Paula spent 15 years working in state and federal government, where she honed her skills in policy making, politics, and the law. “Being proficient in these areas allows you to get up every day and know you have the opportunity to impact the lives of Iowans,” Paula says. And she does so by creatively and strategically finding solutions to clients’ issues related to funding, barriers in current law, and crafting new policies. “At the end of all the hard work, I know I have achieved positive results for our clients in a way I can be proud of,” she says.
Because of her legal knowledge, she can effectively research and write the legislation needed to accomplish the goals of her nonprofit, business, and large association clients. This sets Paula and her Nyemaster colleagues apart from other lobbyists in Iowa. “Because we are trained in the law, we’re able to provide a much higher level of service,” she says. “We’re able to craft solutions from start to finish all in one place.”
Despite the negative connotation lobbyist sometimes has, Paula has developed her reputation as a person of integrity, a person who can be trusted, a great lawyer, and a very effective lobbyist at the state capitol.
Being involved with government, both as a profession and a passion, has allowed Paula to improve the lives of citizens in her community and across the state. “Contributing positively to people’s quality of life is something you can feel good about,” she says. “By working together, we can continue to grow as a state and make Iowa the best that it can be.”
RECOGNITION
Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished
The Best Lawyers in America®
Government Relations, 2014–2024
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
American Bar Association
- Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice Section
- Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law Section
Iowa State Bar Association
Administrative Law Section
Polk County Bar Association
Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, Iowa
Board member
Federation of Iowa Insurers
Executive director
Iowa Business Energy Coalition
Executive director