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- 515-283-8172
- Des Moines Office
Ryan
Stefani
“I love preparing thoughtful, logical, and powerful briefs that ultimately win the day for my client in court.”
Crafting an argument for the court—especially one that ultimately wins the day for his client—is one of the most satisfying elements of Ryan Stefani's practice. “What is the most fulfilling and meaningful to me is being able to take a client’s problems and craft a very thoughtful and well-reasoned argument to the court,” Ryan says, “I particularly enjoy writing briefs that are easy to understand in a way that is persuasive, logical, and easy to follow.”
Yet, when cases cannot be resolved through motion practice or settlement, Ryan has a proven track record of trying cases to verdict.
That’s valuable in Ryan's litigation practice. As a member of the labor and employment group, Ryan defends employers who face discrimination claims from employees and former employees. Additionally, employers and employees alike can also rely on Ryan to navigate restrictive covenants, including noncompetition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements.
Ryan also helps clients protect their IP through intellectual property litigation. In this practice, Ryan assists clients with patent and trademark disputes. He has assisted with IP litigation in federal courts around the country. This includes briefing and arguing before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
In addition to employment and intellectual property law, Ryan also maintains a general litigation practice that includes commercial litigation and personal injury defense.
Great Plains Super Lawyers
Rising Stars, 2022–24
ABA Advocacy Competition
- Captain, 2013–2014
- Participant, 2012–2013
Drake Criminal Defense Clinic
Student Attorney, 2013–2014
Drake Journal of Agricultural Law
Junior Staff Member, 2012–2013
American Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Association
Polk County Bar Association
“Drafting and Enforcing Non-Compete Clauses in Iowa: A Thirty-Year Review,” 64 Drake Law Review 325, 2016 (co-author)
Ashley Koester v. Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services (Iowa 2024). Obtained pre-answer dismissal of wrongful discharge claim and successfully defended the same before Iowa Supreme Court.
Keith Allen v. Hubbell Realty Company (Polk County, Iowa 2019). First chair in jury trial of disability discrimination claim, resulting in defense verdict.
Nila Haleen v. Tari Thompson d/b/a Chick-fil-A Ames (Story County, Iowa 2018). First chair in jury trial of premises liability claim, resulting in defense verdict.
Southern Insurance Company v. CJG Enterprises, Inc., No. 3:15–cv–00131, 2017 WL 3449610 (S.D. Iowa May 12, 2017). Successfully briefed and argued for dismissal of Plaintiff’s tort claims under the economic loss doctrine.
Carter Goodwin v. Annett Holdings, Inc. (Polk County, Iowa 2020). Second chair in jury trial of disability discrimination claim, resulting in defense verdict.
OVERVIEW
Crafting an argument for the court—especially one that ultimately wins the day for his client—is one of the most satisfying elements of Ryan Stefani's practice. “What is the most fulfilling and meaningful to me is being able to take a client’s problems and craft a very thoughtful and well-reasoned argument to the court,” Ryan says, “I particularly enjoy writing briefs that are easy to understand in a way that is persuasive, logical, and easy to follow.”
Yet, when cases cannot be resolved through motion practice or settlement, Ryan has a proven track record of trying cases to verdict.
That’s valuable in Ryan's litigation practice. As a member of the labor and employment group, Ryan defends employers who face discrimination claims from employees and former employees. Additionally, employers and employees alike can also rely on Ryan to navigate restrictive covenants, including noncompetition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements.
Ryan also helps clients protect their IP through intellectual property litigation. In this practice, Ryan assists clients with patent and trademark disputes. He has assisted with IP litigation in federal courts around the country. This includes briefing and arguing before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
In addition to employment and intellectual property law, Ryan also maintains a general litigation practice that includes commercial litigation and personal injury defense.
RECOGNITION
Great Plains Super Lawyers
Rising Stars, 2022–24
ABA Advocacy Competition
- Captain, 2013–2014
- Participant, 2012–2013
Drake Criminal Defense Clinic
Student Attorney, 2013–2014
Drake Journal of Agricultural Law
Junior Staff Member, 2012–2013
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
American Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Association
Polk County Bar Association
SPEECHES & PUBLICATIONS
“Drafting and Enforcing Non-Compete Clauses in Iowa: A Thirty-Year Review,” 64 Drake Law Review 325, 2016 (co-author)
SIGNIFICANT CASES
Ashley Koester v. Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services (Iowa 2024). Obtained pre-answer dismissal of wrongful discharge claim and successfully defended the same before Iowa Supreme Court.
Keith Allen v. Hubbell Realty Company (Polk County, Iowa 2019). First chair in jury trial of disability discrimination claim, resulting in defense verdict.
Nila Haleen v. Tari Thompson d/b/a Chick-fil-A Ames (Story County, Iowa 2018). First chair in jury trial of premises liability claim, resulting in defense verdict.
Southern Insurance Company v. CJG Enterprises, Inc., No. 3:15–cv–00131, 2017 WL 3449610 (S.D. Iowa May 12, 2017). Successfully briefed and argued for dismissal of Plaintiff’s tort claims under the economic loss doctrine.
Carter Goodwin v. Annett Holdings, Inc. (Polk County, Iowa 2020). Second chair in jury trial of disability discrimination claim, resulting in defense verdict.