About Nicole
Nicole Proesch: Leading Education and Employment Law Attorney in Des Moines
Nicole Proesch is a highly respected attorney recognized by Best Attorney USA as a leading expert in Education Law and Employment Law - Management. Since 2026, she has been consistently recognized for her exceptional skills and dedication, a recognition based on an exhaustive peer-review survey and reflecting the high esteem in which she is held by fellow legal professionals. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Proesch offers comprehensive legal counsel to public and private sector clients across a wide range of complex issues, consistently delivering successful outcomes through strategic litigation and proactive legal strategies.
Attorney Proesch’s practice is built on a foundation of deep expertise, encompassing Employment Law, Education Law, Licensing & Administrative Law, Boards and Commissions, and Local Government. She possesses a truly unique blend of experience, having served as a private attorney, a Story County prosecutor, and a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Des Moines, alongside a decade-long role with significant governmental experience as General Counsel and Investigator for the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and the Iowa Department of Education.
Key Areas of Expertise
Employment Law: Attorney Proesch provides robust legal representation to employers facing a diverse array of labor and employment challenges. She expertly navigates state and federal laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), successfully defending clients in complex litigation. She also specializes in investigations and handling matters filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and related federal and state agencies, offering expert guidance at every stage, from initial charge to resolution.
Education Law: Recognizing the critical role of education, Attorney Proesch offers specialized legal services to school districts, school boards, and Iowa school administrators. Her expertise extends to contract and employment matters, extensive investigations including Title IX and level two investigations, and navigating licensing issues before the Board of Educational Examiners and the Iowa Department of Education. She demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the educational environment is secure and compliant.
Additional Legal Services
Beyond her core expertise, Nicole Proesch offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, including:
- Cybersecurity Legal Counsel: Providing strategic advice on protecting employer data and complying with relevant regulations.
- Discrimination & Harassment Defense: Aggressively defending clients against discrimination and harassment claims.
- FMLA & Medical Leave Support: Navigating complex medical leave issues and ensuring compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Technology Law: Advising on technology-related employment issues and intellectual property rights.
- Discipline & Termination Matters: Providing guidance on appropriate disciplinary procedures and lawful termination processes.
- Railroad Employee Injury Claims (FELA): Attorney Proesch uniquely understands the challenges faced by railroad workers and represents individuals in FELA claims, leveraging her understanding of inherent industry dangers.
Education & Credentials
Bar Admissions: Iowa Bar
Awards & Recognition:
Nicole Proesch was honored with the 2019 Doug Bates Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of State Education Attorneys. She also previously served on the National Association of State Boards of Education from 2016-2017.
Professional Experience
Prior to establishing her private practice, Attorney Proesch’s extensive government experience included:
- Iowa Board of Educational Examiners: General Counsel and Investigator
- Iowa Department of Education: General Counsel & Administrative Law Judge
A Client-Focused Approach
Nicole Proesch is committed to providing personalized legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. She combines her extensive legal expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by employers and educational institutions, ensuring that clients receive the most effective and strategic representation possible. Her proactive approach, combined with her dedication to achieving favorable outcomes, makes her a trusted legal partner for businesses and organizations throughout Iowa.
