Ann M. Smisek

Ann M. Smisek is a shareholder whose work focuses on employment and labor law, collective bargaining, employee benefits and education law. The work involves analyzing client needs and the documents, laws, and procedures relevant to each matter. The practice addresses issues through advice, negotiation, and, where the published practice covers disputes, litigation.

Ann earned a B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1999 and a J.D. with distinction from the University of Iowa in 2007. That academic background informs the legal research, writing, and analysis involved in the practice. It also provides context for handling regulatory requirements, transactions, or disputes within the stated practice areas.

Ann has experience involving workplace investigations, personnel policies, disciplinary decisions, labor contract negotiations and proceedings before the Public Employment Relations Board. These matters can call for research, fact gathering, document review, and assessment of the relevant legal and practical options. The nature of the representation varies according to the case, transaction, or regulatory question. The precise legal questions depend on the parties involved, the governing rules and the documents or evidence available in each matter.

Ann M. Smisek has professional experience and service that includes prior service as an administrative law judge at the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board and as an Iowa Court of Appeals law clerk. The combination of these activities and the identified practice provides context for the legal services offered. The work requires clear communication about legal requirements, relevant risks, and the available next steps.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Ahlers & Cooney, P.C.
• Administrative Law Section Council, Iowa State Bar Association
• Professional Action Chair, Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys (2008-2010)
• Board Member, Polk County Women Attorneys (2008-2010)
• Volunteer Judge, Junior High Mock Trial
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Polk County Bar Association
• Barrister, Blackstone Inn of Court
• Volunteer Intake Attorney, Iowa Legal Aid
• Board Member, Iowa Public Employer Labor Relations Association (2020 – Present)
• Events Committee President, Children & Families of Iowa (2020-2021)
• Member, Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (2019-2020)
• Grant Review Team, Chrysalis Foundation (2014)

Licensed State

• Iowa

Education

• University of Iowa
  J.D.
• University of Iowa
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges