Amy L. Reasner is a trusted advisor to both private and public employers navigating the legal and human dimensions of today’s workplace. She partners with organizations on labor and employment litigation, insurance defense, and strategic counseling focused on preventing disputes before they disrupt operations or escalate into litigation. Ms. Reasner regularly advises in house counsel and human resources leaders on policies and procedures, leaves of absence and attendance management, hiring and terminations, workforce reductions, and employment agreements, including non compete and separation agreements. Her approach is practical and preventative, helping clients minimize risk while staying focused on their business objectives.
Clients also value Ms. Reasner’s strength as a trainer and speaker. She presents throughout Iowa and nationally on building respectful, resilient workplace cultures and implementing proactive strategies that reduce legal exposure.
Employers frequently engage Ms. Reasner to conduct internal investigations involving discrimination, harassment, and ethics or policy concerns. She is known for delivering timely, clear, and credible findings that support decisive action. Drawing on this breadth of experience, organizations also select her as a mediator to resolve workplace disputes efficiently and effectively.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Reasner brings a strong governance perspective to her work, having served as President of Lynch Dallas Legal and on the board of a publicly traded bank holding company.”
Education
- The University of Iowa (J.D., 2001) with distinction
- The University of Iowa (B.A., 1993)
Professional Affiliation
Active or formerly active in the following organizations:
- QCR Holdings, Inc., Board of Directors (current)
- Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Board of Directors (current)
- Willis Dady Homeless Services, Past President of the Board of Directors
- Appointed as a Board Member to the Iowa Finance Authority by Governor Kim Reynolds (term 5/1/2019 to 4/30/2024).
- Commissioner, Iowa Department of Transportation appointed by Governor Chet Culver (2008-2012) and reappointed by Governor Terry Branstad (2012 - 2016)
- Linn County Bar Association, President (7/2018 to 6/2019) Member (7/2017 to Present)
- Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association, Member
- League of Women Voters, Member
- UnityPoint St. Luke's Hospital Board of Directors (2012 - 2017)
Additional Biographical Information
- Former Cedar Rapids Broadcast Journalist
- Named one of the Corridor Business Journal’s 25 Most Influential Leaders in the Corridor (2023)
- Linn County Bar Association Citizenship award 2022
- Recognized as a Corridor Top 250 Leader, Corridor Business Journal (2022)
- Recognized as a "Woman of Influence," Corridor Business Journal (2011)
- Recognized in 40 under 40 Community Leaders, Corridor Business Journal (2007)
- Leadership for Five Seasons graduate, Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce (2005-2006)
Cases and Experience
- Rheeder v. City of Marion, et al (Iowa 2025) (interlocutory appeal granted on denial of summary judgment, obtained reversal on all employment discrimination/harassment/retaliation claims, and received order to grant summary judgment for all defendants.)
- Rheeder v. City of Marion, et al (Iowa Ct. App. 2021) (interlocutory appeal granted, successfully defended an employer's right to protect a confidential, attorney-client privileged investigation report when an employer does not rely on the report in a lawsuit.)
- Horn v. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Inc. et al, 2020 WL 420834 (N.D. Iowa, 2020) (representing Siemens, summary judgment granted in a wrongful discharge case.)
- Deeds v. City of Marion, Iowa, 914 N.W. 2d 330 (Iowa 2018) (successfully defended city on claims of disability discrimination involving applicant for fire fighter position with symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)).
- Edwards v. Clinton County, Iowa et al (Clinton Co. Iowa February 16, 2018) (Representing the County with Holly A. Corkery, summary judgment granted to County in gender discrimination case).
- Millard v. City of Clinton, Iowa (S.D. Iowa 2016) (with Patrick J. O’Connell, summary judgment granted to City in disability discrimination case).
- Avnet, Inc. v. Catalyst Resource Group, LLC and David Wild, 791 F.3d 899 (8th Cir. 2015) (successfully defended Avnet on appeal regarding the assignability of a guaranty for a promissory note).
- Basquin v. City of Fairbank, Iowa, 847 N.W. 2d 236 (Iowa Ct. App. 2014) (successfully defended City on snowmobile injury caused by pedestrian footbridge tethering cable).
- Kallail v. Alliant Energy Corporate Services, 691 F.3d 925 (8th Cir. 2012) (successfully defended employer with Wilford H. Stone on disability claim involving shift rotation and accommodation request).
- Newberry v. Burlington Basket Co., 622 F.3d 979 (8th Cir. 2010), cert. denied 131 S. Ct. 1697 (U.S. 2011)(jury verdict affirmed).
- Heaton v. The Weitz Co. Inc., 2007 U.S. Dist. Lexis 51219 (N.D. Iowa July 2007) aff’d 543 F.3d 882 (8th Cir. 2008)(jury verdict affirmed).
- Kratzer v. Rockwell Collins, Inc., et al, 295 F.Supp. 2d 1005 (N.D. Iowa 2003) (granting Defendant’s motion for summary judgment), aff’d 398 F.3d 1040 (8th Cir. 2005)(affirmed on appeal).
Presentations and Publications
- Defending Internal Investigations - NPELRA (2024)
- Performing an Effective and Defensible Internal Investigation - MRA Employment Law Update (2023)
- The HR Mistakes by Municipalities - Women Lead Change CEO Forum (ICAP Educational Sumitt, 2022)
- The Art of Documentation Employment Law Tips - ICAP (2021)
- COVID-19 Vaccinations and Employment Law Update - EIHRA (2021)
- Pandemic Hot Spots: Employment Law and the PPP (Marion Chamber of Commerce 2020, with Holly A. Corkery and Daniel M. Morgan)
- Be Conscious About Your Unconscious Bias - SHRM (2022)
- Workplace Threat Assessment Tools and Policies - EIHRA/SHRM (2017)
- Job Descriptions and Performance Reviews - IAPELRA (2017)
