I am of counsel with the BrownWinick Law firm. I work with the Government Relations team to represent clients at the Iowa Legislature and executive branch agencies. My entire career has revolved around the beauty of the written word bills and amendments and the legislative process and application to solving problems for people and businesses. After more than three decades entering the state Capitol, I am still amazed at the beauty of the building and the importance of the proceedings within it.

20+ years

Johnston Planning and Zoning Commission?Member

Pioneer Lawmakers Association?Honorary Member

I received my B.A. in History at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Specializing in American History, taking as many classes as possible from one of Coe's professors who had written several books on President Herbert Hoover. Received my J.D. with distinction in 1988 from the University of Iowa Law School. My first job out of law school was with West Publishing Company annotating statutes. In 1989 I took a job with the Iowa Legislature drafting bills and amendments and the rest is history. In addition to government practice, I am the Director of the Drake University Law School's Legislative Practice Center. I teach legislative classes and work with law student interns.

I am a member at BrownWinick and Chair the firm's nationally-recognized Government Relations practice group. During the legislative session, I maintain a full-time presence at the Iowa Capitol where I serve as an "on-call" point of contact for both my clients and for elected officials on matters relating to our clients' interests.

6-10 years

Memberships & Associations:

West Des Moines City Council (At-Large) (2019-Present)

BRAVO of Greater Des Moines Board of Directors

ICON Water Trails Co-Chair

Polk County Bar Association Member

Iowa State Bar Association Member; Sections on: Business Law; Litigation; Government Practice Litigation Section Council (2012-present); Committee on Ethics and Practice Guidelines (2013-present)

State Law Resources (SLR) Board of Directors (2022-2023); Site Selection Committee

Republican Legislative Campaign Committee (RLCC) Finance Committee

Professionals for Charity Co-Founder, Director and Secretary

The United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet

Metro Advisory Council

Iowa Legal Aid Foundation Governing Director (2010-2012)

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Member; Board of Directors and Former Chair (2015-2019)

West Des Moines Due Diligence Committee (2017)

West Des Moines Leadership Academy Graduate (Class of 2012-2013); Alumni Marketing Committee Member

Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute - Graduate (Class of 2014-2015)

West Des Moines Historical Society Board of Directors (2015-2018)

West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission Appointed Member (2014-2016)

Arizona State Bar Association Member (2009-Present)

Arizona Small Business Association Board of Directors and Vice President-Elect (2009-2010)

Maricopa County Bar Association Corporate Counsel Division - Director and Treasurer (2009-2010)

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I received my J.D., cum laude, along with certificates of concentration in litigation, and criminal law and procedure from Creighton University School of Law in 2007. I was also the sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.

I was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 2007 and the State of Arizona in 2008. Additionally, I am admitted to practice law in Iowa Federal District Court (northern and southern divisions) as well as in Colorado Federal District Court.

It was a privilege to be elected to the West Des Moines City Council, in the at-large position, in 2019. I am an active member of the Iowa and Polk County Bar Associations, in addition to having served as a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee; the United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet; BRAVO of Greater Des Moines, and the Metro Advisory Council ICON Water Trails. I am also a graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. Finally, it was an honor to have Super Lawyers recognize me as a "Rising Star" in the area of Government Relations from 2017 - 2021.

R.G. is a member of BrownWinick's Government Relations team. R.G. maintains a full-time presence at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session, representing multiple businesses and interest before the Iowa General Assembly, the Governor's Office, and state agencies.

6-10 years

R.G. led the redistricting analysis of Iowa congressional and legislative districts following the 2010 U.S. Census.

R.G. Schwarm is a member of BrownWinick's Government Relations team. R.G. maintains a full-time presence at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session, representing multiple businesses and interests before the Iowa General Assembly, the Governor's Office, and state agencies.

R.G. previously served BrownWinick's lobbying team as the Public Affairs Manager from 2014-2017. Prior to joining BrownWinick, he worked in a variety of political positions at the local and state level, including managing a multi- million dollar casino referendum resulting in a landslide electoral victory and record voter turnout. His campaign organization experience includes developing winning strategies, executing multifaceted communication plans, coordinating public and media relations, and organizing volunteer efforts. In addition to serving as a campaign consultant, R.G. led the redistricting analysis of Iowa congressional and legislative districts following the 2010 U.S. Census.

R.G. graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, earning a double major in Business Management and International business along with a minor in Political Science. While at Drake University Law School, R.G. served as a legal intern for the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board where he assisted in drafting the board's advisory opinions, conducted legal research on state and local compliance policies, and investigated complaints of ethical violations by campaigns and elected officials. In 2020, R.G. received his Juris Doctor while earning a certificate in legislative practice.