Dentons Secures Major Victory at Iowa Supreme Court

Dentons Davis Brown attorney Maggie Hanson and alumna Kacy Flaherty-Tarpey secured a significant victory before the Iowa Supreme Court on behalf of a Dentons client in a high-profile civil rights case.

The case, Rheeder v. City of Marion et al., involved claims of sexual harassment and retaliation under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The plaintiff, a former janitor for the City of Marion, brought claims against multiple defendants including the City of Marion, Chief of Police, Deputy Chief, and the Administrative Manager. Hanson and Flaherty-Tarpey represented the Administrative Manager exclusively in the matter.

The plaintiff alleged that she was subject to inappropriate conduct by the Deputy Chief of Police including verbal comments, text messages, and physical contact. She further claimed that after reporting the conduct, both the Chief of Police and the Administrative Manager engaged in retaliatory behavior, allegedly creating a hostile work environment that resulted in her constructive discharge.

All defendants moved for summary judgment, which was denied by the District Court. Defendants then sought and were granted an interlocutory appeal by the Iowa Supreme Court, which retained the case. This spring, oral arguments were held before the Iowa Supreme Court.

This summer, the Iowa Supreme Court issued its decision, reversing the District Court's denial of summary judgment and remanding the case with instructions to dismiss all claims against all defendants, including Ms. Gray. Plaintiff petitioned the Iowa Supreme Court for rehearing, but the petition was denied.

"This outcome reflects the strength of our client's position and the dedication of our entire defense team," said Hanson. "We're proud to have helped achieve a full and final dismissal of these claims."

This ruling brings an end to the litigation, with a complete dismissal for all named defendants at the summary judgment stage.

About Dentons Davis Brown PC

Dentons Davis Brown is a full-service Iowa law firm providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions to help clients. Founded in 1929, the firm operates three offices in Iowa and is part of Dentons, the world's largest law firm with a presence in over 80 countries. Learn more at https://www.dentons.com/Iowa.