Leslie Behaunek

As a litigator focused on business and commercial litigation, financial institution and bankruptcy litigation, insurance defense, and appellate advocacy, Leslie Behaunek addresses diverse business disputes every day.

For two years after law school, Leslie honed her skills as a judicial clerk for the Honorable James E. Gritzner on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. She followed that with a one-year clerkship with the Honorable Jane Kelly on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The opportunity to see quality written and oral advocacy as a judicial clerk allowed Leslie to immediately put the things she learned into practice upon joining the firm. Since joining Nyemaster, Leslie has litigated a variety of cases, including: ERISA life, health, and disability benefits cases; ERISA and breach of fiduciary class actions; finance lease enforcement matters; bankruptcy matters on behalf of creditors and Trustees; and health care and labor and employment claims. She also works on general commercial matters and provides appellate representation before the Iowa appellate courts as well as the Eighth Circuit. 

For Leslie, a strong involvement with outside activities expands her view of law and keeps her connected to the broader Iowa community. Through professional and community organizations like Polk County Women Attorneys, Leslie demonstrates her commitment to empowering women and girls to reach their potential. Leslie has actively helped guide nonprofits like the Des Moines Choral Society and assists in developing political organizations like Emerge Iowa. She continues to encourage and grow tomorrow’s leaders through Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls State—knowing she learned valuable lessons from participation in that program that shape who she is today.