The Iowa Civil Rights Commission enforces the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and they make it easy and free to file a complaint. Here's the form.
You don’t need an attorney to file a complaint, but we suggest you speak to one before you file if possible. An attorney can help you make important decisions about when and if to remove your case to district court, how to best present your case, etc., and most attorneys practicing discrimination law will meet with potential clients for free to review their case.
Often, they don't charge their clients for services, and instead take advantage of a "fee-shifting" provision in the Iowa Civil Rights Act, allowing prevailing complainants to seek attorney's fees from the discriminating entity/person, and/or offer services on contingency, meaning they collect fees only if they reach a settlement or victory, and then take a percentage of the award as their fees.
The Iowa Bar Association can help you find this type of lawyer in your area. Click here for details.
