Nate Borland
Phone
(515) 259-7462
fax
(515) 361-5390
nate@tjb.law
About
When employers cross the line, Nate Borland holds them accountable. As a trial lawyer focusing on workplace rights, he has secured multiple seven-figure jury verdicts for workers facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including awards of $4.5 million, $1.21 million, and $1.05 million.
His path to employment law started with conversations about civil rights around his family’s dinner table, where his father, a television news photojournalist for over thirty years, instilled in him a deep respect for individual liberties. After graduating with honors from Drake University Law School, Nate gained invaluable perspective working for both Des Moines’ leading business law firm and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This experience on both sides of the courtroom sharpened his ability to anticipate and overcome the tactics employers use to avoid responsibility.
Nate fights for workers in all types of employment disputes. He represents employees facing workplace harassment, discrimination, and retaliation for standing up for their rights. His practice includes protecting public and private whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing in the workplace or the government, challenging improper drug testing practices, and defending workers’ rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). He also takes on civil rights violations and helps employees navigate complex issues like severance agreements and non-compete contracts.
Nate has argued cases at every level of Iowa’s justice system, from administrative hearings through the Iowa Supreme Court. His effectiveness in the courtroom and dedication to workplace justice have earned him recognition from Best Lawyers since 2019.
Beyond the courtroom, Nate stays grounded in his community. An Iowa native who grew up in Urbandale, he now lives in Clive with his family. He brings the same competitive drive to his law practice that he shows on the soccer field, where he serves as both referee and coach when he’s not cheering on Sporting Kansas City.
Bar Admissions
- State of Iowa (2013)
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa (2013)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa (2013)
- Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals (2013)
- U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska (2021)
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois (2022)
Education
- Juris Doctorate with High Honors, Drake University Law School (2013)
- Bachelor of Science, Public Administration, Upper Iowa University (2009)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Fellow, Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Member, National Employment Lawyers Association
- Member, Iowa Employment Lawyers Association
- Member, Iowa Association for Justice
- Member, Iowa State Bar Association
- Member, Polk County Bar Association
- Barrister, Blackstone American Inn of Court
Civic Involvement
- Board Member, Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club
- Volunteer Coach, Sporting Iowa
- Chair, Clive Library Board of Trustees (Former)
