Joshua Hughes

Josh is an associate in Dorsey's Labor and Employment Group, where he represents and advises employers across a wide range of employment matters. His practice spans litigation, advisory work, and transactional support, allowing him to provide clients with realistic, strategy-driven counsel at every stage, whether they are trying to prevent disputes, structure compliant agreements, or resolve claims that have already arisen.

Josh counsels employers across industries on a broad range of workplace issues, including leave of absence management, drug testing policies, religious and disability accommodations, reductions in force, and internal investigations. Working closely with Dorsey's Healthcare Transactions and Regulations practice group, Josh also advises healthcare clients on employment matters unique to the sector, including negotiating and advising on physician and other provider employment agreements. Admitted in Iowa and Minnesota, Josh regularly advises clients on compliance with Title VII, the ADA, the FMLA, and state employment laws nationwide, and he writes regularly on emerging employment law developments for both national and Iowa-specific audiences.

On the litigation side, Josh represents employers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies in matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour claims. He has handled cases before courts and administrative agencies across a wide range of jurisdictions, including Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Arizona, California, South Dakota, Florida, and Wisconsin. He has particular experience representing Class I railroads in matters arising under the Federal Railroad Safety Act, including whistleblower retaliation claims before the Department of Labor and in federal court. His background as a law clerk at the Iowa Court of Appeals gives him an acute understanding of how appellate courts evaluate employment issues — an advantage he brings to every case he litigates.

Josh is committed to the communities he serves. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, where he serves on the executive and diversity committees, and he volunteers his time to support the ISBA's middle and high school mock trial program. Josh has also been recognized for his pro bono work on behalf of individuals navigating the legal process of affirming their gender identity, including name changes and other critical legal documentation.