Contracts, Trust, and Community: Gabrielle Vázquez’s Commitment to Iowa Businesses

By Christina Fernández-Morrow

Gabrielle Vázquez once navigated New York’s cutthroat legal world, balancing case files with the challenges of city living. Today, she walks her daughter to school past expansive lawns, participates in Iowa’s beloved potluck tradition, and tackles a different challenge: convincing Iowa businesses they need the legal protections most East Coast companies take for granted.

A Career in Business Litigation

Vázquez has partnered with business owners, founders and in-house attorneys for nearly two decades as a business lawyer specializing in litigation. She handles breach of contract, partnership disagreements and business advice, helping clients enforce their rights, defend against claims and recover damages to protect their integrity and financial stability.

“When things go wrong in business, there are laws in place to protect you,” said Vázquez. “Iowa is unique in that it has a specialized business court, so does New York.”

From New York Success to Iowa Transition

Vázquez began her law career in 2007 in New York, where she made partner and grew her reputation as one of the city’s top litigators. After nearly two decades in a highly competitive environment, motherhood inspired her to seek a more family-friendly environment. She had contacts in Iowa and learned she could waive into the Iowa bar. She relocated in 2019 and joined the Iowa bar in 2020. 

Vázquez had numerous New York clients with pending cases. Because litigation can take years, it took time before she could accept local clients. 

“When I got admitted in Iowa, the goal was to start developing my own practice. I’m excited to step into the Iowa Business Court in the near future,” she said. 

The Need for Business Legal Protections

Vázquez was surprised by how few Iowa businesses use litigation or law related resources when disputes arise. “I want to contribute to the economy and the legal space. The business litigation world in Iowa has a lot of room for growth, development and expansion,” she said. “Small businesses would benefit from business lawyers. There is a lot one can do independently, but when it comes to business dealings with other parties, the best thing to do is prevent problems by having solid contracts and good legal advice early, instead of waiting until things go wrong.”

She warns that court battles can cost over $100,000, leading some businesses into bankruptcy or closure. Spending a smaller amount up front on well-drafted contracts, bylaws or operating agreements can prevent those losses. 

“I’m a business advisor with knowledge of the law,” explained Vázquez. “I come in early, learn about your business and help you put together the necessary protections in your contracts, bylaws or operating agreement.”

Building Trust as a Latina Attorney

Although she was often the only Latina and youngest attorney in New York courtrooms, Vázquez said moving to Iowa was still a culture shock. “In my professional life it wasn’t much different than New York,” she said.

What surprised her was how many Iowa businesses operate for years — even multimillion-dollar companies — without a single contract in place. “That’s shocking to me; that’s a lot of money on the line,” she said.

As Iowa’s entrepreneurial sector grows, Vázquez believes demand for legal services will increase. “Companies have so many requirements when they first set up, and that’s probably as far as they’re thinking regarding the law, but there is so much beyond permits and licenses that can impact a business. I want them to know that I’m here as a resource,” she said. 

She’s committed to educating business owners, hiring staff and mentoring interns while ensuring Latino and Spanish-speaking communities also have access to her services. “I’m bilingual, a native Spanish-speaker, so if you don’t speak English that is not a barrier,” she says.

Protecting Iowa’s Business Future

Just as Vázquez learned to embrace Iowa’s potluck culture and love sweet corn casserole, she’s working to help Iowa businesses navigate the legal landscape. For her it’s not just about fitting in with her Iowa neighbors; it’s about safeguarding livelihoods and supporting long-term economic success.