Heriberto "Eddie"
Ponce

Heriberto “Eddie” Ponce delivers top-tier and efficient client service on an array of labor and employment issues for public school districts of all sizes and demographic compositions. With an ability to adeptly handle the range of intricacies involved in personnel discipline proceedings and teacher dismissals, Eddie protects and advances the interests of students while minimizing the exposure school districts encounter in these delicate but necessary matters. He also applies his strong writing and legal research skills in drafting airtight professional conduct write-ups, reprimand actions and other documents.

On the business, facilities and real estate side of his practice, Eddie helps clients tackle challenges and seize opportunities. He also handles stop-payment matters, proposed change orders and issues involved in procurement and purchasing, construction litigation, property acquisitions and sales and land use, among others.

Before joining F3, Eddie launched his career as a legal extern in the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, where he researched complex criminal matters, wrote numerous legal motions, and assisted with organizing discovery and other materials for trials. As a result of his highly regarded service, Eddie was later invited to join the DA’s office as a second-year law clerk and then as a deputy district attorney where he managed numerous cases from their initial arraignment to their ultimate resolution. Eddie also conducted multiple hearings to favorable outcomes. This experience enhances his ability to offer his stellar negotiation skills to help school districts navigate collective bargaining talks with union representatives and to counsel and represent them in other matters.

While earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law, Eddie helped organize a monthly roundtable of local immigrant leaders and activists to discuss current issues affecting immigrants. He played a key role in creating a workshop for health care professionals within the University of Iowa’s Hospital and Clinics to inform them of their LGBTQ+ patients’ rights and helped establish a new organization called First Gen Professionals @ Iowa Law.