Taryn F. Frideres

Taryn Frideres is a partner in the Public Policy Practice Group who brings more than a decade of senior experience advising leaders at the highest levels of state, federal and international government on national security, international affairs, trade and economic issues. She provides strategic counsel to clients navigating complex policy, regulatory and geopolitical challenges, drawing on experience across state government, Congress, the US Department of State and the UN.

Most recently, Taryn served as chief of staff to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, where she helped lead an administration of approximately 18,000 employees and oversee policy development and implementation across a broad range of issues, including healthcare, workforce development, education, tax, public safety and disaster response. Prior to becoming chief of staff, she served as the governor’s chief operating officer and played a central role in reorganizing state government and advancing the administration’s policy and operational priorities.

Before returning to her native Iowa, Taryn held a series of senior positions at the US Department of State. As senior advisor to the deputy secretary of state, she advised one of the department’s top officials on national security, foreign policy and international legal matters, as well as supported the implementation of key strategic initiatives. She also served as deputy to the us ambassador to the UN, leading the ambassador’s Washington office and coordinating engagement with the White House, federal agencies and Congress. In these roles, she developed extensive relationships across the executive branch and gained firsthand experience managing some of the most significant foreign policy and national security issues facing the US.

Taryn’s experience on Capitol Hill further strengthens her ability to help clients understand and engage with policymakers. As general counsel to US Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), she advised on homeland security, constitutional law, criminal justice and trade policy matters, as well as supported the senator’s work on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. She also helped advance legislative initiatives that were enacted into law.

Taryn began her legal career at the firm, joining as an associate in 2010 after serving as a summer associate in 2009. During her earlier tenure, she advised sovereign governments and multinational companies on matters involving international trade, sanctions, defense and public policy. Her experience in both the public and private sectors provides clients with practical insights into the intersection of law, policy and government decision-making.