Our Team

About
David is a commercial litigator with experience in the areas of property subrogation, construction law, insurance defense, and other related areas. After graduating cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law) in January 2015, David was the judicial law clerk for the Honorable Sarah E. Hennesy in the Seventh Judicial District of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. David also served as a law clerk with the Criminal Division of the Saint Paul City Attorney’s Office.

• Memberships

  Minnesota State Bar Association

  Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association

Education
J.D., cum laude, William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law) (January 2015)
B.A., Waldorf College (1995)

Court Admissions
Minnesota State Court (2015)
Minnesota Federal Court (2017)
Minnesota State Bar Association (2015)

Personal
Favorite Travel Spot: The Black Hills and the North Shore of Lake Superior
Favorite Sport: Ice Hockey
Theme Song: “Circles” by Soul Coughing
(Previously) Little Known Fact: I like both Star Wars and Star Trek. Can’t we all just get along?
Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: Advocacy, writing, and thinking on my feet during an oral argument.
Favorite Charity or Non-profit: Minnesota Legal Aid

About

Demetria Dyer assists clients in resolving a wide variety of business and commercial litigation issues. She has experience with matters involving shareholder disputes, fraud, employment law, corporate governance, Title IX, bankruptcy, information privacy, and general contract disputes. Demetria helps guide clients through all stages of federal and state civil litigation.  Demetria is also a member of Sapientia’s COVID-19 Business Counsel team and is knowledgeable about both state and local relief programs available to small businesses that are impacted by the pandemic.

Prior to joining Sapientia, Demetria served as a law clerk to the Honorable Thomas Fraser of the Fourth Judicial District of the State of Minnesota. In this role, she performed legal research and analysis, drafted opinions, and assisted with trial and hearing preparation.

While in law school Demetria also served as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Michael J. Davis at the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. As an extern, Demetria conducted legal research and analysis and drafted memoranda and opinions.

Outside of work, Demetria is an avid volunteer in her community. She frequently speaks to groups of young people and mentors diverse law students. Demetria also loves taking group fitness classes and spending quality time with family and friends.

Education
J.D., Cum Laude, Mitchell Hamline School of Law (2019)
B.A., Concordia University St. Paul (2013)

Court Admissions
State of Minnesota
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota

Personal
Favorite Travel Spots: California
Favorite Sport: Dance
Theme Song: Formation by Beyoncé
Favorite Non-Profit: Legal Aid
Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: Impeaching a witness on cross examination
Little Known Fact: I loved taking dance classes so much during undergrad that I almost received a minor in dance.
Friends describe you as: Loyal and Passionate

About

Kathy Luikens has been a support professional in the legal industry for over 30 years. She has significant experience in general litigation, product liability, and criminal law, as well as transactional and corporate work in recent years. She brings a heightened attention to detail and streamlined efficiency to her work. In her free time, Kathy enjoys shopping, traveling, and camping. 

Personal
Favorite travel spot: Caribbean
Favorite sport: Hockey
Theme song: “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” by Jimmy Buffett (or just anything by Jimmy Buffett)
Favorite part of being a Legal Administrative Assistant: Learning new areas of law
Favorite charities: Church
Little known fact: Grew up in a small town in western Minnesota 

About

Since 1997, Jon has been litigating product liability, commercial, privacy, defamation, construction, bid protest, employment, environmental, securities, and insurance matters.  He has tried numerous cases, although he regularly obtains dismissal for his clients through summary judgment.  As local, regional and national counsel for Fortune 500 corporations, he regularly works with litigation managers, assisting them to develop appropriate budgets for litigation.  Jon has also argued and won appeals before the Minnesota and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeal.

Jon is a highly decorated attorney.  He has been named a “Rising Star” by Minnesota Law and Politics five times (2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009), named one of ten “Up and Coming Attorneys” by Minnesota Lawyer  in 2002, and a Super Lawyer in 2015.  In 2007, Jon also won the Raeder Larson Public Service Award for outstanding service to the public through pro bono legal work.  For his pro bono efforts on behalf of individuals that had been on the I‑35W bridge when it collapsed, in 2009, Jon was a recipient of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s most prestigious honor, the Professional Excellence Award, which is awarded annually to the members who have demonstrated substantial efforts to advance the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Jon’s strong belief in helping those without the means to receive adequate representation has led him to assist in several high profile pro bono matters, including freeing a death row inmate in Texas, helped several debtors through complex bankruptcy proceedings, and representing victims of the I‑35W bridge collapse.

Jon is committed to improving his profession.  Throughout his entire career, he has been active in the state and county bar associations, including serving as President for the Hennepin County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the local county bar association.  Jon also shared his knowledge of the law as an Adjunct Professor at William Mitchell College of Law teaching a seminar regarding product liability.

Jon likes to have lots of fun. He is an avid Packer and Badger fan, and enjoys the pain that the Wisconsin teams inflict upon us here in Minnesota.  When not cheering for his teams, Jon is an avid foodie and a passionate food critic.  Finally, Jon was once a juggler and magician—performing for children’s birthday parties!  He does his best to sharpen those skills with his two young boys.

• Representative Experience
  • Honeywell v. Lutz, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2011: Successfully obtained affirmance holding that client was entitled to indemnity and insurance from subcontractor in construction matter.
  • Cleary v. Honeywell, Supreme Court of New York, 2003: Obtained summary judgment dismissal for temperature controller manufacturer in scald case.
  • Allstate Insurance Co. v. Empire Comfort Systems, Inc., State of Minnesota District Court, 2003: Successfully defended furnace manufacturer in products liability trial.
  • Siemens Transp. Systems, Inc. v. Metropolitan Council, 2001 WL 682892 (Minn. Ct. App. June 19, 2001): Fought off bid protest in trial regarding light rail vehicles in Minneapolis.
  • Reynolds v. Pennsylvania Higher Educ. Assistance Agency, 425 F.3d 526 (8th Cir. 2005), cert. denied, Educational Credit Management Corp. v. Reynolds, 127 S.Ct. 46 (2006): Won trial and two appeals resulting in discharge of debtor’s student loans. See Jonathan Strauss is Honored for Pro Bono Service. As a result of Jon’s work on this case, he was awarded the Raeder Larson Public Service Award by the Minnesota State Bar Association.
  • AEI Net Lease Income and Growth Fund XX Limited Partnership v. Anthony R. Alvarez, 2001 WL 710587 (Minn. Ct. App. June 26, 2001): Successfully argued before state appellate court in commercial landlord collections dispute.
  • Guy v. Cockrell, 343 F.3d 348 (5th Cir. 2003): Defended Texas defendant in federal habeas appeal, eventually resulting in his removal from death row.
• Professional Recognition

  Named a Super Lawyer for 2015

  2009 recipient of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s most prestigious honor, the Professional Excellence Award, which is awarded annually to the members who have demonstrated substantial efforts to advance the legal profession and the administration of justice.

  2007 recipient of the Raeder Larson Public Service Award from the Bankruptcy Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association. This award recognizes outstanding service to the public through pro bono legal services and honors the recipient’s dedication to a system providing equal justice for all.

  “Up & Coming Attorneys” Award — One of 10 selected by Minnesota Lawyer for 2002

  Rising Star — Selected by Minnesota Law & Politics for 2002, 2003, 2007 — 2009

• Memberships

  Hennepin County Bar Association

  • Plebicite Committee, 2012–2013

  • Board of Directors, 2003 — 2010

  • Co-Chair, Litigation Committee, 2004 — 2006

  • Chair, Finance and Planning Committee, 2007 — 2008

  Hennepin County Bar Foundation
  Board of Directors 2009 — present
  Vice President (Presidential track) 2012–2013

  Minnesota State Bar Associations
  Assembly Member, 2004 — 2008, 2010
  Legislative Committee, 2004 — 2006
  General Policy Committee, 2006 — 2008, 2010
  Speaker — Bankruptcy Section October 1999 — Student Loan Discharges

• Civic Involvement

  Member, Jewish Community Relations Council/Domestic & Civic Affairs Commission — 2000

  Treasurer, Dan Rogan for Robbinsdale City Council, 2004 — Present

  Adjunct Professor, William Mitchell College of Law, Business Practicum 2008

  Parents Advisory Committee, Shirley G. Moore Lab School, 2009 — Present

  Mentor, College Possible, 2011 — Present

Education
JD, Northwestern University School of Law (1997)
B.A. Phi Beta Kappa, University of Wisconsin, Madison (1994)

Court Admissions
State of Minnesota, 1997
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1997
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1999
Supreme Court of the United States, 2006
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2015

Personal
Favorite Travel Spot: Bora Bora
Favorite Sport: Baseball
Theme Song: “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” by Warren Zevon
(Previously) Little Known Fact: Is not really a big fan of spiders
Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: An intense oral argument
Favorite Charity or Non-profit: College Possible
Friends Describe You As: Passionate about life and loyal

About

• Memberships/Affiliations:
  American Bar Association
  American Bankruptcy Institute
  Minnesota State Bar Association — Bankruptcy Section
  Hennepin County Bar Association — Debtor-Creditor Committee
• Recent Reported Cases
  • Dakota County v. Milan, (In re Milan), 2016 BL 312159, B.A.P. 8th Cir., No. 16–6012, 9/22/16 ).
  • In re Acuity Medical, Bankr. Minn. Bky. No. 15–40126.
  • Analog Technologies Corp. v. Knutson, 2015 Minn.App. LEXIS 624 (Analog III).
  • In re Premier Healthcare Services, Inc., 2015 Bankr. LEXIS 865. 
  • In re Next Generation Media, 524 B.R. 824 (Bankr. Minn. 2015). 
  • Allred v. Hauser (In re Jundt), 2014 Bankr. 2729 (Dist. S.D.).
  • In re Coyote Creek, LLC, Bankr. Minn. Bky. No. 13–36053.
  • Analog Technologies, Inc. v. Knutson, 2013 Minn.App. 1158 (Analog II). 
  • Honsa v. Petrilak, Bankr. Minn. Adv. No. 12–03324 (Constantine).
  • KFC Corporation v. Wagstaff Minnesota, et al., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 372 (Dist. Minn.). 
  • Ries v. Legendary Marine (In re Genmar Holdings), 481 B.R. 500 (Bankr. D. Minn. 2012) 
  • In re Keely and Grabanski Land Partnership, L.P., 455 B.R. 153 (8th Cir. BAP 2011). 
  • Analog Technologies Corp. v. Knutson, 2011 WL 1236164, Minn.App., April 05, 2011 (Ross) (Analog I).
  • Lee v. Haukaas (In Re Haukaas), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 2930. 
  • In re Kladek, Inc., d/b/a The King of Diamonds, Bankr. Minn. 10–35032 (Kressel).
  • In re Next Generation Media, Inc., Bankr. Minn. 10–40097 (Kressel).
  • Manty v. Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd., Minn. Adv. 10–03071 (Kishel).
  • In re: Talon Manufacturing, Inc., Bankr. Minn. 10–42155 (Kressel).
  • In re Veblen West Dairy LLP, 434 B.R. 550, Bankr. S.D. 2010 (Nail).
  • In re Smith, Bankr. No. 09–47382 (Bankr. D. Minn. 2010). 
  • Swift & Co. v. Elias Farms, Inc., et al, 539 F.3d 849 (C.A.8 (Minn.)
• Publications/Presentations
  • Case commentary published by the MSBA’s Bankruptcy section: IN RE LUEBBERT, 987 F.3D 771 (8TH CIR. 2021) FEBRUARY 9, 2021: read more
  • “The Nifty Nine: The Most Important Bankruptcy Cases Decided by SCOTUS.” Co-Author: Minnesota CLE 2017
  • Chapter on Bankruptcy Issues, “Family Law Financial Handbook” Minnesota CLE, 2016
  • “The Effect of Law v. Siegel on the Ability to Deny Claims of Exemption” American Bankruptcy Institute Consumer Committee News, Spring 2015
  • “The Intersection of Family Law and Bankruptcy”- Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute 2014
  • “Contingent Property Interests in Bankruptcy” – Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute 2013
  • Association of Attorneys and Real Estate Executives: “New Bankruptcy Realities” presentation, April 2012
  • Co-Author, “To Be Paid or Not to be Paid, That is the Question” — Minnesota State Bar Association CLE 2012
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Bankruptcy Deskbook – “Exemptions;” 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018
  • “Individual Chapter 11s in Minnesota After BAPCPA: Uncharted Territory” — Minnesota Continuing Legal Education webcast (co-author), 2011
  • Chapter 11 First Day Motions in Minnesota, an Introduction ” (co-author), September 2010
  • State Capital Group Legal Blog: “BAPCPA Fails to Live up to its Advance Billing.http://bankruptcy.scglegal.com/2012/08/bapcpa-fails-to-live-up-to-its-advance.html, August 2011
  • “First Circuit Bucks Majority on Discharge of Unlisted Debt in No-Asset Case” – ABI Journal, Vol. XXVII, No. 9, November 2009
  • Outline: MSBA presentation, In re Addison, Minnesota State Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, November 18, 2008
  • “Hidden Traps of Small Business Chapter 11s” – Minnesota State Bar Association CLE, 2008;
  • “Section 522(o): Can You Change the Law if You Leave the Language the Same?” – American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) Committee News, April 2008
  • Numerous other articles and CLE outlines authored over the years on insurance law, landlord-tenant law and bankruptcy law

Education
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School (1983)
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Moorhead State University (1980)

Court Admissions
State of Minnesota, 1983
State of Arizona, 2015
District of Minnesota, 1983
Multiple Other District Courts
Eighth Circuit, 1983
United States Supreme Court, 1986
United States Tax Court, 1996

Honors/Distinctions

“Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics (2006 — 2021)
AP Rated by Martindale Hubbell

Personal
Favorite travel spot: Paris
Favorite sport: Horse Racing, if that is a sport
Theme song: Whatever Gets You Through the Night
Favorite part of being a lawyer: Improving the lives of my clients
Favorite charity: My Church
Little known fact: One of my brothers was born a year and a day before me and another was born a year and a day after me.

About

Katie Tholkes is a paralegal at Sapientia Law Group.  She primarily provides support to the firm’s litigation team, but also has experience in regulatory compliance, real estate, and other transactional matters.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Macalester College and a Paralegal Certificate from Hamline University.  She is also a member of the Minnesota Paralegal Association, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and LEX National Paralegal Honor Society.

The things Katie most enjoys about her job are the opportunity to learn something new from each and every case, and being able to contribute to such a dedicated and creative team of attorneys and support staff to meet the needs of clients.  Outside of work, Katie enjoys cooking and baking, reading both fiction and nonfiction, and spending time with family and friends.

Personal
Favorite travel spot: Ireland
Favorite sport: Speedwalking through the skyway
Theme song: “Running with the Wolves” by Cloud Cult
Favorite part of being a Paralegal: There’s a lot of variety in the work I do, which means I get to learn about many different types of businesses and areas of law.
Favorite charities: Fistula Foundation and Backpack Project MN
Little known fact: I read cookbooks for fun. 

About

Lorenz started at Sapientia in April 2011, practicing in civil litigation with an emphasis on civil rights, privacy and employment law. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in federal and state courts, as well as some tribal courts. His reason for joining Sapientia? He was particularly attracted to the talent and personalities of Sapientia’s legal team, and hopes he lives up to the implied wisdom of the name and the great legal crew.

Lorenz (or “Larry”) began his career as a litigator in 1977 in Marshalltown, Iowa, and enjoyed the baptism by fire experienced by those who find themselves a few months from law school immediately trying cases before not one but two judges who would later be appointed to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He heeded Greeley’s admonition and moved from Iowa to California, practicing at a noted construction defect firm in San Diego, and from there moved back to the Midwest, practicing with the Minneapolis law firms of Lockridge Grindal Nauen, Parsinen Kaplan Rosberg & Gotlieb, and Holstein Law Group. He is admitted to practice in Minnesota, Iowa, California, the Eighth and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court, and select tribal courts in Minnesota.

Larry took a writer’s retreat in 2002 to the extreme, and began writing fiction and installing wood floors. Since then, he received several awards, including Honorable Mention in the 2002–2003 Loft Mentor Series; second place in the 2003 SASE/Ache Literary Magazine Annual Fiction Contest for the short story “in the i of my dog” (yes, he does have a dog); and Honorable Mention in the 2004 Writer’s Digest 73rd Annual Writing Competition (over 18,000 entries) for the short story “The Speckled Tongue.”

Larry was raised on a farm and still farms in both Iowa and Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1973, with a B.A. in English; received his law degree, with distinction, from the University of Iowa in 1976; and now lives in St. Paul with his dog Scooter, his mother Bonnie Belle, and his daughter Cora Belle.

Interview with Larry Fett on WCCO Radio. Read More about this story.

Education
J.D., With Distinction, University of Iowa College of Law (1976)
B.A., English, University of Iowa (1973)

Court Admissions
State of Minnesota
State of Iowa
State of California
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Personal
Favorite travel spot: Any place between here and the Rockies, especially northwestern Nebraska (don’t laugh if you’ve never been there!)
Favorite sport: Any kind of racing.
Theme song: The Unclouded Day
Favorite part of being a lawyer: Helping my client win the lawsuit, of course, but also taking that stress out of my client’s life, and hopefully finding that one case that really makes a difference.
Favorite Charity or Non-Profit: Church
Friends Describe Me As: Intense, Technical, and Analytical
Favorite Quote: “Go west, young man, go west!”
(Previously) Little Known Fact: I like horses and rode every day when I was younger and had a horse, a standardbred bay I bought injured off the track and kept on our farm to herd cattle and scare the daylights out of me and my friends.  With him I raced the neighboring quarter horses and he was never beaten in any distance over a half mile.  I named him Tony after my Uncle, who was a bouncer and a schoolteacher.

About

Valerie Johnson has over 20 years in the legal industry.  Her primary legal support role relates to business litigation, but her past includes work in the areas of construction defect, personal injury, torts, and dram shop matters.  Valerie also assists with certain firm administration tasks.

Valerie enjoys the sense of a supportive, fun family created by the entire office and learning new things every day.  In her spare time, Valerie enjoys spending time with family, friends and pets, boating, four-wheeling, gardening, camping, hiking, canoeing, downhill skiing, reading, cooking and yoga.

Personal
Favorite Travel Spot: Austria
Favorite Sport: Downhill skiing
Theme Song: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
Favorite part of being a Legal Administrative Assistant/Paralegal: Enjoy the variety of tasks and working as a team for the benefit of the client
Favorite charity: Church
Little known fact: I come from a family of 8 kids

About

Robin Wolpert is an accomplished business litigator, criminal defense attorney, and appellate practitioner. With her unique blend of government, in-house, and private sector experience, Robin develops creative problem-solving strategies and, where necessary, manages litigation seamlessly from trial through appeal.

Robin handles a diverse mix of criminal and civil lawsuits and appeals, focusing on constitutional law, defamation, business fraud and misappropriation, money laundering, Title IX, data privacy and cybersecurity, and business compliance. She represents clients in litigation involving private parties or the government, including cases with parallel criminal and civil proceedings, civil and criminal appeals, and investigations.

Robin has extensive experience in compliance with federal and international anti-bribery and anticorruption standards—including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act, and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws. In addition, she spent much of her career advising and litigating on behalf of state and local government as a prosecutor and outside counsel.

Always passionate about public service, Robin is Treasurer of the Institute for Well-Being In Law (IWIL), a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, and Treasurer of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. She was Chair of the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board from 2017–2021, overseeing Minnesota’s attorney disciplinary system.

Robin is a past President of the Minnesota State Bar Association. She was Adjunct Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law teaching constitutional criminal procedure in 2022.

• Memberships/Affiliations

  Institute for Well-Being In Law (IWIL), Treasurer (2021-present)

   ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism (2021-present)

   ABA House of Delegates (2020-present)

   National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being (2019–2020)

   National Conference of Bar Presidents:

  • Executive Council (2017–present):
  • Secretary (2020–2021)
  • Treasurer (2021–2022)

   Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board:

  • Chair (2017–2021)
  • Executive Committee (2015–2021)
  • Board of Directors (2013–2021)
  • Investigator (2007–12)

  Minnesota State Bar Association:

  • President (2016–2017)
  • President Elect (2015–2016)
  • Treasurer (2014–2015)
  • Secretary (2013–2014)

  Commission on Juvenile Sentencing For Heinous Crimes (2016–18)

  Minnesota State Bar Association Criminal Law Section Council, 2017-present

  Commission On Judicial Selection (10th Judicial District) (2011–16)

  Minnesota County Attorneys Association, appellate and best practices committees (2013- 15)

  Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society:

  • Chair (2015)
  • Vice-Chair (2014)
  • Secretary (2013)
  • Treasurer (2012)

  Minnesota State Bar Association Appellate Practice Section Council Chair (2011)

• Professional Recognition

  Top Women Lawyers, 2017- 2022

  Named 2018 D & I Honoree by The Minnesota Lawyer click here

  SuperLawyers, 2017- 2022

  Named “2016 Attorney of the Year” by The Minnesota Lawyer, click here

  Named “2012 Attorney of the Year” by The Minnesota Lawyer, click here

  Named “Minnesota Rising Star,” by Minnesota Law & Politics (2011)

  Amicus Service Award, International Municipal Lawyers Association
  (2008)

  Lawsuit of the Year, Minnesota Law & Politics (2008)

  Minnesota Citizens Commission For The Preservation Of An Impartial Judiciary (Governor Al Quie, Chair), Reporter 2006-07

Education

J.D., cum laude, Cornell Law School (2001)
Ph.D., Political Science, University of Chicago (1995) B.A., Colby College (1985)

Court Admissions

State of Minnesota
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Personal

Favorite Travel Spot: Langkawi, Malaysia

Favorite Sport: Downhill skiing

Theme Song: Mahler 5 (Previously) Little Known Fact: I am a former college professor and I love working with the next generation.

Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: Empowering my clients to achieve their goals and partnering with them to create options for success both inside and outside the legal process.

Favorite Charity or Non-profit: Urban Ventures in Minneapolis Friends Describe You As: Creative and passionate about serving clients, the legal profession, and the public.

About

Sonia’s skills both inside and outside of the courtroom have been recognized by her peers and adversaries alike. In 2002, Sonia was selected as one of only ten attorneys in Minnesota to be recognized as an “Up and Coming Attorney.” She was subsequently named a “Rising Star” by Minnesota Law and Politics in 2005, 2006, 2008, and a “Super Lawyer” in 2013, 2014, and 2015. And in 2007–2008, Sonia had the distinguished honor of being elected the 89th President of the Hennepin County Bar Association (one of the 15 largest county bar associations in the country), serving as the Association’s first Hispanic President and the second youngest President in its history. Sonia served as the first Latino President of the Minnesota State Bar Association and fifth female President in 2017–2018. In September 2020, Indiana University-Mauer School of Law presented Sonia with its Distinguished Service award in recognition of her extraordinary service to the legal community.

Not only is Sonia committed to her legal practice and meeting her clients’ needs, she is also committed to public service. Sonia was appointed by the ABA President to serve on the prestigious ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary as the 8th Circuit representative; in this capacity, Sonia and the 14-member committee volunteer significant time evaluating presidential nominees to the federal court and issuing ratings to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Department of Justice, and the White House. Over the years, Sonia has provided pro bono assistance to numerous clients, including representation of parents, guardians ad litem, and children caught in foster care and custody disputes. Her commitment to community is also reflected in the variety of non-profit boards of directors on which she has served: the Hennepin County Bar Foundation, Volunteer Lawyers Network, University of Minnesota Legal Services, and the Notre Dame Club of Minnesota. Sonia also served for eight years on the School Board of the Hopkins-based Spanish-immersion public charter school, International Spanish Language Academy, serving as Chair for two years and an officer for several. Sonia feels a strong allegiance to her law school and was honored to be asked to serve on the Indiana University Alumni Board of Directors for several years, as well as the Latino Alumni Advisory Board.

Those who know Sonia know she takes her fun seriously. In addition to playing many board games with her husband and two nearly-grown children, Sonia loves travel, playing competitive tennis, dancing the night away, and cheering on the Notre Dame football team.

• Memberships/Affiliations

  Council on Litigation Management

  Defense Research Institute

  Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association

  National Association of Professional Women

  Minnesota Women Lawyers

  Hennepin County Bar Association:

  President (2007–2008)

  President-Elect (2006–2007)

  Treasurer (2005–2006)

  Secretary (2004–2005)

  Executive Committee (2004- 2009)

  Board of Directors (1998- 2009, 2010- present)

  Community Relations Committee (Chair: 2002- 2004; Co-Chair: 2001–2002)

  Finance & Planning Committee (2003–2008)

  Leadership Institute Planning Committee (2003- 2005)

  Nominating Committee (1999–2004)

  Program Assessment Committee (2002–2003)

  Delivery of Legal Services Committee (Co-Vice-Chair: 2000–2002)

  New Lawyers Section (Chair: 1999–2001)

  Minnesota State Bar Association:

  Treasurer (on leadership track to be President in 2017)

  Board of Governors/Assembly (1998—2004; 2006—2011)

  Operations Committee (2009—present)

  Diversity Implementation Task Force (2006—present) (Co-Chair: 2009—present )

  Governance Committee (2007—2009; Chair 2011–2015)

  Operations Committee (2009–present)

  Diversity Implementation Task Force (2006–present) (Co-Chair:  2009–present)

  Governance Committee (2007–2009)

  Food & Drug Section (Treasurer: 2002–present; Secretary: 2001–2002)

  American Bar Association:

  National Council of Bar Presidents (2007–2009)

  National Affiliate Assistance Team, Young Lawyers Division (1999–2000,2002–2003, 2004–2006)

  Lawyers with Disability Committee, Young Lawyers Division (Co-Vice Chair: 2003– 2004)

  Litigation Committee (Co-Vice Chair: 2002–2003)

  Co-Coordinator, Young Lawyers Division Pilot Project-Taking Hate Out of the Classroom (2001–2002)

  Co-Coordinator, Young Lawyers Division Pilot Project- Operation Arbitration (2000–2001)

• Civic Involvement

  International Spanish Language Academy, School Board (Chair 2009–2011)

  (Former) Hennepin County Bar Foundation — Board of Directors

  (Former) Volunteer Lawyers Network – Board of Directors

  (Former) Indiana University School of Law- Alumni Board of Directors

  Notre Dame Club of Minnesota — Board of Directors

  University of Minnesota Student Legal Services- former Board of Directors

  Youth Empowerment Summit- Minneapolis, Founder

  Helping Kids Belong Project — Coordinator

  “We the Jury” Project — Coordinator

  Immaculate Heart of Mary – Lector, Volunteer Teacher

• Representative Experience
  • Tonicstar, Ltd. v. Lovegreen Turbine Services, Inc., 2006 WL 2472826 (D.Minn)
  • Leucadia v. Intermas, 2003 U.S. Dist. Lexis 2334 (D.Minn)
  • Berczyk v. Emerson Tool Craft, et al., 291 F. Supp. 2d 1004 (D.Minn. 2003)
  • Hammel v. Eau Galle Cheese Factory, 2003 U.S. Dist. Lexis 7515
  • Hammel v. Eau Galle Cheese Factory, 2003 U.S. Dist. Lexis 11380
  • In Re: Welfare of S.N.R., 617 NW 2d 77 (Minn. App. 2000)
  • Halloran v. FranChoice
  • Brambillas v. Underwriters of Lloyds of London
• Publications
  • “MSBA Future: Opportunities realized and awaiting” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 05/18
  • “The cost of kindness? Nothing under the SOLACE program” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 04/18
  • “#MeToo as a moment of opportunity” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 03/18
  • “Riding the Energy Bus” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 02/18
  • “Coming together” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 12/17
  • “A lesson from the trades” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 10/17
  • “Mount Innovate-More” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 09/17
  • “Down with avoidance” Bench&Bar of Minnesota, 08/17
• Presentations
  • “Millennials in the Workforce: Making the “In it for me” Employee In It For You,” CBIZ & Flynn Gaskins & Bennett Seminar, 5/09
  • Panelist,” Women as Leaders in the Legal Profession,” Visions of Women’s Leadership Conference, University of St. Thomas, 10/08
  • Speaker, “Judicial Elections—the Changing Landscape,” American Association of University Women, 11/06
  • “Strategic and Long-Range Planning for Organizations” — 2005 NAPABA National Bar Leadership Institute (IL)
  • “Trends in Non-Compete Litigation” — Firm Seminar, November, 2004
  • “State Farm v. Campbell: The Last Word on Punitive Damages?” — Firm Seminar, September, 2004
  • “Finding & Motivating Members” — 2004
    ABA Young Lawyers Division Fall Conference (TX) & Western Regional Conference (CA)
  • “Top Ten Changes in the ADA”- 2004 ABA Young Lawyers Division Mid-Year Meeting (TX)
  • “Where are We with the ADA”- 2003 ABA Young Lawyers Division Fall Conference (PA)
  • “Is Adoption of the ‘Inevitable Disclosure’ Doctrine Inevitable in Minnesota Courts?” Firm Seminar, 12/03
  • “Defending a Medical Device Claim”- MSBA CLE, 6/03
  • “Taking Hate Out of the Junior/Senior High School Classroom”- 2002 ABA Young Lawyers Division Spring Conference (CO)
  • “Operation Arbitration”- 2001 ABA Young Lawyers Division Spring Conference (AK)
  • “Goal-Setting: Achieving Your Personal Goals”- 2000 ABA Young Lawyers Division Spring Conference (TX)
  • “Youth Empowerment Summit”- 1999 ABA Midwest Regional Conference (WI)
  • “The Lawyerist”- 2015 Podcast #32: Sonia Miller Van Oort’s Non-Traditional Law Firm

Education

J.D., cum laude, Indiana University—Maurer School of Law, Indiana Law Review (1997)

B.A., Dean’s List, University of Notre Dame (1993)

Moscow State University (Summer Program 1992)

Court Admissions

State of Minnesota

State of Iowa

U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota

U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

Honors/Distinctions

“Distinguished Service Award” from Indiana University- Mauer School of Law (2020)

“Top Attorneys in Minnesota,” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine (2014–2020)

“Top Women Attorneys in Minnesota,” by Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine (2014–2020)

“Top 100 Minnesota Highstakes Lawyers” (2019)

“2014 Attorney of the Year,” by The Minnesota Lawyer

“Super Lawyer” by Law & Politics (2013, 2014, 2015)

“Thought Leader,” Future Firms, Indiana University- Mauer School of Law (2009)

“Minnesota Rising Star” by Law & Politics (2005, 2006, 2008)

“Star of the Quarter” by American Bar Association Young Lawyer Division (2006)

Awarded “Distinguished Service Award” by Notre Dame Club of Minnesota (2006)

Selected by Minnesota Lawyer as 1 of 10 “Up and Coming Attorneys” (2002)

Personal

Favorite travel spot: Israel

Favorite sport: Tennis

Theme song: “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

Favorite part of being a lawyer: Developing litigation strategy and implementing it to get the desired result

About

 Towle is a business and transactional attorney with more than 20 years of experience. His practice focuses on real estate, asset and stock transactions, new business creation and expansion, outside general counsel services, and lending. He provides strategic legal counsel to a wide range of clients, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, in various industries, from commercial finance and real estate development to life sciences and manufacturing.

Towle started his legal career 20 years ago at a prominent construction litigation firm in Minneapolis, but eventually transitioned to real estate transactional and lending work. Prior to joining Sapientia in 2015, he was also the owner of an independent filmmaking business and a solo practitioner. Coupled with his transactional and general counsel experience, this unique background and gives Towle invaluable insight to understanding his clients’ needs and concerns and fuels his commitment to client loyalty, cost-effective service, and creative solutions.

General Counsel Services

Towle works closely with his clients on day-to-day operational and growth issues, as well as finding creative solutions to critical business decisions, including company formation, ownership structure and change, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, contracts and licensing, private equity and financing, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial business transactions. In this capacity, he prides himself on being a loyal and trusted confidante to his clients, which gives them the freedom to focus on their business priorities and strategic decisions, not legal concerns.

Towle is also a member of Sapientia’s COVID-19 Business Counsel team formed in response to the pandemic. He combines his lending and transactional experience with his knowledge of the COVID-19 federal loans and financial assistance available to small businesses that are impacted by the pandemic, including those programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Transactional

Towle also has significant experience representing owners, developers, and lenders in all aspects of real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, construction lending, and project management, including drafting, negotiating, closing, and administering construction and term loans; negotiating construction contracts, commercial leases, purchase agreements, and declarations of restrictive covenants, and review and analysis of title and survey, environmental, corporate compliance, and all other due diligence.

• Representative General Counsel Experience
  • Outside general counsel to a foreign, publicly traded company expanding into the U.S. life sciences industry focused on developing technology for mental health diagnosis and monitoring. Draft and negotiate business-development agreements, including product development contracts, consulting agreements, NDAs, data sharing and clinical trial agreements, and sales and licensing contracts.
  • Represent the developer of a 400-acre residential garage condominium and road track project in rural Minnesota.
  • Represent a property management company in connection with its operation of several apartment communities in the Twin Cities.
  • As outside general counsel, oversaw internal investigation of alleged breach of fiduciary duties by executive officer.

• Representative Transactional Experience
  • Represented the lender of a $70,000,000 construction and term loan for the development of a 70-tenant lifestyle shopping center in the Minneapolis metro area.
  • Represented a national bank in a $12,300,000 construction and term loan for development of an office building in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
  • Represented a national retail company in its receipt of $36,000,000 STAR bond funds for the construction of a 235,000 sq. ft. store in Sparks, Nevada.
  • Represented a lender in a $15,000,000 loan for the construction of an ethanol plant.
  • Represented a Twin Cities real estate group in the sales of four apartment complexes for a total of $7,600,000.
  • Represented the developer in the construction financing of a 27-story condominium tower and adjacent townhomes in downtown Minneapolis.
  • Represented the buyer in its purchase and leasing of several office buildings in the Twin Cities metro area ranging in value from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.

Education
J.D., with distinction, University of Iowa College of Law (1999)
B.S., Dean’s List, Northwestern University (1995)

Court Admissions
State of Minnesota

Personal
Favorite Travel Spots: Laos and a secret location in the Colorado Rockies
Favorite Sport: Mountain Biking. Yes, it’s a sport. Theme Song: Live Wire by Mötley Crüe
Favorite Non-Profit: IFP of Minnesota
Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: It’s a profession where having gray hair is a good thing.
Little Known Fact: Directed the feature film Heart of Wilderness