Our Team

About
Andrea is a commercial litigation attorney, who also advises her clients on corporate, commercial, and transactional matters. She is licensed in Colombia and Minnesota. While in Colombia, Andrea worked for a law firm advising national and international clients in a wide variety of business and commercial matters involving real estate transactions, land use and development, corporate formation and governance, intellectual property, commercial contract review and negotiation, foreign investment, and general counsel.

Andrea also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Jose Miguel Mendoza of the Superintendency of Corporations, Division of Private Enforcement. In this role, Andrea drafted opinions and bench memoranda and presided over hearings involving commercial and complex corporate disputes, such as shareholder disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and corporate governance claims.

In 2019, Andrea received her law degree in the United States. Today, she handles a variety of business and commercial litigation issues involving shareholder disputes, corporate governance, fraud and general contract disputes. Andrea also advises clients in the areas of foreign investment in the U.S. and U.S. corporate formation and governance, corporate law, real estate, and commercial transactions. 

Andrea is a passionate advocate of human trafficking cases. She has represented clients in labor trafficking cases in front of the USCIS and has supported law enforcement agencies’ criminal investigations of labor trafficking.

Education
J.D., University of St. Thomas
School of Law (2019)
L.L.M., University of St. Thomas
School of Law (2017)
Andes University, Colombia, International
Business Law Diploma (2013)
J.D., Sergio Arboleda University,
Colombia (2011)

Court and Bar Admissions
United States District Court for the
District of Minnesota (2021)
State of Minnesota (2019)
Colombia (2011)

Memberships/Affiliations
Minnesota State Bar Association
Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association

• Secretary (October 2021-present)
• Board Member (October 2019-
  October 2021)

Hennepin County Bar Association

• Board member representing the
  MHBA (September 2021-present)
• Member of the Diversity and inclusion
  committee

Personal
Favorite Travel Spot: Islas del Rosario, Colombia
Favorite Sport: Soccer
Theme Song: “Amor y Control” by Ruben Blades
(Previously) Little Known Fact: I don’t like big butterflies
Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: Receiving a sincere thank you from a client
Favorite charity/non-profit: Advocates for Human Rights

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
John loves practicing law. He’s practiced for over 35 years, beginning on Wall Street, and brings a level of authenticity to his work that strengthens relationships, not only with his own clients but also with parties on the other side of transactions. His clients value the perspective he brings to the table, which is often a recognition of the actual dynamics at play, sometimes different than the stated or apparent interests or objectives of the parties. Whether in the context of general advisory services or transactions, John’s commitment, attentiveness, perspective, and assertiveness often makes him an integral part of client management teams.

John has vast experience in a multitude of transactional, business, and corporate practice areas, including the following:
• Bankruptcy, Workouts and Debtor/Creditor Law
• Business Formation, Structuring and Joint Ventures
• Business Succession Planning
• Commercial Lending
• Closely Held Businesses
• Corporate Finance and Capital Raising
• Corporate Governance
• Employment and Executive Compensation and Severance
• Entrepreneurs and Emerging Businesses
• Family-Owned Businesses and Succession Planning
• Food and Hospitality, Restaurants, Food Trucks
• Intellectual Property and Licensing
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

When John is not advising clients, he is relaxing with loved ones, listening to the Grateful Dead, or playing disc golf, surfing or basketball. He particularly enjoys doing all of that on the East End of Long Island, where his family has a home.

• Representative Experience
  • Represent clients in middle-market M&A transactions ranging from several hundreds of thousands to several hundreds of millions of dollars
  • Focus on executive compensation and severance, including having represented over 20 senior executives in connection with either executive employment or severance agreements
  • Experienced negotiator and mediator
  • Represent numerous restaurants, chefs, food trucks, and other food and beverage industry participants
  • Represent (pro bono) unaccompanied minor asylum seeker from El Salvador who arrived in the US at age 15 with her (then) 9‑year-old brother
  • Significant experience in loan workout work including representation of creditors’ committee in high profile investment bank (Stockwalk) bankruptcy
  • Represent clients in initial public offerings, having completed over 20 transactions aggregating more than $1 billion in capital raised
  • Represent clients on numerous private placement and other types of private financings
  • Well-versed in going-private transactions, including two management and ESOP-led going private leveraged buyout transactions
  • Lead lawyer on several proxy contests, including two public company contests
  • Represent numerous developers, lenders and/or guarantors in complex real estate developments and restructurings
  • Comprehensive industry experience in manufacturing, construction, printing, real estate development, and high tech

  • Founded and lead as President of Minnesota Food Truck Association, which informs Food Truck Law practice
• Publications and Presentations
  • Moderator: “Food Trucks: Advising Your Clients on Wheels,” American Bar Association Section of Business Law, November 16, 2017
  • “Food Trucks – What it takes from a Legal and Practical Perspective,” Minnesota State Bar Association, April 27, 2016
  • Presenter: Grant Thornton Food & Beverage Executive Forum, April 20, 2015
  • Author, “Delaware Court’s decision could affect reverse triangular mergers,” In House Counsel Supplement to Minnesota Lawyer, October 2011
  • Quoted and featured in various newspapers and publications including the New York Times and Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • Member of the Twin Cities Business M&A Editorial Advisory Group
  • Author, Chapter 1 “Working with an Attorney” and Chapter 13 “Management Contracts” The Practical Musician, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, a division of the Minnesota State Bar Association, 1993
  • Author, “Recent Developments: Section 507 of the Bankruptcy Code 1,” Bankruptcy Developments Journal (1984)
  • Speaker at seminars on various topics pertaining to mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, business law, and food trucks
• Professional Associations
  • Minnesota Food Truck Association, Founder and President
  • American Bar Association, Business Law Section
  • National Food Truck Association, Officer and Board Member
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Business Law Section
  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Business and Securities Law Section
• Civic Involvement
  • Fulfilled wish for Make-A-Wish patient
  • Board of Directors, Minnesota Food Truck Association (Chairman)
  • Board of Directors, EnerChange (Secretary, past Vice Chairman)
  • Member of MN Department of Health Environmental Health Continuous Improvement Board Mobile Food Workgroup
  • Board of Directors, Soo Visual Arts Center
  • Member, Leadership Summit of Minneapolis Hospitality Zone Assessment
  • Board of Directors, National Food Truck Association
  • Board of Directors, ChefLucasFood

Education
Emory University School of Law, J.D. (1985)
University of Vermont, B.A. (1982)

Court and Bar Admissions
State of Minnesota
State of New York
State of Georgia

Honors/Distinctions
North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2013–2020
Selected for inclusion in Minnesota Super Lawyers numerous years since inception in 1993
AV® Preeminent peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Member of Expert Panel of the Legal Transformation Study, an acclaimed study exploring strategic planning scenarios for the legal industry to 2020
Member of Law & Politics/Twin Cities Business M&A Editorial Advisory Group
Executive Managing Editor, Bankruptcy Developments Journal, Emory University School of Law

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

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

Karl Johnson is one of only four attorneys in Minnesota certified as a Business Bankruptcy Specialist by the American Board of Certification. He has appeared as attorney of record in thousands of bankruptcy cases representing debtors, creditors, trustees, and other parties in interest in bankruptcy cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13. Karl clerked for retired Chief Bankruptcy Judge Gregory F. Kishel from 2010 to 2012. Karl is the author of the “Real Estate in Bankruptcy” chapter in the Real Estate Law volume of the Minnesota Practice Series and other publications about bankruptcy topics. From 2017 to 2022, Karl was Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Bulletin. Karl speaks nationally on bankruptcy topics.

Karl represented the debtor with the first confirmed plan under subchapter V of chapter 11 in the nation. Karl has prevailed on issues of first impression regarding treatment of business expenses and student loans in chapter 13. Karl has also successfully defended bankruptcy appeals.

Karl’s clients include individuals, businesses, and institutional creditors. Karl has experience litigating creditor-debtor disputes, collecting debts, defending FDCPA actions, and litigating shareholder disputes.

Karl has also represented logistics companies and large retailers in negotiating motor carrier agreements, transportation broker services agreements, fulfilment center agreements, warehouse services agreements, and bulk transportation agreements.

In addition to his professional work, Karl is dedicated to enriching his community. Karl is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Karl regularly represents pro bono clients and in 2018 received the Raeder Larson Public Service Award for his pro bono service. Karl serves on the board of directors of Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was founded in 1966 to connect pro bono attorneys with pro bono clients, and has held the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the board. Karl is also active with the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Korean American Bar Association of Minnesota.

• Representative Experience
  • Prevailed on issue of first impression regarding treatment of student loans in chapter 13: In re Jordahl, 539 B.R. 567 (8th Cir. BAP 2015)
  • Prevailed on issue of first impression regarding treatment of business expenses under chapter 13: In re Hoffman, 511 B.R. 128 (Bankr. D. Minn. 2014)
  • Represented a client in a bankruptcy adversary proceeding, resulting in state court sanctions being excepted from discharge
  • Defended a bankruptcy adversary proceeding based on allegations of fraud, resulting in dismissal of the complaint
  • Settled a seven-figure fraudulent transfer action for less than 8% of the amount in controversy
  • Negotiated adequate protection that resulted in larger plan payments for a bank client
  • Successfully argued that a nonprofit organization cannot be classified as a small business debtor in a Chapter 11 case and cannot be burdened with the additional procedural requirements that are imposed on a small business debtor
  • Represented debtor in the first confirmed plan in the Eighth Circuit under subchapter V of chapter 11
  • Represented debtors in the chapter 11 bankruptcy case of a restaurant chain with locations in more than a dozen states
  • Negotiated to settle a $1.5 million preference claim for only $170,000
• Selected Publications and Speeches
  • Co-Author, Recent Developments in Section 503—Administrative Expenses, Norton Annual Survey of Bankruptcy Law (Bruce Grohsgal, ed., 2023 ed. Upcoming)
  • Author, Real Estate in Bankruptcy, 25 MINNESOTA PRACTICE—REAL ESTATE LAW, Ch.7 (Wertheim ed., 2019–2021 eds.)
  • Co-Author, “Sale of Assets,” Bankruptcy Practice in Minnesota Deskbook (Larison, Running and Stewart eds., 1st ed., 2016 update; 2nd ed., 2018 and 2020 update)
  • Co-Author, “Bankruptcy Basics,” Representing the Ongoing Business Deskbook, (Willeke edition, 2nd edition, 2017 and 2018 update)
  • Co-Author, “Vesting With or Without Agreement: Implications for Due Process,” National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees Quarterly, Vol. 8, No. 3, at 21 (2nd Qtr. 2016)
  • “Commercial Leases in Bankruptcy,” Minnesota CLE, May 23, 2023
  • “Asset Sales and Liquidating Plans in Sub V,” Nat’l Assoc. of Bankr. Trustees Annual Conference, Chicago, Aug. 27, 2021
  • “7 Things Every Real Estate Attorney Needs to Know About Leases and Bankruptcy Right Now,” Minnesota CLE, July 21, 2021
  • “An Update on Subchapter V—Was it Worth It?” William J. O’Neill Great Lakes Regional Bankr. Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, May 21, 2021
  • Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019, Mitchell Hamline Law School, November 13, 2020
  • Case Law Update, Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute, October 8, 2020
  • Case Law Update, Agricultural Law & Bankruptcy Law Virtual Seminar, State Bar Association of North Dakota, June 3, 2020
  • Case Law Update, Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute, October 3, 2019
  • “Contracts in Bankruptcy,” Minnesota CLE, August 27, 2019
  • “I Take Exception to Your Discharge: Current Developments in Dischargeability Actions,” Minnesota State Bar Association, July 16, 2019.
  • Bankruptcy Case Law Update Webinar, May 31, 2019
  • Case Law Update, Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute, October 4, 2018.
  • “Business Bankruptcy Roundtable,” Minnesota Bankruptcy Institute, October 24, 2017.
  • “New Law & Significant Issues in Bankruptcy: Asset Sales,” Minnesota CLE, July 26, 2017.
  • “Effectively Utilizing Chapter 12 Bankruptcy as a Tool in Agricultural Workouts,” Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota Webinar, March 8, 2017.
  • “What Can You Do With Property Nobody Wants? Vest: Opportunities for Debtors and Pitfalls for Secured Creditors,” Minnesota State Bar Association Bankruptcy Section, February 21, 2017.
• Awards
  • Honoree, Top Lawyers, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Minnesota Monthly (2022)
  • Honoree, Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch,” Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2021 — present)

  • Honoree, Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars
  • Honoree, 2018 Raeder Larson Public Service Award
• Professional Affiliations
  • Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association Member Secretary (2022–2023)

  • Hennepin County Bar Association Member 
  • American Bankruptcy Institute Member 
  • Risk Management Association Member 
  • Korean American Bar Association Member 
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Member Bankruptcy Section: Pro bono Committee Member, Education Chair (2020–2022), Treasurer (2021–2022), and Secretary (2022–2023) Bankruptcy Bulletin, Co-Editor-in-Chief

  • Turnaround Management Association Member 
  • Volunteer Lawyers Network Board of Directors Secretary (2020–2021) Treasurer/Vice Chair (2021–2022)
    Chair (2022–2023)
  • American Board of Certification — Certified Business Bankruptcy Specialist

  • American Bar Foundation — Fellow 
  • Minnesota’s 4th Judicial District Member — District Ethics Committee 
• Civic Involvement
  • Credit Abuse Resistance Education Volunteer 
  • 65–6650-9928, v. 1

Practices
Bankruptcy and Restructuring
Lending and Finance

Education
University of Minnesota Law School (2010)
University of Michigan, M.A. (2002)
Sarah Lawrence College, B.A. (1996)

Court Admissions
State — Minnesota
Federal — District of Minnesota Federal — Central District of Illinois
Federal — Western District of Wisconsin
Federal — Northern District of Texas
Federal — 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

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

Robin Wolpert is an accomplished appellate practitioner, business litigator, and white-collar criminal defense attorney. 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 civil and criminal lawsuits and appeals, focusing on constitutional law, defamation, social media and misinformation campaigns, business fraud and misappropriation, 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 a national leader and public speaker on democracy, ethics, lawyer well-being, implicit bias, and diversity, equity & inclusion. She serves as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, Treasurer of the Institute for Well Being in Law (IWIL), member of the ABA House of Delegates, member of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, special advisor to the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ROLI), past chair of Minnesota’s Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, and 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 Rule of Law Initiative, Special Advisor (2023-present)

   ABA House of Delegates (2020-present)

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

   National Conference of Bar Presidents:

  • President (2023-present)
  • Executive Council (2017–present)
  • Secretary (2020–2021)
  • Treasurer (2021–2022)
  • President Elect (2022–23)

   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, 2017–23

  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- 2023

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

  SuperLawyers, 2017- 2023

  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, Eighth 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
Sheri Stewart is a respected litigation attorney with experience representing parties in employment, personal injury, commercial litigation, and agribusiness cases. She represents and advises clients in cases involving alleged racial discrimination, whistleblower violations, FMLA violations, and other claims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Her practice has included writing all kinds of motions for injunctive relief, dismissal, judgment on the pleadings, and summary judgment. She has experience both in the courtroom and arbitrating commercial matters.

In addition to her business litigation experience, Sheri also has estate planning experience. She has worked with clients to develop wills and testamentary trusts. She has also represented clients in probate and trust administration matters.

Sheri has the distinction of being a lawyer with prior business experience. Before becoming an attorney, Ms. Stewart worked for NBCUniversal in their Corporate Sourcing department as a Sourcing Manager where she negotiated high net worth supplier contracts.

During law school, Ms. Stewart clerked for a national full-service AMLaw 100 firm and served as a judicial extern for the Honorable M. Jacqueline Regis (ret.) of Hennepin County. Sheri has published articles on how race and politics affect access to voting rights, the rise of ADR for young lawyers, and the significance of the Tulsa Massacre among other social and political issues.

Sheri is also a compassionate advocate who is committed to public service. She has volunteered with “Wills for Heroes,” drafting estate plans for first responders. She has advocated for housing access for low-income families in need of housing assistance and in housing hearings through Homeline and Volunteer Lawyers Network. Sheri has also shared her time and energy with HerJustice formerly inMotion, a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping domestic violence survivors get the legal representation and social assistance they needed to get back on their feet.

• Membership/Affiliations
  • Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers
  • Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Advocates for Human Rights
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers
  • Legal Services for the Hudson Valley, Volunteer
  • Wills for Heroes, Volunteer
• Publications and Presentations
  • August 2024 Sapientia Newsletter Meet Sheri Stewart and Learn about Estate Planning August 2024
  • The Tulsa Race Massacre: Its Significance 100 Years Later and the Connection to the Duluth LynchingsThe Tulsa Race Massacre: Its Significance 100 Years Later and the Connection to the Duluth Lynchings

    Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter Bar Talk · Sep 15, 2021

  • A Historical View of How Race and Politics Have Affected Voter AccessA Historical View of How Race and Politics Have Affected Voter Access

    Federal Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Perspectives, Fall 2020 at 4–6. · Oct 1, 2020

  • Systemic changes for transforming the Minneapolis Police DepartmentSystemic changes for transforming the Minneapolis Police Department

    Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter Bar Talk · Sep 16, 2020

  • Epiphanies & Insights on ADR for New Lawyers: A young lawyer’s perspective on the rise of ADR and the preparation processEpiphanies & Insights on ADR for New Lawyers: A young lawyer’s perspective on the rise of ADR and the preparation process

    Hennepin Lawyer · Aug 30, 2020

  • Eighth Circuit Holds that Denial of Religious Accommodations Does Not Give Rise To Title VII Anti-Retaliation ClaimEighth Circuit Holds that Denial of Religious Accommodations Does Not Give Rise To Title VII Anti-Retaliation Claim

    Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter Bar Talk · Sep 11, 2019

Education
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School (2017)
B.A., Wellesley College (2009)
Boston University, London Internship Program, Pre-Law Track (2008)

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

Honors/Distinctions
MABL Foundation Scholarship Award (2016)
The National Black Lawyers: Top 40 under 40 (2020–2022)
“Super Lawyer Rising Star” by Law & Politics ( 2022–2023)
“Ones to Watch” by Best Lawyers (2022–2023)

Personal
Favorite Travel Spot: San Pedro, Belize
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Theme Song: ”I Can” by Chronixx
Favorite Part of Being a Lawyer: Working to solve issues in a system that is not accessible or understood by many in a way that allows us to develop long term solutions.
Favorite charity/non-profit: Minnesota Legal Aid
Friends describe me as: A loyal and giving friend
Favorite quote: ”When people show you who they are the first time, believe them” Maya Angelou

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