Dakota County Lawyers

John is the founder of the Minneapolis employment and civil rights litigation firm of John A. Klassen, P.A. He received law degrees from the University of British Columbia (1992) and Seattle University (1993). Since 1994, John has practiced exclusively in the areas of employment and civil rights law. He has represented employees and victims of civil rights violations throughout the United States, in the areas of harassment and discrimination law, False Claims Act/Qui Tam claims, whistleblower law, wage and hour disputes, class action claims, employment contract disputes, and sexual abuse. Employees consult with him on a regular...

Maria Trafton is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota. Maria received her Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota where she graduated Cum Laude. She received her undergraduate degree in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Maria moved to the Twin Cities to attend college. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time working on do-it-yourself projects, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Maria has held numerous legal positions in both immigration and family law. While attending law school, Maria participated...

Matthew S. Greenstein is a practicing attorney at Greenstein Sellers PLLC focusing in areas such as homeowner association law, creditors’ remedies, real estate & land use, and commercial litigation. Matthew represents more than 400 homeowner associations throughout the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. He earned his J.D. from Hamline University School of Law and his B.S. from Metropolitan State University.

With over 24 years of experience serving as counsel for banking institutions, real estate developers, and organizations with substantial employee bases, our Firm is committed to delivering outstanding results. We assist clients with a variety of needs including corporate, banking, real estate, and various commercial transactions and disputes. I am David A. Lutz, an attorney based in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Throughout my career, I have handled negotiations for projects as large as $100 million dollar real-estate transactions and have led the legal aspects of notable hotel projects such as the Water Park of America and the Grand Hotel Minneapolis. I understand...

Voted Favorite Femal Family Law Attorney by the readers of Minnesota Women's Press 2008

Erin Conway Johnsen is a Minneapolis-based attorney with the firm Garner & Ginsburg, PA. She specializes in franchise law, helping franchisees and dealers resolve their disputes. Her work includes reviewing franchise agreements, negotiating agreement alterations, helping franchisees get out of agreements, drafting franchise agreement addenda, and more. Erin graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2012. During here time at the U of M, she served as an editor for the Minnesota Law Review. She received her B.A. from Duke University, where she made the Dean's List.

Bob served as the Minneapolis City Attorney for nearly two decades, advising all elected and appointed officers, department heads, and employees. As City Attorney, he also litigated numerous cases and served as labor relations and licensing counsel. In addition, Bob has served as President of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the Minnesota Municipal Lawyers Association as well as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Minnesota. In private practice, Bob has focused on both public sector and private sector labor and employment matters.

Frances E. Baillon is a recognized advocate for those who have been treated unfairly by the illegal practices of employers. A founding partner of Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta LLP, Frances litigates and tries employment cases in state and federal court involving sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation. She has also successfully argued cases before the Minnesota state and federal district courts, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Frances has consistently been named to the lists of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars by her peers and has made the lists...

Draeke Weseman is a trademark and business attorney in Minneapolis, MN. He started Weseman Law Office, PLLC in 2010 to serve entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses in Minnesota. Visit www.wesemanlaw.com or call 888-614-6864 for more information.

Robert Brabbit joined SiebenCarey in June 2017, and provides clients with more than 28 years of personal injury law expertise. Robert was a founding partner in the Minneapolis law firm of Brabbit & Salita, PA. As a trial lawyer, he practices in the area of civil litigation on behalf of plaintiffs and concentrates in workers' compensation, automobile negligence, product liability and wrongful death. His practice also includes asbestos related injuries such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Martindale-Hubbell awarded Robert an AV rating after an extensive and confidential peer review by members of the bench and bar. In 2005 he...

A Minnesota native, William Bongard grew up traveling the world as the son of a professional foreign service worker. His entire 37-year career in has been spent at the law firm of SiebenCarey representing Minnesotans when they experience accidental injury. William is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also state certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. Most recently, William was selected as a 2019 Super Lawyers honoree. In 2008, he was selected by Minnesota Lawyer as one of 15 Attorneys of...

Jack E. Pierce is a Minnesota-based lawyer with the firm Bernick Lifson. His areas of focus include business and real estate litigation. In addition to trial experience, he has argued cases before federal courts of appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court. Trials he has participated in have covered issues related to employment and shareholder disputes, construction defects, and real estate disagreements. In his work, Jack places an emphasis on advising clients on how to avoid litigation, as a means to avoid going to trial in court. In his free time, Jack enjoys volunteering at a local high school as a...

I take deep care to get to know my clients, their background and story, and their values so that when moments to negotiate, settle, or go to trial arise, I am properly informed to use the tools of law and advocacy to bring about the best outcome for my client. I provide the most efficient and effective representation possible for my clients. I am adaptable, learn on my feet, and have extensive knowledge in family, divorce, and criminal matters. I incorporate my knowledge of the law with the deep knowledge I come to have of my clients to provide top...

Todd handles matters in Wills, Trusts, and Estates; Family Law; and Civil Litigation. He also provides pro bono representation to youth in foster care in association with the Children's Law Center of Minnesota. Before moving to Minnesota, Todd practiced law in Denver, Colorado in the areas of Municipal Law and Litigation. He also gained experience in Civil Rights Law while interning with the United States Department of Justice and the University of Iowa Clinical Law Programs. Todd is a graduate of Tulane University and the University of Iowa College of Law. He was born and raised in Independence, Iowa.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in May 2010 and became licensed as an attorney in October 2010. I have been working at Drewes Law, PLLC since July 2009, beginning as a law clerk before transitioning to an associate. I work primarily in litigation with a real estate focus. The majority of cases I work on relate to foreclosure defense, although I also work with clients regarding a variety of business and contract disputes. I have been involved with the firm's consumer bankruptcy practice, although I do not practice bankruptcy myself at...

O'Brien Law Firm is dedicated to serving you, offering an extensive range of services for both personal and business legal needs. Contact me today to set up a free consultation. I appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.

Marc Beyer practices in all areas of family law. He assists clients in resolving matters related to child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. Marc’s philosophy is to negotiate the best settlement possible, but he is prepared to go to trial when necessary. Recognizing that every situation is unique, Marc takes pride in listening to his client’s concerns, and creates goals, expectations, and case strategy for the client accordingly. Marc has been recognized as a Rising Star by Minnesota Law & Politics, as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of...

Drew McNeil is a Minnesota-based lawyer with the firm Bernick Lifson PA. Drew specializes in issues including commercial litigation, employee and labor law, real estate litigation, business transactions, landlord/tenant law, and real estate litigation. Drew received his J.D. from University of Minnesota School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude in 2012 and his B.S. from University of St. Thomas, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2009. During his time in law school, Drew served as managing editor of the Minnesota Law Review. Before joining Bernick Lifson, Drew clerked for the Federal Trade Commission’s Midwest Regional office in...

Christopher J. Vilione joined The Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones as an associate attorney in November 2010 before being made a partner in July 2018. He provides clients with more than 10 years of experience in personal injury law. Specifically, over the past decade, Chris has successfully represented clients in hundreds of no-fault arbitration hearings, mediations, jury trials, and other civil litigation matters. Chris is an active member of the Minnesota Association for Justice and has been named to the National Top 40 Under 40 personal injury attorneys by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, the National Trial Lawyers Association and the American Academy of Attorneys. In 2023,...

Martin Melang’s diverse background and experience provide him an advantage in understanding all aspects of civil litigation, including creditor/debtor law and Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy. Since joining Burns & Hansen, Marty has handled and assisted hundreds of cases across the spectrum of law in state and federal Courts. These cases include real estate, employment, and business disputes. He also regularly assists clients with their financial needs and helps them overcome economic challenges.

Marty graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2003, after completing his Bachelors of Arts degree...

Erik Hansen is the managing partner at Burns and Hansen, focusing on complex civil litigation, appeals, and business transactions. Erik has over twenty years of experience litigating multi-million dollar, high-stakes complex civil litigation cases in state and federal court in Minnesota and across the country. Erik has successfully argued cases at every level of state court in Minnesota, as well as in multiple federal jurisdictions, both at the district and appellate court levels. Erik has received national awards and recognition for his advocacy on behalf of clients. Erik is an established voice in the Minnesota appellate practice community. He brings a broad...

Dan is a lifelong resident of Minnesota. Born in St. Paul, Dan spent many of his formative years growing up there before moving to White Bear Lake. After graduating from White Bear Lake, Dan spent four glorious years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in two majors. Dan worked as a Senior Investigator at the Minnesota Department of Commerce for several years after graduating from college. During his final years Dan attended William Mitchell College of Law while still working full-time. During this exhausting 3 ½ year period Dan honed his skills in becoming an efficient,...

I believe that family is at the core of our communities. In that respect my practice of family law and contracts emphasizes respect for the family, protection for children and fair & balanced treatment of individuals. Without sacrificing zealous client advocacy I strive to find solutions that benefit clients from the start with limited expense. We are a community of immigrants and are stronger because of it. I believe our immigration laws should work for us not against us and my office endeavors to find ways to make immigration laws most effective for our clients. I have extensive...

Chelsea Barr is a family law and estate planning attorney with a desire to help families navigate some of the most stressful and sensitive times of their lives.

Chelsea graduated magna cum laude from Minnesota State University, Mankato. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at the Domestic Violence Unit of the Niagara Falls Police Department. Chelsea earned her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. During law school, she worked as a certified student attorney at the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. She participated in the Immigration Appellate Clinic, representing individuals in their immigration appeals. Chelsea also served as...

Cody Scharpf joined Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben in 2020 and brings with her experience and compassion when helping people through often the most difficult time in their lives. She worked as a law clerk while she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2015 from William Mitchell College of Law. Cody received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University with a B.S. in Paralegal with an emphasis in Criminal & Civil litigation and Commercial Law. Even though the majority of Cody’s career has been on the defense side for insurance companies, she always knew that she wanted to return to representing plaintiffs at...

At the law office of Judith A. Samson, I strive to provide a compassionate and welcoming atmosphere for clients while aggressively pursuing their defense, acquittal, and freedom. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, I recognize the need to provide clients with thorough understanding of their options and realistic outcomes while also vigorously defending against the charges. I have been serving clients as a Minnesota defense attorney for more than 15 years and provide comprehensive defense services ranging from drug charges and DUI to assault, theft, and juvenile crimes. Being investigated or charged with a crime can be a frightening and life-changing...

My name is Max Shek, and I am a DWI, criminal defense, and appeals attorney and am the founder of Shek Law LLC. I completed my undergraduate from Michigan State University, where I graduated with honors. I then earned my Juris Doctor’s degree from The University of Minnesota Law School and received a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Business. These particular JD and MBA programs are each nationally ranked and are the highest-ranked programs in Minnesota. From there, I entered the world of banking regulation, where I worked for one of the largest...