Firm News / Articles - Best & Flanagan LLP

June 29, 2020

Best & Flanagan Named a 2020 Star Tribune Top 150 Workplace

Best & Flanagan has been named one of the Top 150 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune, in the small business category. Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational ...

June 17, 2020

Minnesota and United States Supreme Court Breaking News: Federal Anti-Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ Employees, Standard of Proof for Minnesota Harassment Claims, and Sick and Safety Leave Affirmed

On June 15, 2020, the U. S. Supreme Court issued new workplace protections for employees who identify as gay, lesbian, or transgender. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of “sex. ” In the decision released on Monday ...

June 9, 2020

Update Regarding the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (“PPPFA”) was signed into law on June 5, 2020 and extends and revises certain deadlines and loan forgiveness terms under the existing Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), including the following: Percentage of ...

June 1, 2020

Standing with Our Community

Best & Flanagan has an enduring commitment to the communities in which we live and practice. At the moment, we are a community in crisis. As we take a stand against systemic injustices, we share our neighbors’ pain and grieve the death of George Floyd and ...

May 27, 2020

OSHA Requirements for Recording and Reporting Work-Related COVID-19 Cases

Last week, OSHA issued new guidance requiring employer recording of work-related COVID-19 cases. These requirements went into effect on May 26, 2020. While OSHA’s guidance memo acknowledges that it may be difficult for employers to determine whether a COVID ...

May 19, 2020

Alex Farrell Secures Favorable IPR Decision from the Patent Trial & Appeal Board

On Wednesday, May 13, the Patent Trial & Appeal Board (“PTAB”) issued an important Inter Partes Review decision in favor of our client, Sorna Corporation, a worldwide leader in medical information sharing solutions. After several years of litigation history ...

May 15, 2020

Update Regarding SBA Review of PPP Loan Certification

On May 13, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Treasury (Treasury) updated the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs to address SBA’s review of the good faith certification of borrowers who received PPP loans. Recommended Borrower ...

May 13, 2020

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Recognized in 2020 Chambers USA Rankings

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that three attorneys from the firm have been recognized in the 2020 Chambers USA rankings. As a result of client and peer interviews and recent case assessments, Timothy Sullivan and Mary Shearen have been assessed the ...

April 27, 2020

Minnesota Emergency Executive Order 20-40 Allows Workers in Certain Non-Critical Sectors to Return to Safe Workplaces

Beginning April 27, 2020, employers in non-critical manufacturing, industrial and office-based businesses may return to work if they complete the requirements of the Executive Order. Who does EO 20-40 apply to? Executive Order 20-40 allows limited return ...

April 21, 2020

Best & Flanagan Welcomes Kim Ruckdaschel-Haley

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that Kim Ruckdaschel-Haley has joined as a Partner in the firm’s Litigation and Private Wealth Planning practice groups. An experienced litigator, Kim regularly represents institutions and individuals in complex commercial ...

April 13, 2020

Craig Kepler to Present COVID-19 Symposium for Charter School Board Members and Leaders

Craig Kepler will be presenting “Charter School Board and Leader Training, ” a symposium for charter school board members and leaders regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Open Meeting Law requirements and conducting school board elections. Hosted ...

April 2, 2020

Claiming Tax Credits for COVID-19 Related Leaves Under the Families First Act

The IRS has now provided guidance to employers on claiming tax credit and reimbursement for employer-paid COVID-19 related sick leave and FMLA leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). Detailed guidance is available here. The FFCRA ...

April 1, 2020

The CARES Act Expands Retirement and Health Plan Benefits for COVID-19

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act contains several provisions designed to give individuals affected by COVID-19 greater access to their retirement plan funds and expand ...

March 31, 2020

Update on Federal Paid Leave Benefits

In this rapidly changing environment, we continue to monitor action at the federal, state, and local levels. Below is an overview of updates from the U. S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) regarding implementation of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ...

March 31, 2020

MPCA’s flexibility regarding environmental compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recently announced that it will work with regulated businesses to devise alternative means of complying with environmental regulations, where necessary in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing the operational ...

March 30, 2020

Estate Planning during the Coronavirus Pandemic

All of us at Best & Flanagan hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe during this time. Our office is open remotely and we are maintaining normal business hours and after hours as needed. We are taking new clients and serving existing clients. Please ...

Updated March 30, 2020

Update on Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”)

On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act contains an emergency loan program aimed at helping small businesses pay payroll and other operating costs during the COVID-19 pandemic ...

March 26, 2020

Updates on COVID-19 for Employers and Businesses

We have been tracking local, state and federal actions regarding COVID-19, including Governor Walz’s “stay at home” executive order, COVID-19 related paid-leave and small business loan assistance. UPDATES ON THE “STAY AT HOME” EXECUTIVE ORDERThe “Stay At ...

Updated March 24, 2020

Strategies to Implement COVID-19 Paid Leave and Unemployment Benefits

On March 18, 2020, the federal government passed emergency legislation to support businesses and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning Thursday, April 2, 2020, employees will be able to access new, temporary paid leave if they are absent from work ...

March 16, 2020

Best & Flanagan moving to remote operations beginning Monday, March 16, 2020

With Minnesota schools closing this week and given the updates and recommendations we have received from government and other sources, Best & Flanagan has implemented a remote work plan beginning today, March 16. We hope we will be able to re-open our physical ...

March 12, 2020

Best & Flanagan Update Regarding Coronavirus Planning

At Best & Flanagan, we focus daily on achieving dual goals of excellent, personalized client service and a positive and healthy firm culture. In that spirit, we want to update you, our clients and friends, about our contingency planning relating to the Coronavirus ...

March 10, 2020

Best & Flanagan Welcomes Five New Attorneys

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce three partners and two associates as exciting additions to our expanding private wealth planning, intellectual property and business law practices. Private Wealth PlanningRobert A. McLeod is listed as among the Top 1 ...

March 9, 2020

Best & Flanagan Celebrates Women's History Month

During this Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women of Best & Flanagan and send our gratitude to the women and men who have served as partners, role models, friends and mentors to each of us. We’re grateful for their teaching, their support when we really ...

March 2, 2020

Best & Flanagan Sponsors Mentoring Monday

Last week, Best & Flanagan sponsored Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal’s seventh annual Bizwomen Mentoring Monday event. Nearly 250 professional women from diverse industries and sectors across the Twin Cities came to make connections and learn from one ...

February 25, 2020

Ashleigh Leitch to Present at Appellate Practice Institute

Ashleigh Leitch will present “The Nuts and Bolts of an Appeal: How to Build a Better Appeal” at Minnesota CLE’s 14th Annual Appellate Practice Institute. Ashleigh and Christopher Bowman (Madigan, Dahl & Harlan) will discuss ways to improve the preservation ...

February 18, 2020

Tom Heffelfinger and Former U.S. Attorneys File U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief on behalf of Muscogee Nation

On Monday, February 10, 2020, Best & Flanagan’s Tom Heffelfinger and seven other former United States attorneys submitted an amicus brief to the U. S. Supreme Court regarding the need for congressional action in addressing the jurisdictional division of authority ...

February 6, 2020

Nine Questions to Ask at the Beginning of a Shareholder Dispute

You are a shareholder, member, or partner in a closely-held business, but you and your fellow owners seem headed for a break-up. Here are nine things you should think about as you begin your dispute resolution. 1. What do your agreements say? Minnesota courts ...

By Charles Berquist | February 4, 2020

SECURE Act Promotes Retirement Savings

On December 20, 2019, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was signed into law as part of a larger government spending package. The SECURE Act includes several provisions intended to make it easier for people to save ...

January 24, 2020

Appellate Victory for Best & Flanagan in Minnesota Supreme Court

On Tuesday, January 22, 2020, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an opinion in favor of Best & Flanagan’s client, a single mother seeking to change the names of her minor children without providing notice to the children’s putative biological father. The Supreme ...

January 21, 2020

Best & Flanagan Elects Two New Partners

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the election of Libby Davydov and David Joyslin as Partners, effective January 1, 2020. On behalf of the partnership, Managing Partner Sarah Crippen said, "Libby and David are both key players in their respective sections ...

November 18, 2019

Katie Barrett Wiik Moderates Transgender Rights Panel at 2019 AJEI Summit

The 2019 Appellate Judges Education Institute (AJEI) Summit brought together more than 400 appellate judges, staff attorneys, and lawyers to discuss the emerging trends, challenges, and legal issues affecting appellate practitioners and the judiciary. The ...

November 18, 2019

Ashleigh Leitch Earns Favorable Result for Client in Arbitration of a Labor Grievance

Last week, Ashleigh Leitch earned a favorable result for a long-time client of Best & Flanagan in its arbitration of a labor grievance. The parties held the arbitration hearing in early September and received the arbitrator’s decision last week. The arbitrator ...

October 24, 2019

Sarah Crippen Named Among Minnesota’s Top 500 Executives

The Minnesota 500 celebrates the state’s most powerful business executives across dozens of industries. The individuals highlighted were chosen because of how their leadership has made ripple effects on their company, their industry and the larger community ...

October 24, 2019

Ashleigh Leitch Presents at American Association of Code Enforcement Annual Conference

The American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) is a national non-profit representing housing, property maintenance and zoning officials in the United States. AACE’s education, training and certification programs allow code officers to enforce the housing ...

October 16, 2019

Katie Barrett Wiik Receives Journey of Hope Award from Standpoint

Each year Standpoint, formerly the Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project, recognizes the passion and dedication of their partners in advocacy, legal services, and outstanding community service with the Journey of Hope Awards. For her pro bono appellate ...

October 14, 2019

Joel Schroeder Named Labor & Employment Star by Benchmark Litigation

Benchmark Litigation recently recognized Joel Schroeder as a Minnesota Labor and Employment Star, one of 32 lawyers in the state to receive the recognition. Best & Flanagan is also ranked as a recommended firm for labor and employment litigation. Benchmark ...

October 3, 2019

Best & Flanagan Listed as a Top Corporate Law Firm by Forbes Magazine

Forbes published their 2019 list of America’s Top Corporate Law Firms, featuring Best & Flanagan as a recommended law firm for our Bankruptcy & Creditor Remedies practice. The first-ever list of top U. S. corporate law firms saw emerging trends such as strong ...

September 27, 2019

Best & Flanagan Supports Feed My Starving Children at Fourth Annual Pack at the Park

On Wednesday, September 25, Best & Flanagan volunteered at the fourth annual Pack at the Park event hosted by Fox Sports North and the Minnesota Twins in support of Feed My Starving Children. In just two hours, we joined nearly 300 volunteers and packed over ...

September 11, 2019

Dan Grimsrud Interviewed for Life After Business Podcast

Dan Grimsrud, a mergers and acquisitions specialist in our Business & Corporate Law practice group, was interviewed on the September 4, 2019 episode of Ryan Tansom’s Life After Business podcast titled, “The Role of an M&A Attorney, Due Diligence and How to ...

September 10, 2019

Getting It Done for Legal Aid: Ashleigh Leitch Featured in Attorney at Law Magazine

Attorney at Law’s latest issue highlights Ashleigh Leitch and her work with Legal Aid throughout her legal career. “Working at Legal Aid in my hometown helped me to recognize my privilege. In my personal life, I never saw the issues that Legal Aid clients ...

September 6, 2019

Best & Flanagan Proudly Sponsors Equal Access to Justice

Best & Flanagan is proud to sponsor the great work of Volunteer Lawyers Network, a Minneapolis non-profit that brings free legal help to people experiencing poverty. Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) will host its annual Riverfront Celebration on Thursday, September ...

August 30, 2019

Katie Barrett Wiik Participates as “Big New U.S. Supreme Court Decisions” Panelist at Minnesota CLE

Last week, Katie Barrett Wiik joined Mahesha Subbaraman (Subbaraman PLLC) on a panel to discuss “Adhering to, or Overturning, Precedent – Diving Into the Justices’ Decision-Making During the U. S. Supreme Court’s Current Term. ” The session, moderated by Erica ...

August 15, 2019

Best & Flanagan’s appellate attorneys file U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief on behalf of Public Record Media

On Wednesday, August 14, 2019 Best & Flanagan attorneys Katie Barrett Wiik and Brian Linnerooth submitted an amicus brief to the U. S. Supreme Court for its client Public Record Media (PRM). The public interest nonprofit organization is supporting the petitioner ...

August 9, 2019

Minneapolis Wage Theft Ordinance

On Thursday, August 8, 2019, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed a wage theft ordinance that is similar to but has key differences from the wage theft law passed by the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year and that went into effect on July ...

By Charles Berquist | August 6, 2019

Tax Advantages of Qualified Small Business Stock Issued to Employees

A recent issue of the New York Times contained an article about some LinkedIn employees who were granted shares with a value of $0. 12 per share in 2003, which increased in value to $90. 00 per share after the company went public in 2011. Based on a little ...

July 11, 2019

Best & Flanagan Expands Its Real Estate Practice Group

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the addition of two attorneys, Andrew J. Pratt and Craig A. Kepler, to its well-established commercial lending and real estate practice group. Andy Pratt joins Best & Flanagan as a partner with the Real Estate and Municipal ...

July 10, 2019

Best Lawyers in America 2019 List Includes Seven Best & Flanagan Attorneys

Seven Best & Flanagan attorneys were recently selected for inclusion on the Best Lawyers in America 2019 list. The Best Lawyers list is an annual referral guide that includes listings for more than 55, 000 lawyers in 140 specialties, in all 50 states and the ...

July 5, 2019

Ten Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named 2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that ten attorneys from the firm have been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. These attorneys will be recognized in ...

July 5, 2019

Five Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named to 2019 Rising Stars List

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been selected for inclusion as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® and will be included in the Minnesota Super Lawyers magazine’s annual list. Each year, Minnesota Super Lawyers are asked to nominate ...

July 1, 2019

Court Camp

Last week, 18 Minneapolis high school students participated in the second annual Court Camp, an education initiative offered by the Community Outreach and Diversity Committees of the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. The five-day program presented ...

June 21, 2019

Minnesota’s New “Wage Theft” Statute Effective July 1, 2019

On Monday, July 1, 2019, the civil provisions of Minnesota’s new “wage theft” statute will go into effect. This law requires employers to provide new information to employees about their wages and to keep new records about personnel policies and wages. The ...

June 11, 2019

Star Tribune Names Best & Flanagan a 2019 Top Workplace

Best & Flanagan has been selected as a 2019 Star Tribune National Standard Top Workplace. The Star Tribune’s Top Workplaces were selected from the results of an employee survey conducted by Energage, an independent company specializing in researching and ...

June 10, 2019

Best & Flanagan Welcomes Three Summer Associates

Best & Flanagan is excited to welcome its 2019 Summer Associates. Maria Agostinho is a 2020 J. D. candidate at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where she is a Student Ambassador and member of the Black Law Students Association. Maria has assisted Volunteer ...

May 24, 2019

Best & Flanagan Welcomes Helen Sullivan-Looney

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that Helen Sullivan-Looney has joined the firm as an Associate in our Litigation practice group. Helen has been living in Cambodia where she worked as a senior legal consultant at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts ...

May 16, 2019

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Recognized in 2019 Chambers USA Rankings

As a result of client and peer interviews and recent case assessments, Best & Flanagan attorneys Timothy Sullivan and Mary Shearen have been assessed the highest possible rankings as individuals in the 2019 edition of Chambers USA and Chambers High Net Worth ...

May 8, 2019

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Elected to Leadership Positions with the Federal Bar Association

At its annual meeting on May 8, 2019, the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) appointed Katherine Barrett Wiik, Amy Conners, and Joel Schroeder to leadership positions. Katie Barrett Wiik will serve as Co-Vice President of Legal Education ...

May 3, 2019

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Secure Decision in Eighth Circuit

On Monday, April 29, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed a decision from the U. S. District Court for the District of Minnesota regarding alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Attorneys Ashleigh Leitch ...

April 29, 2019

Minneapolis’s Sick and Safety Leave Now Applies to Employers Located Outside of Minneapolis

Today the Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the City of Minneapolis’s paid sick and safety leave ordinance against a challenge by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The ordinance requires employers located outside of Minneapolis to track and pay sick and safe ...

By Ashleigh M. Leitch | March 15, 2019

How Reasonable is That Accommodation? Case Studies Evaluating the Reasonableness of Workplace Accommodations Under the Americans With Disabilities Act

One of the stated purposes of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was “to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. ” To carry out that purpose, the law prohibited ...

By Cathy Gorlin and Marshall Tanick | March 13, 2019

RBG and MN

"As Justice Ginsburg proceeds with her silver anniversary on the high court, her impact has gone well beyond the gender discrimination focus of her pre-judicial career portrayed in cinema, as reflected in this eclectic collection of real Minnesota cases. ...

March 8, 2019

She Leads

In recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women of Best & Flanagan, their achievements, and their leadership. Katherine Barrett WiikKarolina Brekken-HoerlRebecca ChaffeeLauren ClementsAmy ConnersSarah CrippenLibby ...

March 8, 2019

U.S. Dept. of Labor Announces New Salary Threshold of $35,000 for Exemption from Overtime, Minimum Wage Laws

Yesterday, the U. S. Department of Labor announced a new proposal to raise the salary threshold to be exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires employers to pay minimum wage and overtime. Currently, to be exempt, an employee must make a salary ...

March 5, 2019

Katherine Barrett Wiik Appointed At-Large Member of the Commission on Judicial Selection

Best & Flanagan’s Katherine Barrett Wiik was appointed an At-Large Attorney Member of the Commission on Judicial Selection. Members of the 49-person commission are jointly selected by Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and the Minnesota ...

February 14, 2019

Best & Flanagan Welcomes Katherine Barrett Wiik

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that Katherine Barrett Wiik has joined the firm as a Partner in the firm’s Appellate and Litigation practice groups. An accomplished appellate and trial lawyer with more than a decade of practice experience, Katie focuses ...

By Charles Berquist | January 29, 2019

Audits and Corrections of 457(b) Plans for Tax-Exempt Employers

Section 457(b) plans are an effective way for tax-exempt employers to increase the retirement savings of their key employees through employee and/or employer contributions and earnings on those contributions. A 457(b) plan must be maintained pursuant to ...

January 28, 2019

Joel Schroeder to Moderate Panel on Workplace Investigations at National Labor & Employment Law Conference

Joel Schroeder, a partner in the Employment Law Practice Group and Litigation Section, will be moderating a panel at the Federal Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico on February 22. The panel, entitled “Best Practices ...

January 23, 2019

Best & Flanagan Announces Two New Partners

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the election of Karolina Brekken-Hoerl and Jennifer Olson as Partners, effective January 1, 2019. On behalf of the partnership, Managing Partner Sarah Crippen said, “We are proud of the work that Karolina and Jen have ...

By Ashleigh Leitch | December 3, 2018

Employment Law Update: Minimum Wage Keeps Climbing

One recent trend in labor and employment law is the rise of wages for workers in the public and private sectors. Wages Rise in the Public SectorAcross the country, cities have voted to raise the minimum wage for workers. On November 14, 2018, the City of ...

November 5, 2018

Sarah Crippen Named Leading Business Executive by Minnesota 500

In a first-of-its-kind publication, the Minnesota 500 celebrates the state’s most powerful business executives across more than 60 industries. The influential leaders were selected for the impacts they make on our business communities and their unparalleled ...

October 19, 2018

Jen Olson Joins New Lawyers Leadership Panel

The 2018 New Lawyers Leadership Conference on Thursday, November 15 will include a New Lawyers Leadership Panel. This panel will feature new lawyers in current or previously held leadership positions and will seek to describe the benefits of being involved ...

October 1, 2018

Allen Barnard Celebrates 50 Years at Best & Flanagan

Allen D. Barnard is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice groups, as well as its Municipal Law & Land Development practice. He has over 40 years experience representing individuals, corporations and governments in land use law matters ...

September 27, 2018

Best & Flanagan Volunteers to Pack at the Park

This year was Feed My Starving Children's third annual Pack at the Park event, hosted by Fox Sports North and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. In just two days last week, we joined over 2, 500 volunteers to pack nearly 850, 000 meals that will feed more ...

September 11, 2018

Best & Flanagan Strengthens Litigation and Business Law Teams

Matthew J. Gollinger joins Best & Flanagan as a partner with the Commercial Litigation and Construction Law practice groups. Matt has built his practice assisting clients in all aspects of litigation, in federal and state courts as well as alternative dispute ...

August 30, 2018

Amy Conners to Speak at Compliance Intensive for In-House Counsel and Compliance Stakeholders

Minnesota CLE is hosting a new series of half-day seminars focused on compliance issues, ethical insights, and the lawyer’s role in compliance. Amy Conners, along with Greene Espel’s Karl Procaccini, will host a session titled “The Question of Self-Reporting ...

July 5, 2018

Six Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named to 2018 Rising Stars List

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that six attorneys have been selected for inclusion as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® and will be included in the Super Lawyers magazine’s annual list. Each year, Minnesota Super Lawyers are asked to nominate the best ...

July 5, 2018

Nine Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named 2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that nine attorneys from the firm have been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. These attorneys will be recognized in ...

June 28, 2018

Court Camp: A Pilot Program

Last week, local high school students participated in Court Camp, a week-long pilot program co-sponsored by the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association's Community Outreach Committee ...

June 22, 2018

Jen Olson Named Up and Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer

Each year, Minnesota Lawyer seeks to recognize attorneys in their first 10 years of practice who have distinguished themselves by their professional accomplishments, leadership, and service to their community and profession. Jen Olson represents companies ...

By Nicholas D. Hulwi | June 18, 2018

What you need to know about estate planning

As approximately 12, 000 people die each year in Minnesota without a will, it is apparent that a significant portion of the population believes estate planning is either unimportant or unnecessary. However, having an estate plan often times plays an essential ...

May 22, 2018

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Appointed to Leadership Positions with the Federal Bar Association

On May 9, 2018, the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) elected new officers, directors and executive committee leaders for the 2018-2019 FBA year. Amy Conners was re-elected as a co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee. The Community ...

May 15, 2018

Legislators Consider Changes to Sexual Harassment Laws and Abolishing Non-Competes

Both the Minnesota state legislature and U. S. Congress are considering employment-law bills that could impact Minnesota employers. On April 23, 2018, Minnesota House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin introduced a bill (H. F. 4459/S. F. 4031) amending the Minnesota ...

April 30, 2018

Sarah Crippen Honored as 2018 Woman of Distinction

Sarah Crippen has been honored by the Girl Scouts River Valleys as a 2018 Woman of Distinction. As our current Managing Partner, Sarah has put her leadership energies toward supporting and teaching young lawyers, building diversity initiatives, and creating ...

April 27, 2018

Karolina Hoerl and Kyle Hardwick Join Best & Flanagan

Best & Flanagan is excited to announce the addition of two attorneys, Karolina M. Hoerl and Kyle R. Hardwick. Karolina Hoerl focuses her family law practice on prenuptial agreements; marital dissolutions; custody, support and parenting time issues; spousal ...

April 26, 2018

Minnesota Justice Foundation Elects Ashleigh Leitch as Board of Directors Officer

Ashleigh Leitch was elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Justice Foundation in February 2018. MJF boasts a diverse board of directors bearing a broad range of personal, professional, and cultural perspectives that reflect the communities ...

April 9, 2018

Best & Flanagan Featured in Content Pilot Case Study

Best & Flanagan’s practice is founded on the belief that we provide the best advice when we understand our clients, their businesses, their goals and their people, and when the lines of communication with our clients and their other advisors are broad and ...

March 21, 2018

$118 Million Boynton Beach Town Square Redevelopment Project Approved

On Tuesday, March 13, Boynton Beach city officials unanimously approved the $118 million Boynton Beach Town Square Redevelopment Project. The project re-envisions Boynton Beach Boulevard as a “pedestrian-friendly town center to live, work and play. ” Improvements ...

February 19, 2018

Sparing Children from Mass Incarceration: Combating a Dangerous U.S. Model at Home and Abroad

On Thursday, March 1, Best & Flanagan will host "Sparing Children from Mass Incarceration: Combating a Dangerous U. S. Model at Home and Abroad. " Join a panel discussion of local experts who are part of an international movement to fight against U. S. -backed ...

February 9, 2018

Best & Flanagan Featured in Bench & Bar of Minnesota Article

Our offices were featured as a case study in the Bench and Bar article, "Rethinking the Law Office: Trends in legal office space. "

January 3, 2018

Compensation and Benefits Changes in New Tax Act

President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law on December 22, 2017. Fortunately for many employers and employees, several of the major changes contained in the House bill were dropped from the final bill before enactment. However, there are ...

December 20, 2017

Minimum wage increase in Minneapolis effective January 1, 2018

Minneapolis’s ordinance raising the minimum wage recently cleared a major court challenge. On Monday, December 11, 2017, the Hennepin County District Court denied a motion by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and other entities that sought to prevent the ordinance ...

By Ashleigh Leitch | November 28, 2017

New Decisions Evaluating the Reasonableness of Accommodations under the ADA

Employment lawyers know that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U. S. C. §§ 12101 et seq. , places an affirmative duty on employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with known disabilities, unless such an accommodation would be ...

By Charlie Berquist | November 10, 2017

House Tax Bill Makes Major Changes to Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation

The tax bill released by the House on November 2 contains a number of major changes affecting employee benefit plans and executive compensation, which will have a significant negative impact on employers and employees if enacted. Amendments to the bill have ...

November 7, 2017

Bench and Bar: Things I wish I knew before I took the bench!

On Wednesday, November 8, Best & Flanagan will host "Bench and Bar: Things I wish I knew before I took the bench! " This CLE is presented by the Hennepin County Bar Association, and is part of a series of "civil conversations" between the bench and the bar ...

September 26, 2017

Best & Flanagan Packs at the Park with Feed My Starving Children

Best & Flanagan attorneys volunteered last week to package nutritious meals for Feed My Starving Children. The second annual Pack at the Park event, hosted by Fox Sports North and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, was a huge success! In just two days, we ...

September 18, 2017

Three Associates Join Best & Flanagan

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the addition of Lauren Clements, Gene Hummel and Maher Mahmood as associate attorneys in the Litigation practice group. Lauren Clements is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law where her diverse ...

August 16, 2017

Best & Flanagan attorneys prevail at the Minnesota Supreme Court in high-stakes case involving the taxation of costs and disbursements

On Wednesday, August 16, 2017, Ted Sheu and Ashleigh Leitch secured a win on behalf of their client before the Minnesota Supreme Court. The decision saved Best & Flanagan’s client $743, 750 and established important precedent for future litigants. In Klapmeier ...

July 19, 2017

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Prevail in The Minnesota Supreme Court

On July 19, 2017, Ashleigh Leitch and Allen Barnard secured a win on behalf of the City of Golden Valley. The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed the City’s position regarding petitions for administrative search warrants to inspect rental housing for compliance ...

July 2017

Ten Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named 2017 Minnesota Super Lawyers

July 2017

Three Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named to 2017 Rising Stars List

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that three attorneys have been selected for inclusion as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® and will be included in the Super Lawyers magazine’s annual list. Each year, Minnesota Super Lawyers are asked to nominate the best ...

July 2017

Bill Asp Participates on Probate Panel

Bill Asp, a partner in the Private Wealth Planning practice group, participated on a probate panel at this year’s Probate & Trust Law Section Conference in St. Paul. The panel addresses not-so-common issues related to the administration of a decedent’s estate ...

June 9, 2017

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Prevail in Redemption-Waiver Dispute

On December 27, 2016, the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed a borrower’s waiver of the statutory right to redeem property foreclosed by advertisement is unenforceable. See U. S. Bank, Nat’l Ass’n, et al. v. RBP Realty, LLC, 888 N. W. 2d 699 (Minn. Ct. App ...

June 9, 2017

DOL Fiduciary Rule becomes effective June 9, 2017, but no enforcement prior to January 1, 2018

The Department of Labor’s new fiduciary rule significantly expands who will be considered a fiduciary of an employee benefit plan or IRA. The new rule was originally scheduled to become effective on April 10, 2017. Pursuant to the direction of President Trump ...

June 8, 2017

Joel Schroeder Speaks at Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute

Joel Schroeder, a partner in the Employment Law Practice Group and Litigation Section, presented on "Effectively Using Cutting-Edge Computer Forensics in Non-Compete and Trade Secrets Cases" at the 2017 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute. The Employment ...

June 8, 2017

Best & Flanagan Associates and Law Clerks Package Meals for Feed My Starving Children

Best & Flanagan proudly acknowledges its associates and law clerks for their volunteer participation with Feed My Starving Children this spring. Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals specifically formulated ...

May 2, 2017

Ashleigh Leitch to Present to The Minnesota Association of Legal Administrators

On May 2, 2017, Ashleigh Leitch, a labor and employment law attorney with Best & Flanagan, and Brian Walsh, Compliance Supervisor with the City of Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, presented to the HR special interest group of ALAMn, the Minnesota Association ...

May 2017

Versique / Dress for Success Clothing Drive

In May, Best & Flanagan participated in the sixth annual Dress for Success clothing drive hosted by Versique. The firm contributed 8 bags of women’s professional clothing to Dress for Success, an organization that seeks to empower women to achieve economic ...

2017

Best & Flanagan Proudly Participates in Feed My Starving Children

Best & Flanagan proudly acknowledges its associates and law clerks for their volunteer participation with Feed My Starving Children. Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals specifically formulated for ...

April 21, 2017

Ashleigh Leitch Presents to Tribal Casino HR Professionals

On Friday, April 21, 2017, Ashleigh Leitch presented at a conference for tribal casino human resources professionals. HR representatives from tribal casinos across Minnesota convened at the Lower Sioux Indian Community near Morton, MN. The subject of Ashleigh ...

March 16, 2017

David Schelzel Participates in Panel Discussion at 2017 SXSW Conference

On March 16, 2017, intellectual property attorney David Schelzel participated in a panel discussion at this year's South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin, Texas. Preceded by an open letter to Congress signed by more than 200 recording artists and industry ...

February 9, 2017

Best & Flanagan Welcomes Gregory Perleberg, Norman Taple, and John Sullivan

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that Gregory Perleberg and Norman Taple have joined the firm as partners, and John Sullivan has joined as an associate attorney. Greg Perleberg practices in business law and has over 25 years of legal and private sector ...

November 23, 2016

Federal Court Blocks New Overtime Regulations

Late yesterday afternoon, a federal district court in Texas issued a nationwide injunction order preventing the United States Department of Labor from enforcing new wage and hour regulations that were set to go into effect on December 1, 2016. Those regulations ...

November 11, 2016

John Richter Joins Best & Flanagan

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the addition of John A. Richter as an associate in the firm’s Business Law practice group. John is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law and prior to law school earned a degree in accounting from ...

November 3, 2016

Heffelfinger Named Co-Chair of The Judicial Selection Committee

Thomas B. Heffelfinger was named co-chair of the judicial selection committee assisting U. S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken in making recommendations to the President for vacancies on Minnesota’s federal district court.

November 3, 2016

Crippen Quoted Star Tribune Business Article

Managing Partner, Sarah E. Crippen, was quoted in the October 31, 2016, Star Tribune Business Section article “Law Firms Rethink Corner Offices. ”

August 30, 2016

Best & Flanagan Hosts Mentor Morning Event

Best & Flanagan will host MN Innovates’ Mentor Morning program during Twin Cities Start-Up Week with a networking meeting on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, from 7: 30 AM to 9: 00 AM at the firm’s office. For directions to Best & Flanagan, click here. MN ...

August 16, 2016

Best & Flanagan Congratulates Mary E. Shearen

Selected by her peers, Mary E. Shearen has been included in the 23rd edition of Best Lawyers in America© for her work in Tax Law and Trusts and Estates.

August 1, 2016

Ten Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named 2016 Minnesota Super Lawyers

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that ten attorneys from the firm have been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers® recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice. These attorneys will be recognized in ...

August 1, 2016

Five Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named to 2016 Rising Stars List

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that five attorneys have been selected for inclusion as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® and will be included in the Super Lawyers magazine’s annual list. Each year, Minnesota Super Lawyers are asked to nominate the best ...

July 16, 2016

Cathy Gorlin Published In Current Issue of Minnpost

Best & Flanagan’s Cathy Gorlin, has been published in the current issue of MinnPost. Cathy authored an article that discusses the unintended results of Minnesota’s new living-together law. Click here to read the full article.

June 17, 2016

Best & Flanagan Featured In The MPLS/St. Paul Journal

Best & Flanagan’s new office space was featured June 14, 2016 in The Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal Cool Offices column. Best & Flanagan moved to new space in July 2015 and designed an efficient work space that reflects the culture of the firm. Read here for ...

June 2, 2016

Minneapolis Enacts City-Wide Paid Sick Leave; Joins State-Wide and National Trends

On May 27, 2016, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved an ordinance granting paid sick leave to most workers in the city. Employers with six or more employees who work at least 80 hours in a year must provide paid sick leave. Newly-established ...

June 1, 2016

Tom Heffelfinger Discusses Federal Officials Decision

Tom Heffelfinger will appear on the 6: 00 KARE-11 news discussing today’s announcement by the Minnesota U. S. Attorney that federal officials have declined to prosecute police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jamar Clark. Tom’s background as a twice ...

May 18, 2016

Breaking News: Major Changes Announced to Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws

Today the U. S. Department of Labor announced its changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to expand eligibility for overtime pay to approximately 4 million workers. The new rules will significantly affect employers with exempt, salaried employees who ...

May 13, 2016

The Newly Enacted Defend Trade Secrets Act Increases Federal Protection for Trade Secret Misappropriation

On May 11, 2016 President Obama signed the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA), a bill that expands a federal law designed to protect intellectual property. The DTSA creates a federal private right of action for trade secret claims that will allow private companies ...

April 15, 2016

Ashleigh Leitch Featured in Minnesota Lawyer

In the April 14 issue of Minnesota Lawyer, employment & labor attorney Ashleigh Leitch discusses the recent lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claiming employers have violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by not ...

March 7, 2016

Important Update for Employers Regarding EEOC and Sexual Discrimination

On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed two federal lawsuits against Pallet Companies and Scott Medical Health Center for violating Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The lawsuits allege that the companies discriminated ...

February 18, 2016

Sarah Crippen Elected Managing Partner

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that the partnership has elected Sarah E. Crippen as its Managing Partner. Crippen has previously served on the firm’s Executive Committee, chaired the litigation section and labor and employment law practice, headed ...

January 22, 2016

Remembering Bob Maher

With heavy hearts, Best & Flanagan grieves the loss of our friend and partner, Bob Maher. A fierce competitor and loyal friend, Bob lived a life of integrity, grace, and unwavering commitment to fairness and decency – always laced with an irrepressible and ...

January 14, 2016

Best & Flanagan Adds Two New Attorneys

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the addition of two new associates to the firm’s Minneapolis office. The firm welcomes Allison Brandenburg, Business and Real Estate Law and Jennifer Olson, Litigation and Employment & Labor Law. Allison Brandenburg is ...

January 13, 2016

Best & Flanagan Announces New Partner

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce William (Bill) Asp has been elected to the firm’s Partnership, effective January 1, 2016. The election recognizes Bill’s contributions to the firm, his commitment to client service and the professionalism he brings to ...

August 14, 2015

D.C. Circuit Again Defends Attorney-Client Privilege Protections in Internal Investigations

On August 11, 2015—for the second time in just over a year—the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a strong defense of the attorney-client privilege that exists in internal investigations overseen by in-house counsel. The court ...

April 13, 2015

Confidentiality Agreements Should Not Discourage Whistleblowers

Companies conducting internal investigations should not require—or request—that employees enter into confidentiality agreements that might discourage whistleblowers. So says the Securities and Exchange Commission, which on April 1, 2015, announced an enforcement ...

April 1, 2015

Family Law Attorney Cathy Gorlin Recognized By National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Family law attorney, Cathy Gorlin has been selected a Member of the “Nation’s Top One Percent” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC). NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission ...

June 4, 2014

Employment & Labor Law Alert: Employers Should Act Now to Ensure Compliance with Women’s Economic Security Act By July 1, 2014

Minnesota employers should take immediate steps to review and revise sick time, family leave, and other workplace policies to ensure that they comply with the newly enacted Women’s Economic Security Act (“WESA”). Beginning July 1, 2014, Minnesota employers ...

May 22, 2014

Employment & Labor Law Alert: Women’s Economic Security Act Sets New Workplace Requirements for Employers

(Updated June 4, 2014, to reflect July 1, 2014, effective date of some provisions. ) Minnesota employers should review and update workplace policies to ensure compliance with a range of new mandates and protections set out in the Women’s Economic Security ...

January 23, 2014

Insurance Coverage for “Advertising Injury” Liability

Designers, advertisers, and other creatives, as well as their clients need to think about potential trademark infringement liability each time a new tagline or logo is created and used to market goods or services. Potential liability is generally addressed ...

August 26, 2013

Employment & Labor Law Alert: Important Update for Minnesota Employers on Changes to Background Checks

Minnesota employers will soon need to review hiring practices to ensure that they comply with a new state law that limits when job applicants may be asked about criminal records. The new Minnesota law takes effect as the federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination ...

August 15, 2013

Eight Best & Flanagan Attorneys Recognized Among The Best Lawyers In America® 2014

MINNEAPOLIS (August 15, 2013) – Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that eight of its lawyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2014 rankings. The attorneys selected this year and their practice areas of ranking ...

July 8, 2013

Four Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named to 2013 Rising Stars List

Minneapolis, MN. July 8, 2013 – Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been selected for inclusion as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® and will be included in the Super Lawyers magazine’s annual list. Each year, Minnesota Super Lawyers ...

July 8, 2013

Eight Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named 2013 Minnesota Super Lawyers

Minneapolis, MN. July 8, 2013 – Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that eight attorneys from the firm have been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. These attorneys will be recognized in the August issues of Minnesota Super Lawyers magazine, Twin ...

May 20, 2013

Best & Flanagan Attorney and Former U.S. Attorney, Thomas Heffelfinger, Appointed by Senators Klobuchar and Franken to Join Advisory Committee for U.S. Attorney

U. S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced on May 17, 2013 the formation of an advisory committee to assist them in recommending Minnesota’s next U. S. Attorney to the President. The current U. S. Attorney B. Todd Jones has been nominated to serve ...

April 12, 2013

Best & Flanagan Attorneys Bradley Williams and Edward Sheu Quoted in The Star Tribune

Best & Flanagan has represented key investors that lost significant funds in an elaborate real estate shell game involving DBSI, a privately held real estate firm based in Idaho that catered to mom and pop investors. On Wednesday, April 10th, Douglas Swenson ...

March 21, 2013

Employment & Labor Law Alert: Government Requires Employers to Use Revised Form I-9 By May

The U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) soon will require employers to use a newly revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 when confirming that employees are eligible to work in the United States. USCIS released the revised Form ...

November 15, 2012

Paving the Way – Step By Step Process for Creating Mutual Insurance Holding Companies in Minnesota and Beyond

The insurance laws of several states, including Minnesota, provide for the creation of “mutual insurance holding companies”. A mutual insurance company can convert to a mutual insurance holding company structure by electing to do so under the applicable insurance ...

September 25, 2012

Five Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named 2012 “Minnesota Rising Stars”

Minneapolis, MN – Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that five attorneys were recently selected as Minnesota Rising Stars. Each year, Minnesota Super Lawyers are asked to nominate the best up-and-coming lawyers they’ve observed in action, as opposing counsel ...

September 11, 2012

Thirteen Best & Flanagan Attorneys Named as Super Lawyers®

Minneapolis, MN – Eleven Best & Flanagan attorneys were recently selected for the inclusion in Super Lawyers® and were named on the annual list. No more than five percent of the state’s lawyers are selected for inclusion, based on a statewide nomination process ...

March 9, 2012

Sarah E. Crippen Certified by Minnesota State Bar Association as Labor and Employment Law Specialist

Best & Flanagan LLP is pleased to announce that Sarah E. Crippen has been named a Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. The certification recognizes Sarah’s significant experience representing clients in labor ...

February 22, 2012

“Attorney of the Year” Ceremony, Best & Flanagan’s Thomas B. Heffelfinger Honored

Best & Flanagan shareholder Thomas B. Heffelfinger has been recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as a 2011 Attorney of the Year. This award is reserved for a select group of attorneys from throughout the state who have distinguished themselves through exemplary ...

November 22, 2011

Mary E. Shearen Chosen as one of Minnesota’s “Top Women in Finance”

Mary E. Shearen, partner at Best & Flanagan LLP, is honored to have been selected by Finance & Commerce as one of their 2011 “Top Women in Finance. ” This award recognizes and celebrates Minnesota’s women who have made significant contributions to the financial ...

November 22, 2011

Best & Flanagan LLP Recognized As “Best Lawyers in America” and as a First Tier Firm in Trust & Estate Law

Best & Flanagan LLP Recognized As “Best Lawyers in America” and as a First Tier Firm in Trust & Estate Law Five Attorneys from the Firm Also Recognized as “Best Lawyers in America” Best & Flanagan LLP has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® ...

August 19, 2010

Best & Flanagan 2010 Minnesota Super Lawyers

Best & Flanagan congratulates the following attorneys, selected for inclusion in 2010 Minnesota Super Lawyers: John A. Burton – Private Wealth Planning James M. Christenson – Real Estate James C. Diracles – Business Law Cathy E. Gorlin – Family Law Thomas ...

Additional Insured Coverage: Do You Know What Coverage You Actually Have?

You are the manager of Company ABLE. You sign an agreement with Company XENON that requires it to provide coverage under its Commercial General Liability Policy (“CGL”) to Company ABLE as an additional insured. The insurance agent for Company XENON sends you ...