Yesterday afternoon, the U. S. Supreme Court struck down OSHA’s vaccine mandate that was applicable to employers with more than 100 employees (referred to as the "emergency temporary standard” or “ETS”).   Although the Court returned the legal dispute over ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the election of Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell, Nicholas Hulwi, and Helen Sulllivan-Looney as Partners. On behalf of the partnership, Managing Partner Sarah Crippen said, “Nick, Liz and Helen represent the very best of what ...

All litigators are familiar with the broad outlines of the hearsay rule, and probably with at least some of its exceptions. Generally, hearsay is not admissible. [1] Hearsay is “a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial ...

Alex Farrell prevailed at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC on behalf of Sorna Corporation.   In 2020,  Sorna successfully protected the validity of its fundamental patent on medical recording methods and software ...

On November 4, 2021, the U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (“OSHA”) emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) was issued. As explained in our prior alerts, the ETS generally requires employers with 100 or more employees ...

Last Friday evening, December 17, 2021, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit upheld OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 vaccination applicable to employers with more than 100 employees.  The ETS was originally issued on November ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce two partners and three associates as outstanding additions to our expanding intellectual property, corporate and litigation practices. Martha J. Engel counsels clients on all matters related to intellectual property, ...

UPDATE: On November 6, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order staying the OSHA rule below. This means that the rule is not in effect at this time. We will continue to follow, monitor, and update these actions closely ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce its inclusion in the “Best Law Firms” rankings by U. S. News-Best Lawyers®. Firms included in the 2022 edition are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. To ...

For the third year in a row, Benchmark Litigation has recognized Joel Schroeder as a Minnesota Labor and Employment Star, one of 39 lawyers in Minnesota to receive the recognition. Best & Flanagan is also ranked as a recommended firm for labor and employment ...

Best & Flanagan is proud to sponsor the great work of Volunteer Lawyers Network, a Minneapolis non-profit that brings civil legal services to people experiencing poverty with the mission of protecting and promoting their basic human needs. Volunteer Lawyers ...

On Friday, August 20, Best & Flanagan celebrated Do Some Good Day as part of our tradition of giving back to the communities in which we live and practice. This year, we continued our support for St. Stephen’s and House of Charity and their mission of ending ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that eleven attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 Edition. Based entirely on peer-review, Best Lawyers employs a survey process designed to capture, as accurately ...

On July 14, 2021, the Wright County District Court approved a $218, 500 settlement agreement between the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District and Best & Flanagan clients Matt and Helene Woods, securing significant policy changes and protections for transgender ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that Mary Shearen and Jennifer Lammers have been recognized in the latest edition of Chambers High Net Worth. Based on in-depth analysis of client and peer interviews assessing legal ability, client service and diligence ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that fifteen 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, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, and Twin ...

Best & Flanagan has been named a 2021 Top Workplace by the Star Tribune.   Top Workplaces recognizes an elite group of companies based on employee opinions measuring engagement and satisfaction. Information was collected by Energage, an independent company ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that attorney Robert Q. Williams has joined the firm’s Real Estate practice group. Rob advises businesses and institutions in all manner of commercial real estate transactions. From planning and development, to acquisition ...

The Women, Diversity & Change Summit, hosted by CenterForce, will explore the best recruiting and retention strategies for diverse talent, discuss ways to maintain standards of excellence while working remotely, and present ways of creating inclusive workplace ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the recognition of eleven attorneys as North Star Lawyers by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA). Members who provide 50 hours or more of pro bono legal services each year are recognized as North Star Lawyers. ...

At its annual meeting last week, the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) appointed Katherine Barrett Wiik, Amy Conners, Joel Schroeder, and Bernadette Senyana to leadership positions for the 2021-2022 bar year beginning September 1, 202 ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that two attorneys from the firm, Tim Sullivan and Katie Barrett Wiik, have been recognized in the 2021 edition of the Chambers USA legal rankings.   As a result of client and peer interviews and recent case assessments ...

Minnesota CLE will host the upcoming 2021 Probate and Trust Law Section Conference on June 7 and 8. Several Best & Flanagan attorneys will be presenting at this year’s virtual conference, which will focus on new developments, practical advice and best practices ...

Yesterday, Liz Hartwell appeared on the Minnesota Family Law Podcast, a podcast by, with, for and about Minnesota family law attorneys, hosted by Tom Tuft of Tuft, Lach, Jerabek & O’Connell. The episode focused on how Liz and Jennifer Stevens (Stevens Family ...

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (or “ARPA”) created both new obligations and new options for employers, which provide a health insurance safety net for employees who are laid off or terminated and allow employers to receive tax credits for voluntarily ...

Katie Barrett Wiik and Brian Linnerooth recently presented “Pet Ownership Disputes in Minnesota” as part of the Animal Law Webcast Series co-sponsored by Minnesota CLE and the MSBA Animal Law Section. Katie and Brian explored the facts and decisions in several ...

The new, third edition of the Minnesota Guardianship and Conservatorship Law Handbook is now available from Minnesota CLE. Authored and edited by Best & Flanagan’s Bob McLeod, the Handbook has been fully updated to cover the 2020 legislative changes to Minnesota ...

On Friday, March 12, 2021, Governor Walz issued a new executive order regarding the COVID-19 virus’s impact on workplaces. Executive Order 21-11 states that, beginning at 11: 59 p. m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, employers may require employees to return ...

We are excited to have begun celebrating Women’s History Month with events supporting current and future women business leaders and recognizing the many contributions the women of Best & Flanagan have made to our firm and our communities. On February 22nd ...

After more than five years of litigation, a Best & Flanagan team led by Amy Conners and Jen Olson successfully settled a class action filed on behalf of a class of retirees in Hennepin County Court. Our clients alleged that an independent life insurance agent ...

A Best & Flanagan team led by partners Joel Schroeder and Katie Barrett Wiik recently secured a win in Minnesota federal court. In denying a motion for a preliminary injunction by UnitedHealth Group, the Court declined to enforce non-compete provisions contained ...

New from Death & Taxes Law blog!

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the election of Craig Kepler and Kyle Hardwick as Partners, effective January 1, 2021.   On behalf of the partnership, Managing Partner Sarah Crippen said, “We are thrilled to welcome Craig as a partner in our real estate ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that attorney Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell has joined the firm’s Family Law practice group. A fierce advocate, Liz compassionately represents her clients in a wide variety of matters including dissolution, custody and ...

As 2020 draws to a close, we want to update you on recent labor and employment law developments, including the federal government’s year-end stimulus package signed into law yesterday and 2021 increases to the minimum wage in Minnesota. Highlights of Federal ...

The Women in Law & Leadership Summit, hosted by CenterForce, will explore the obstacles, risks and rewards on the path to a fulfilling and productive career for women and minority leaders through several panel discussions featuring local women leaders in the ...

New from Death & Taxes Law blog! The rights of a surviving spouse in a probate estate are, in concept, very simple. But implementing the simple concepts requires following a fairly large group of rules. This outline will try to summarize the intended application ...

In conjunction with Pro Bono Week 2020, Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the recognition of three attorneys as Pro Bono All Stars by the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA). MSBA’s North Star Lawyers program recognizes members who provide 50 or more ...

On September 25, Best & Flanagan celebrated Do Some Good Day as part of an on-going campaign to stand with and support the communities in which we live and practice. Members of the firm gathered in Minnehaha Park for a socially-distanced get-together, where ...

Each year, the Minnesota Association for Guardianship & Conservatorship (MAGiC) recognizes an individual who has done outstanding work in the legal field surrounding guardianships or conservatorships. For his tenacity and hard work reviewing, evaluating, and ...

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 Riverfront Celebration, virtually, on Thursday ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that ten attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021 Edition. Based entirely on peer-review, Best Lawyers employs a survey process designed to capture, as accurately ...

Best & Flanagan partner Joel Schroeder will be speaking at the annual Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute on the topic of “Damages in Employment Cases – Defense Perspectives on Deposing Treating Doctors, Contacting Subsequent Employers, Defeating Front ...

On Monday, August 10, 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”). Brian Linnerooth, with assistance ...

Governor Tim Walz issued a new emergency executive order requiring Minnesotans to wear face masks, effective July 25, 2020 and subject to limited exceptions. The executive order remains in place until expiration of the peacetime emergency. Here is what companies ...

Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce that fourteen 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, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, and Twin ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

"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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

(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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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® ...

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 ...

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 ...