Excelsior Lawyers

Pamela Rochlin is a personal injury attorney who is deeply committed to helping injured victims and their families who have been harmed by the wrongdoing of others. She is among the few Minnesota women attorneys who represent injury victims. Pam has worked to maximize recovery for hundreds of individuals through settlement and trial, helping them through a difficult time in their lives. Pam Rochlin handles a variety of cases and injury claims. Practice areas include: -Serious car or truck crashes. -Drunk driving collisions. -Products Liability. -Construction or workplace accidents. -Dog Attacks or...

Jennifer L. Thompson is a Minnesota child protection attorney whose passion is to provide Family-Centered Advocacy for Every Season of Your Lifetime.SM Some seasons of life are full of joy – like adopting the children of your spouse or those who’ve been in foster care. Others are more stormy – especially when social services gets involved with your own children. Whether your children have been removed from your home, you or your facility are under investigation by social services, or you are seeking to intervene in the child protection case of someone you care about, JLT’s effective, empathetic experience will help...

Steve Fields founded Fields Law Firm in 2001 and quickly established a reputation with his Personal Injury clients for being a lawyer who truly cares. After more than 20 years, those clients continue to refer their friends and family whenever they have been injured or become disabled. Fields Law currently handles cases for Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Long Term Disability, Social Security Disability and Consumer Rights and has grown to be one of the largest injury and disability law firms in the nation. Together with his experienced team of legal professionals, Steve ensures clients win their case, maximize their recovery...

Gerard W. Mannion is a criminal defense attorney who cares deeply about the well-being of his clients. With every case he works, Gerard fights tirelessly to ensure that his clients achieve the best outcome possible while establishing lasting connections with everyone involved. Originally from Billings, Montana, Gerard has legal experience spanning across three states that includes judicial clerkship, federal criminal defense, and civil litigation. Gerard also spent multiple years in the banking and restaurant industries before moving to Minnesota to join the Kans Law Firm. Gerard earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Montana State University – Billings before...

Susanne Gad is a renowned advocate for vulnerable and marginalized groups. After a successful, decade-long career as an attorney for the United Nations, Susanne's sister decided to join forces with her sister Sarah and crusade for justice. Susanne is among the most sought-after immigration advocates in the country due to her exceptional track record of success when it comes to asylum status, identifying paths to citizenship, and appealing cases lost by other immigration and human rights attorneys. In fact, a large number of Susanne's immigration clients turned to her in order to fix mistakes caused by their previous immigration...

My education in the law happened at Yale, but before that I graduated from the University of Kansas and a high school in eastern North Dakota, in a class of twenty-five seniors. The variety of that experience has been replicated in my legal work, in which I have represented small- and medium-sized business owners, individuals, and corporate clients in the banking and pharmaceutical industries. Whether the client needs to show the fair valuation of a business, the meaning of a law or regulation, fraud, or the terms of a contract, I bring a careful, intentional approach that seeks to identify the...

I practiced criminal law in California for 16 years and continue to practice criminal law in both the State and Federal Courts in Minnesota. I was honored as an attorney of the year from the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association in 2002. I have handled and tried cases to juries in everything from petty theft, DWI, and minor drug cases to very serious robberies, burglaries and homicides. I have won numerous cases and most recently won a felony sexual assault appeal and then won the jury retrial in the case in Washington County Minnesota in 2010. I...

HOW I HELP I support employees separating from employment under less than ideal circumstances, provide guidance to business owners experiencing messy business divorces or other legal challenges, and support small employers by providing on-demand employment advice. MY EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE I am an experienced trial lawyer--having conducted multiple trials before both state and federal juries. I am also an experienced litigator, negotiator, and advisor with extensive experience in Minnesota's state and federal courts, as well as courts across the country. I have represented both businesses and individuals in wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, non-competition, and non-solicitation cases; fought on behalf of companies...

Daniel S. Schleck’s varied career has involved many areas of transactional law including environmental law and policy; renewable energy projects; commercial real estate development; financing and corporate matters; municipal and land use law; and eminent domain proceedings. More specifically, Mr. Schleck has experience in structuring complex transactions and financing packages for all aspects of property development. He has successfully secured significant public grant funds including TIF, PACE and TBRA funds for clients that choose to redevelop contaminated property—using these funds in creative and successful financing structures. As a former city attorney for Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Dan’s unique...

David Tanabe is an attorney in the business litigation group with Messerli Kramer, where he focuses on all aspects of bankruptcy law, business restructuring, and insolvency. His clients include financial institutions, lenders, receivers, asset purchasers, trade creditors, and businesses. He also works closely with transactional attorneys on an array of matters, including sales of assets, financing, real-estate purchases and sales, commercial leasing, and workouts. As a ten-year veteran of the NHL, David understands the importance of teamwork and the power of operating efficiently and cohesively. Whether learning the game from Hall-of-Famers as a 19-year-old first-round draft pick or learning the law...

Christopher D. Jozwiak is a skilled litigator who has won striking victories on behalf of his clients in a diverse range of employment issues. He is a founding partner of Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta LLP and has been recognized as a Rising Star since 2011 and a Super Lawyer since 2014 and was named to the Best Lawyers in America 2018 list for his work in employment law. Chris works tirelessly for his clients in cases involving whistleblower retaliation, sexual harassment, wage and hour violations, reprisal, discrimination, and wrongful termination. He also represents employees and consumers in national class...

Jim Lindell (University of Minnesota, 1977) is a litigator focused on personal injury cases, including product liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, liquor liability and workers' compensation. He is a certified civil trial specialist and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is past dean of the Academy of Certified Trial Lawyers of Minnesota. Lindell feels his broad work experience prior to law school, including construction, firefighting, teaching, and service in the U.S. Army, allows him to relate well to his clients of highly varied backgrounds. He practices in Wisconsin as well as Minnesota and is a qualified arbitrator and mediator.

"I’m Josh Johnson. I provide first-rate Minnesota legal representation at reasonable rates. I have extensive experience in the 12 counties in and around the Twin Cities Metro area, and have represented hundreds of clients in criminal defense, personal injury and bankruptcy cases. If you have been injured in an auto accident, charged with a crime, or need advice about debt or bankruptcy, call me - initial consultations are always free. I received my Juris Doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law and my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. I am admitted to the Minnesota Bar...

Attorney Malee M. Ketelsen is an elder law and immigration attorney in Minneapolis who is ready to take on your case and provide you with the representation you need at this pivotal time in your life. Come to Ketelsen Law Office, where you can have confidence in the help and support you can receive. Attorney Ketelsen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa. She later obtained her Juris Doctorate at Drake University School of Law. She has a membership with several well-known associations, including the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Elder Law Section of the National...

Jerri Adams Belcher is a fearless and tenacious advocate for employees’ rights. She represents individuals who have experienced discrimination, retaliation, and harassment in the workplace. Prior to joining Engelmeier & Umanah, P.A. Jerri litigated and tried employment, insurance, and construction-defect cases. During law school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she developed her advocacy skills as a judicial intern for then Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Further, she completed externships at the Wisconsin Department of Justice in its Civil Litigation unit, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, D.C. Jerri also...

Margaret Koberoski was admitted to the Minnesota Bar in 1996 and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in 2005. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Hamline University School of Law. While in Law School, Margaret served as Managing Editor the Hamline Law Review. She is also a graduate of the University of Minnesota where she obtained a B.A. in Spanish and Political Science. Margaret is currently a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), and Minnesota Women Lawyers (MNL).

Robert Kouba takes pride in working hard for his clients and delivering successful results. Prior to joining the firm, Robert worked as a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis, developing his trial advocacy and litigation skills. While in law school, Robert was a member and coach of the Phi Alpha Delta Mock Trial Team, competing nationally, where he gained litigation skills that he continues to use today to serve his clients. Robert is able to put that knowledge and experience to work now for the firm's business, real estate, and consumer litigation clients. He approaches his client's situations with a down-to-earth...

Wil H. Florin was born in Salzburg, Austria and raised in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He received his B.A. from Ball State University. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in 1980. Wil was recently selected to serve a four (4) year term as a member of the Stetson University Board of Trustees. In addition, he is serving his second three (3) year term as a member of the Stetson University College of Law Board of Overseers.

In October 2018, Wil became only the 89th inductee to the Stetson University College of Law’s Hall of Fame in the...

Barry O’Neil is a trial attorney, who is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Minnesota Bar Association. Mr. O’Neil’s practice involves the resolution of complex commercial disputes, professional liability claims, employment-related issues and insurance claims. A significant portion of Mr. O’Neil’s practice is in the area of professional liability defense with emphasis in legal malpractice. Mr. O’Neil is the practice group manager of the firm’s Trials and Litigation Practice Group, and he also heads Lommen Abdo’s entertainment litigation initiative. Mr. O’Neil has extensive experience in employment litigation including all types of employment discrimination claims, and he has additionally acted...

I am an attorney in private practice since 1973. I have experience in Minnesota State and Federal courts, as well as Minnesota appellate practice. I charge reasonable fees. I have represented hundreds of clients and I have handled a wide variety of client matters since 1973.

Barton C. Gernander is a partner at Burns & Hansen, P.A., who practices in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, with a focus in construction and real estate issues. In addition to representing business clients involved in standard and complex litigation in both state and federal courts, he serves emerging and mid-size companies in a general counsel capacity - assisting clients on achieving business solutions while minimizing exposure to liability. Gernander is licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts in Minnesota, the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Eleventh Circuit Court of...

Ben represents businesses and individuals against the Internal Revenue Service, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Revenue in audits, collection cases, court actions, and administrative appeals. With each case he handles, Ben strives to develop practical solutions to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Staying active in the legal community, Ben is involved with several associations. He is a member and former Chair of the Tax Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association Tax Section (Tax Section). He currently serves as the Legislative Co-Chair for the Tax Law Section. Ben was an...

Ms. Kugler practices exclusively in the area of family law. Karen works toward equitable settlements, but is skilled in trial advocacy. Karen discusses the risks and expense of litigation with her clients. She is a knowledgeable, empathetic, and assertive legal advocate and handles all family law issues: spousal maintenance, child support, property division, and custody at the trial and appellate levels. Karen is past Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) Family Law Section and is a past Co-Chair of the RCBA Family Law Section. She is a frequent writer and speaker regarding family law, co-authoring the Child Support...

David Rochlin is a litigator with more than 20 year's experience helping hundreds of businesses and people get paid what they are owed. Cases include breach of contract, manufacturers agreements, sales rep agreements, returns issues between retailers and third parties, general collections, insurance disputes, car accident injuries, and more.

Throughout his legal career, Luke Smith has practiced primarily in the area of workers’ compensation. Luke has in the past represented employees, employers, and insurance carriers in all stages of litigation. He now is focused on representing employees in workers’ compensation matters. Luke Smith worked at a law firm that practiced employee-side workers’ compensation throughout law school. He graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2016, summa cum laude (highest honors). Luke received several awards for academic performance in law school, participated in law review, and participated in moot court. He represented injured workers in workers’ compensation litigation following law...

Bart Torvik is a skilled personal injury and foodborne illness attorney, with years of experience in litigation. After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Minnesota Law School, he clerked for Judge James M. Rosenbaum, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. Following this position, Bart worked at a large Minnesota firm where he handled every aspect of litigation, from initial consultations to jury trials. In 2010, Bart moved to Evanston, Illinois after his wife Laura became a Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. In...

Legal Experience—Solving Complex Business Problems Ms. Lockner is a partner in the firm's business litigation department who works with business leaders facing legal disputes that cause financial exposure and other risks to their business. Using her extensive litigation and trial experience, Ms. Lockner offers strategic legal guidance on how to use litigation—either defensively or affirmatively—to meet their business objectives. As a trial attorney, she has the skills and expertise to wield the threat of trial as a sword, but understands and appreciates her clients’ need to use it only as weapon of last resort. Ultimately, Ms. Lockner’s goal is to further...

I'm a trial lawyer. I'm grateful for the opportunity to fight for justice on behalf of individuals going through hard times against some of the largest corporations in the country.

After law school, I joined the Marine Corps and served as a judge advocate. There's no better training ground for a trial lawyer - I tried over 100 felony and misdemeanor cases. I'm proud of the results I got, including one of the first successful defenses of a Marine discriminated against based on sexual orientation. I deployed to Iraq in a nation building capacity to work with...

I have assisted in various matters including, but not limited to: - Receivership and Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganizations - Out-of-Court Loan "Workout" Negotiations - Bankruptcy Preference Actions - Administrative Arbitrations and Federal Appellate matters - Real Estate Acquisitions, Sales, Development, and Leasing matters - Drafting and Negotiating Agreements: Supply Agreements, Service Agreements, Software Agreements, Recruiting Agreements, Printing Agreements, Confidentiality and Non-disclosure Agreements, and other business contracts - Merger and Acquisition matters ranging in size from $2MM to $150MM - Trial and Pre-trial Litigation matters - Creating Checklists for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Compliance - Organizational Documents, Amendments, and Agreements for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, and Partnerships

Paul Godfread is a Minnesota attorney with a practice focusing on trademark, copyright, technology and business law.

Zorislav Leyderman moved the U.S. from Ukraine (former Soviet Union) when he was 11 and grew up in St. Paul. He obtained his B.A. degree at the University of Minnesota, where he studied politics and the American criminal justice system. After college, Zorislav continued his education at the William Mitchell College of Law, where he obtained his J.D. and graduated with honors. While in law school, Zorislav Leyderman worked for the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) Clinic and the William Mitchell Law Clinic, representing low-income people and Minnesota prisoners in both criminal and civil cases. Zorislav also worked for...

Michelle Gibbons practices exclusively on behalf of employees who have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other unlawful treatment in the workplace. While in law school, Michelle honed her legal skills as Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Mitchell Hamline Law Review. She also worked as a Judicial Law Clerk in Ramsey County district court and completed over 150 hours of volunteer work through the Minnesota Justice Foundation’s Law School Public Service Program.

Fred H. Pritzker is a nationally recognized lawyer with over thirty years of experience representing individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Mr. Pritzker was named an "Attorney of the Year" by Minnesota Lawyer magazine in 2011, 2014 and 2015. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has also achieved status as a Certified Trial Specialist from the Minnesota State Bar Association. Mr. Pritzker has also been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America (2005-2016) and has been named a "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota...