Shafer Lawyers

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

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

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

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

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

Minnesota State and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Minnesota Attorney, Jennifer Speas is a graduate of Drake Law School, where she focused her studies on State and Federal criminal defense. Ms. Speas has been nominated Super Lawyer by Law & Politics Magazine, and has been featured in Who's Who in Criminal Defense. She is a member of the Amdahl Inn of Court and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For 15 years, Jennifer Speas has committed herself to defending individuals being charged with crimes. Her intelligence in the courtroom and her dedication to her clients and her practice has earned her respect from...

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Free Advice: Do not do the “Monkey Tests” on the side of the road, do not answer any questions without an attorney and never give the cops permission to search your car or anything else for that matter.

I have tried 300+ felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor cases to jury verdict. At one point I won 12 DWI jury trials in a row in just one jurisdiction alone. I am listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” and am a Life Member to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a founding member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal...

(see website & linkedin profile for attorney & law firm information. Thank you.)

Steven C. Opheim is an attorney at law with over 25 years of experience, practicing in the areas of Business Law, Creditor’s and Debtor’s Rights, Bankruptcy (Consumer and Business), Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Mr. Opheim is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Wisconsin and is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), Ramsey County Bar Association and Bankruptcy Section and Real Property Law Section of the MSBA. Mr. Opheim received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1982 after graduating from William Mitchell College of Law in 1985. Originally born...

I have been a member of the Jacobson and Johnson law firm since 2000 and practices in the area of intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and patent prosecution. I provide strategic client counseling in the start-up, development, and management of client’s intellectual property portfolios including the protection and enforcement of those rights; and handling of intellectual property disputes.

Member of Minnesota Bar Association since Oct. 1, 1988 Specialty in Consumer Bankruptcy Estate Planning Immigration Divorce

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

Graciela Bloch is an associate attorney, focusing on real estate litigation, estate planning, probate disputes, and civil litigation. Graciela has significant experience in addressing landlord-tenant disputes, including rent escrow matters, evictions, illegal activity provisions, and local and state ordinance violations. Graciela also has experience drafting wills, documents signing over power of attorney, and health care directives. Graciela is able to guide clients through the delicate process of placing loved ones or vulnerable minors or adults under either guardianship or conservatorship, or otherwise removing them from those constraints if circumstances warrant. Graciela also advocates on behalf of clients in high-conflict probate disputes...

Shannon Cook is an attorney with the Minneapolis-based business law firm Bernick Lifson. Her areas of focus include tax law, collections, and creditors remedies. She received her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law, along with a Law and Business certification. As a student, she was head of the school's Tax Law Society. Before attending William Mitchell College of Law, she earned her Bachelor of Science from University of Minnesota.

Mr. Sackett decided to become an attorney due to his desire to help others in a meaningful way. Since being admitted to practice law in Minnesota in 2014, Mr. Sackett has been successful in protecting his clients’ interests through foresight, preparation and zealous advocacy. Mr. Sackett has experience in a wide range of civil litigation practice areas including family law, breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence claims, products liability, construction defect, insurance defense and insurance subrogation. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Sackett enjoys bicycling, golfing, watching movies and reading. He also enjoys taking long walks with...

B.S. University of Minnesota, 1984
J.D., Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, 1992

I created TarioLegal to help individuals and businesses recover and thrive during this Great Recession. I believe appropriate and thoughtful use of the law is the most effective way to improve our community and our country as the recession drags on. With experience in the Federal courts and a passion for financial matters, I am uniquely qualified to serve clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, financial restructures, business reorganizations, business contracts, and civil litigation.