Akira Cespedes Gilheany

Chuck has over 30 years of experience litigating complex commercial cases, with particular emphasis on the trial and appeal of insurance coverage disputes, including breach of contract, declaratory judgment and bad faith actions. Chuck was named in 2025, 2021, and 2016 by The Best Lawyers in America as its Minneapolis Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action – Defendants “Lawyer of the Year.” He was also named as its 2019 and 2014 Minneapolis Insurance Law “Lawyer of the Year...

Chad Stepan serves as Chair of the firm’s Catastrophic Loss Practice Group. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including fires, explosions, structural failures, mechanical failures, product failures and other catastrophic losses and construction-related incidents across the United States. He has handled numerous multi-million dollar claims, including major industrial explosions and fires, and construction and design matters. Chad investigates these incidents and provid...

Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Elizabeth Drotning practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell is held by other lawyers.

David S. Johnson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. David S. practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota Best Lawyers has recognized David S. Johnson since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which David S. Johnson is held by other lawyers.

Brian T. Benkstein is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Brian T. practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota Best Lawyers has recognized Brian T. Benkstein since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brian T. Benkstein is held by other lawyers.

Elizabeth Weinandt is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Elizabeth practices law in Mankato, Minnesota Best Lawyers has recognized Elizabeth Weinandt since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Elizabeth Weinandt is held by other lawyers.

A firm shareholder, John counsels buyers and sellers on effectively structuring and documenting transactions involving business combinations, purchases and sales, and financing. John has earned his clients’ trust as a business advisor because he approaches their legal issues with a nuanced understanding of a business owner’s objectives and a comprehensive knowledge of financing sources and techniques a complex transaction demands. John leads the firm’s Multi-Unit Succession ...

“It is a tremendous honor being voted the 2020 Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year in family law. I am proud to be recognized as an effective advocate who has earned the respect of my peers. My commitment to professionalism, integrity, and diligence through serving my clients and the profession is unwavering.” People are often anxious and distraught as they anticipate the end of a relationship. My role is to be objective and provide skillful legal counsel through what can be a difficul...

Stacy is the Managing Partner of Meagher + Geer and served on its Management Committee for 10 years. For nearly three decades, Stacy has focused her practice on complex commercial litigation where she defends insurers in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, and represents professionals in professional liability litigation. For her work on behalf of the insurance industry, Stacy has been named to the Super Lawyers ® list by Minnesota Super Lawyers magazine. She is listed in The Bes...

Stephen Baird is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Copyright Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property and Trademark Law. Stephen practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen Baird since 2012. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Stephen Baird is held by other lawyers.