B. Steven Messick

Susan Bowden Gunst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Susan, who practices law in Oakdale, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“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...

Grant T. Collins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Grant T., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Grant T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“My clients are priority number one. I approach each interaction with integrity, respect, and well-reasoned advocacy to best meet your needs. Working to reach a positive outcome for you is my greatest reward.” With more than four decades of experience, I have a depth of knowledge that gives me clarity, wisdom, and skills that few can match. It’s exciting for me to be at this point in my career and I look forward each day to making a difference in the lives of my clients. I h...

Earlier in his career, Jerry represented insurance companies so he knows first-hand how these companies defend against lawsuits by manipulating the legal system in their favor. He knows what it takes to prove entitlement to benefits. Because insurance companies have infinite dollars to fight your case they can hire expensive defense lawyers and investigators to assist in the denial of your benefits. Moreover, they can send you to their doctors to obtain medical reports which potentially can b...

Thomas Trachsel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor Law - Management. Thomas, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard Ostlund is an experienced and successful senior business trial lawyer and an accomplished shareholder rights/corporate governance advocate. Rich has tried complex cases in over 30 states, spanning a 33-year career. As a professional advisor and trial advocate, Rich possesses a rare combination of business judgment, strategic leadership and crisis management skills; personal experience as a board member of multiple national and multi-national companies; and a deep reservoir of success ...

Jennell C. Bilek advises clients on a wide range of intellectual property and legal matters. Jennell’s litigation experience includes pre-filing investigations, motion practice, Markman hearings, all aspects of fact and expert discovery, trials, appeals to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and Inter Partes reviews before the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Her patent infringement trial experience includes the direct examination of key experts and cross-examination of fa...

Patrick concentrates his practice on trademark and copyright issues, as well as other intellectual property matters. He has extensive experience in trademark clearance, investigation, prosecution, client counseling and management of domestic and international trademark portfolios on behalf of clients of all sizes in a wide variety of industries. Patrick's practice also focuses on trademark enforcement; trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings; trademark, unfair competition and false ...

Joseph W. Winkels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Joseph W., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.