Cindy J. Ackerman

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 ...

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.

Paul J. Lukas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Consumer Law, Litigation - ERISA and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Paul J., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nicholas Hulwi practices in the areas of estate planning and estate and gift taxation. He prepares wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives. Additionally, Nicholas works with his clients to minimize potential estate and gift tax exposure, often implementing strategies involving various types of irrevocable trusts (e.g., IDGTs, QPRTs, and GRATs). Nicholas also prepares and files Federal estate and gift tax returns, and Minnesota estate tax returns. Nicholas is cer...

For three decades, Bill Griffith has advised local and national clients on legal and policy issues affecting land use, zoning, real estate, environmental review, municipal law, regulatory matters and government relations. He has been legal counsel to Mall of America in all its phases, and serves as city attorney for the city of Columbus. He is a trusted advisor on real estate development and public funding for both private clients and municipalities. Bill is a is a frequent speaker at seminar...

Laura Hammargren is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Laura, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laura is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maren M. Forde is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Maren M., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Maren M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Keith Broady represents individuals and businesses in a wide variety of litigation and transactional matters. His commercial litigation practice includes trials and appeals and arbitrations involving real estate and construction defects, professional liability and legal malpractice defense, shareholder disputes, trade secret claims, corporate alter ego and successor liability, fraudulent transfers, probate and trust disputes, environmental claims, insurance coverage and claims. His commercial...

Brian Hayes is a partner at Carlson Caspers who offers successful companies skilled guidance for many complex intellectual property issues. Brian’s expertise includes IP and patent litigation, licensing, monetization, freedom-to-operate, and validity analyses. Brian works with innovative companies in a variety of market sectors relating to medical devices, computer software and hardware, and agricultural businesses. Brian thoroughly understands the business climate of his clients and th...

Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Elizabeth Drotning, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth Drotning is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.