E. Joseph " Joe" LaFave

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 ...

Jeffrey W. Jones is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Jeffrey 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 Jeffrey W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gary A. Renneke is recognized by his peers as a leading attorney in Minnesota in real estate transactions. He has extensive experience in all facets of commercial real estate, including acquisitions, sales, leasing and financing transactions, as well as new development and construction projects. Gary has advised clients in commercial transactions involving millions of square feet and valued in the billions of dollars. He has represented property owners, developers, investors, retail center op...

Justin Weinberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Justin, 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 Justin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve works extensively with commercial landlords and tenants on the negotiation and drafting of leases and related agreements for space in high-rise office buildings and shopping centers throughout the country. He also represents developers, institutional owners and property managers on commercial real estate acquisitions and financings of all sizes and complexity. Appreciated for his ability to listen and combine unique ideas and perspectives, Steve knows how to identify and integrate the n...

Cheri Sisk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Cheri, who practices law in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cheri is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffrey S. Sieben is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jeffrey S., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Colin Peterson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Colin, 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 Colin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Robert (Rob) Keena helped build Hellmuth & Johnson’s litigation practice to find solutions that others don’t think of. “I work closely with both litigators and transactional attorneys at Hellmuth & Johnson to make sure that any client I represent receives the benefit of experienced eyes on every matter we handle. I don’t know of any other law firm that embraces complexity with creative thinking the way we do. I love it when someone who has a tough problem, a...

Thomas R. Wilhelmy had been a Shareholder since 1988 at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thomas’s last day at Fredrikson was December 29, 2023. He founded the Property Tax Department and was the Chair until recent years. On January 1, 2024, Thomas commenced a new role as Partner at Ryan Law Firm, PLLC, and will be the Property Tax Leader, Minnesota. My professional goals have always focused on being of the highest level of beneficial service to the client communit...