E. Michelle "Michelle" Drake

Gary A. Van Cleve is a seasoned trial attorney and an appellate advocate handling a full range of real estate-related litigation. Gary focuses on representing property owners in: (1) condemnation actions where either the government or a utility company takes private property for a public use through its power of eminent domain, (2) land use disputes with local governments typically involving zoning or permitting issues, and (3) property tax appeals. Gary is the chair of Larkin Hoffman’s...

Nick wins cases for clients and helps them favorably resolve disputes, including complex partnership, corporate governance, finance, and deal disputes. As a first-chair trial lawyer who has tried more than 30 jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations, when a rare business case goes to trial, other law firms and clients ask him to join or lead the trial team. Nick splits his time between Barack Ferrazzano’s Minneapolis and Chicago offices, although he regularly appears in courts across...

George R. Wood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. George R., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which George R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

James M. Susag counsels clients regarding franchise, dealer and contract disputes. He has extensive first-chair trial experience, representing clients in numerous jury and bench trials, arbitrations, administrative proceedings and appeals. Some of his recent successes include enforcement of franchise and dealer agreements in federal district courts in California, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and in domestic and international arbitration.

Michael Klemm is a partner in the real estate group of Hellmuth & Johnson. He is an MSBA Certified Real Property Law Specialist and has repeatedly been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business. Michael has represented and advised a wide range of clients, including cities, developers, builders, lenders, businesses, individuals, and associations. He has extensive experience in complex real estate transactions, including acquisition, disposi...

Paulette S. Sarp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Paulette S., 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 Paulette S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Karen M. Charlson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Karen M., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Karen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“I am privileged to help people every day plan for their futures and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their affairs are in order. For me, there is no job better than being a trusted advocate.” My clients receive my undivided attention. I focus on learning your story and understanding your specific needs. With a broad base of legal knowledge, I will thoughtfully consider your issues, identify your options, and strategically use the right tools to accomplish your goals. ...

Alan G. Carlson, recognized by Best Lawyers® since 1991, has more than 40 years of experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in jury and bench trials throughout the U.S. in almost every sort of intellectual property case. In 2010, Best Lawyers named Carlson as “Lawyer of the Year 2010, Intellectual Property Law – Minnesota.” He has won a number of multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in diverse technologies and is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.