Gerald Fornwald

Valerie T. Herring is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law and Utilities Law. Valerie T., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Valerie T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul J. Zech is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Paul J., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2003. 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.

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...

Serena I. Chiquoine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Franchise Law. Serena I., 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 Serena I. 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...

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

Thomas J. Conlin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Thomas J., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Melendez is a veteran litigator with more than two decades of experience in trial and appellate practice, and a former president of the Minnesota State Bar Association. His practice focuses on consumer-credit litigation and business torts. He has defended consumer-financial-services providers in more than 300 cases in over 40 states. Brian was named by Minnesota Lawyer magazine in 2002 as one of the Top Ten Attorneys of the Year; he won the award a second time in 2008, only the second p...

Charles S. Modell has represented franchisors throughout the country in most every imaginable scenario over the course of his 40-year legal career. He counsels franchisors in every stage of their development, including the decision to franchise, preparation and registration of franchise documents, management of franchise relationships, franchise growth strategies, negotiation of supplier and joint venture agreements, and termination of franchise relationships. He also represents private equit...

"As a mediator or arbitrator my goal is to have the perspective, persistence, and patience to resolve business disputes and settle cases effectively." With more than 40 years of experience as a litigator representing both plaintiffs and defendants, I know business issues. This wealth of experience and knowledge now serves as the foundation for successfully resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). I am a leading provider of commercial litigation ADR services and have an...