Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2019 
Janel M. Dressen is a shareholder at Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan PA in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She represents businesses, shareholders, owners, and executives in complex commercial disputes, with a practice that includes Commercial Litigation and Appellate Practice. Clients and colleagues describe Janel as a thoughtful and determined advocate who approaches each matter with careful preparation, strategic analysis, and a practical understanding of her clients’ business goals.
For more than 21 years, Janel has represented companies and business owners in a wide range of business litigation matters, including shareholder disputes, ownership conflicts, business valuation issues, fiduciary duty claims, and closely held business disputes. She served as lead counsel in Lund v. Lund, a shareholder buyout case that resulted in a reported award exceeding $45 million. She also represented clients in litigation involving breach of fiduciary duty, good faith and fair dealing claims, and limited liability company member oppression claims arising during the COVID-19 pandemic, obtaining summary judgment and a fair value buyout under Minnesota’s Revised Limited Liability Company Act.
Janel’s practice includes trial and appellate work in state and federal courts. She works closely with clients throughout each stage of litigation, focusing on efficient strategies and clear communication while helping businesses navigate challenging legal and operational issues.
In addition to her litigation practice, Janel is a frequent author and presenter on business litigation topics, including shareholder oppression, fiduciary duties, business divorces, and closely held company disputes. She is a co-author of chapters in the Ongoing Businesses and Minnesota LLCs Deskbooks published by Minnesota CLE and has contributed to the American Bar Association’s Business Divorce Litigation chapter.
Janel has been recognized by legal and professional organizations for her work in business litigation. She was named a Minnesota Attorney of the Year in 2017 and has been included among the “Top 50 Women: Minnesota Super Lawyers” since 2019. In 2021, she became the second Chief Executive Officer of Anthony Ostlund and the first woman to lead the firm. She has served on the firm’s Executive Committee since 2018.
