John M. Nichols

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

As a founding partner of Hellmuth & Johnson, David has been creating strategic advantages for clients since the firm’s inception. He works with a diverse group of small, medium, and large businesses, financial institutions, non profit entities and individuals, primarily assisting in matters involving real estate, corporations, collection/creditor remedies, banking and financial, and business matters. David also represents a significant number of condominium and townhouse association...

Kelly Putney is a professional liability litigator who has helped clients navigate and prevent malpractice actions for more than 25 years. Also experienced in other types of proceedings including investigations, arbitrations and licensing matters, Ms. Putney is a true professionals’ lawyer, having represented and counseled hundreds of health care providers, lawyers, insurance agents and brokers, real estate agents, architects, and accountants. Most recently, Ms. Putney successfully defe...

L.J. Rotman’s practice is concentrated in real estate financing, acquisitions and workouts and complex commercial transactions. His primary emphasis has been directed toward the hospitality industry. In this industry, Mr. Rotman has been responsible for the structuring and negotiation of billions of dollars of hotel acquisitions, financings, developments, restructurings and workouts involving thousands of hotels located throughout the world. Mr. Rotman’s experience includes repres...

Fredrick Krietzman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Community Association Law. Fredrick, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Fredrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Heather is a dynamic leader and seasoned litigator at Meagher + Geer, where she chairs the Products Liability, Mass Tort/Toxic Tort, Asbestos/Talc, and Safety and Environmental practice groups. As a member of the firm’s Management Committee, Heather brings strategic vision and a wealth of experience to her role. Heather focuses her trials and litigation practice on the following types of matters: products liability, mass toxic torts, personal injury, PFAS, asbestos, talc, general liabil...

Antone Melton-Meaux is a qualified neutral and Founder of Work Resolve Mediation. Antone began his legal career at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom in Washington D.C as an employment attorney and later became a Partner and Practice Group Leader at Jackson Lewis. He has also been the Chief Employment Counsel for St. Jude Medical and a Human Resources Leader for St. Jude Medical and Abbott Laboratories. He brings this unique skill set to facilitating the full spectrum of workplace disputes...

Aaron G. Thomas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Real Estate. Aaron G., 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 Aaron G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bradley A. Pederson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Bradley A., 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 Bradley A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ronald Gardner is a partner at the top franchisee law firm Dady & Gardner, P.A. Hehas represented businesses in virtually all fifty states, including both single-owner and multi-unit franchisees. He has handled issues of unlawful termination, encroachment, and the franchisor's failure to comply with requirements of the FTC and state governments. He is also a nationally known speaker on franchise law and the Past Chair of the ABA's Forum on Franchising.