Katie E. Merkel

Aram Desteian represents businesses in complex commercial litigation, and also counsels and defends other lawyers against a spectrum of professional liability claims. Aram Desteian’s commercial litigation practice includes representing businesses in a wide range of business disputes. As a professional liability attorney, he regularly helps other lawyers prevent and navigate lawsuits, investigations, board proceedings, and hearings involving legal ethics, legal malpractice, and other are...

Sam’s practice at Carlson Caspers focuses on patent litigation and counseling. He has worked with leading technology companies to develop domestic and international enforcement strategies involving complex technologies. Sam has litigated patent disputes in federal district courts across the country, before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, in Inter Partes reviews before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and other disputed matters before the patent office. Sam also advises technolog...

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

Samantha J. Graf is an attorney at Hellmuth & Johnson, focusing her practice on Estate Planning, Probate and Family Law. Prior to joining the firm, Samantha has represented clients in a variety of family law matters including divorce, post-decree matters, and custody issues. Samantha has also represented clients in a variety of contested probate matters and assisted many clients in administering an estate. Samantha was named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars list 2017 – 20...

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.

Hal A. Shillingstad is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Hal A., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hal A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Cortney LeNeave started his law career in 1984 at the DeParcq Law Firm, the premier United States law firm representing injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. Since that time, he has recorded some of the largest verdicts in the country in railroad, airplane, automobile, and trucking injury cases. Cortney is recognized by his clients and opponents as a fearless, determined, and dedicated trial lawyer who consistently received successful results. His accompli...

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

High net worth individuals seek Howard’s advice for their complex wealth and estate planning needs. His estate planning experience includes preparing wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, family limited partnerships, limited liability companies and charitable trusts. In collaboration with those he serves, Howard advises on the design and execution of a transition plan that realizes even the most distinct objectives. He also advises on asset protection planning, ...