Melissa Raphan
About Melissa Raphan
Melissa Raphan is a lawyer based in Minneapolis, MN and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2009. Melissa Raphan is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Employment Law - Management
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
Current Firm: Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Education: Boston College Law School, J.D., graduated 1987
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Nearby Lawyers
David Goldstein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. David, 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 David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Pat Martin is an experienced employment lawyer. He has successfully defended employers by obtaining dismissals, summary judgments, defense verdicts, decertification, and other favorable results in lawsuits involving Title VII, the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), WARN, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sarbanes-Oxley, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Minnesota Chapter 181, discrimination, hara...
Joseph W. Winkels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Joseph W., 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 Joseph W. 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.
Commercial real estate attorney David Yung advises developers and other institutional property owners in acquisition, disposition and leasing matters, with special focus on retail and mixed used properties. Drawing on nearly 12 years of in-house counsel experience with developer clients, works hard to deliver practical legal advice that helps his clients achieve their business objectives. With more than 25 years of experience, David concentrates his practice on a wide range of transactions in...
Heidi J. Bassett is a tough litigator and a trusted advisor to her clients throughout Minnesota and Florida. Her practice spans real estate and business disputes with a focus on deceptive trade practices, unfair competition, premises liability, fraud, and financial services. Heidi is known for her ability to align her clients’ legal strategies with their corporate goals and financial realities. She is an experienced trial attorney who has also represented clients in more than 200 appeal...
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.
Andrew M. Baese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Andrew M., 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 Andrew M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Gary Debele is a 1987 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and since 1991 has focused his practice on a uniquely broad and all encompassing conception of family law. Through his membership in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Family Law Attorneys, and the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, he has built relationships with professionals in his areas of family law expertise across the United States and across the globe. ...
Steve Plunkett concentrates his practice in health care and sexual misconduct defense, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to his role as litigator and counsel. Mr. Plunkett has defended health care and other clients in hundreds of cases involving bodily injury or the death of residents in group homes and assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. His health care team obtained a defense verdict in 2017 in a significant pressure wound injury case. Mr. Plunkett also represents corporatio...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.