Michelle Dawson

Joseph G. Socha is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Joseph G., 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 Joseph G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Robert (Rob) Keena helped build Hellmuth & Johnson’s litigation practice to find solutions that others don’t think of. “I work closely with both litigators and transactional attorneys at Hellmuth & Johnson to make sure that any client I represent receives the benefit of experienced eyes on every matter we handle. I don’t know of any other law firm that embraces complexity with creative thinking the way we do. I love it when someone who has a tough problem, a...

Kristin Stastny is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Utilities Law. Kristin, 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 Kristin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“I believe that attorneys should treat their clients with dignity and respect, in the same way they would want one of their own family members treated while going through this difficult process.” I am the calm eye of the storm providing clients with empathy and unwavering confidence to navigate this overwhelming time in their lives. It sounds basic, yet it’s true—helping people is the most rewarding part of my job. I enjoy talking with people and finding common ground ...

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

“I speak three languages fluently: business, technology, and law. Science and legal degrees, combined with 15 years of intellectual property experience, generate positive results for my clients.” Business clients rely on my litigation experience to mitigate risk and help keep them out of court. Whether it’s a well-written contract or an effectively handled negotiation, I work to protect your business assets and build your enterprise value. I provide legal counsel to business...

Christopher Carlisle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Venture Capital Law. Christopher, 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 Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen Kozachok is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Stephen, 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 Stephen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas J. Radio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Real Estate. Thomas J., 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 Thomas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...