Todd S. Werner

A firm shareholder, John counsels buyers and sellers on effectively structuring and documenting transactions involving business combinations, purchases and sales, and financing. John has earned his clients’ trust as a business advisor because he approaches their legal issues with a nuanced understanding of a business owner’s objectives and a comprehensive knowledge of financing sources and techniques a complex transaction demands. John leads the firm’s Multi-Unit Succession ...

Piyumi Samaratunga is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Immigration Law. Piyumi, 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 Piyumi is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas L. Bray is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Thomas L., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Joel Hilgendorf is a partner in the real estate practice group of Hellmuth & Johnson. He is certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Real Property Law Specialist. Joel counsels banks, businesses, individuals, and community associations in all legal issues related to real estate, including sale, purchase, leasing, and financing of residential and commercial property.

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

Brad advises on family and closely held business issues that range from the routine to the complex, including creation, financing, acquisitions, buy/sell arrangements, negotiation of contracts and joint ventures, sale of assets and stock and succession planning. In addition, he helps clients plan the distribution of their assets in a variety of areas beyond the typical trusts and wills, counseling on the advantages of sophisticated tax and charitable planning, leveraged gifting and foreign as...

Chad Stepan serves as Chair of the firm’s Catastrophic Loss Practice Group. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including fires, explosions, structural failures, mechanical failures, product failures and other catastrophic losses and construction-related incidents across the United States. He has handled numerous multi-million dollar claims, including major industrial explosions and fires, and construction and design matters. Chad investigates these incidents and provid...

Andrea Ostapowich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals. Andrea, 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 Andrea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles B. Rogers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance and Litigation - Real Estate. Charles B., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.