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In the Lead: Up & Coming Law Firms 2025
Minnesota Lawyer//March 31, 2025//
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Welcome to Minnesota Lawyer’s inaugural In the Lead: Best Startup Law Firms.
Minnesota Lawyer has a robust history of recognizing the best of the best in the legal field, specifically with our Attorneys of the Year program. This program recognizes a plethora of lawyers and law firms responsible for some of the most influential cases each year.
With this new In the Lead section, we wanted to put a spotlight on some up-and-coming law firms that are quickly making their mark in the industry and on their way to earning that best of the best title — and one day soon, maybe an Attorney of the Year recipient.
Specifically, these startups are pursuing new ways of doing things, improving efficiency and productivity in the industry, and most of all, adding unmatched value to the state of Minnesota.
The law firms in this section were selected by Minnesota Lawyer’s editorial team by consulting our prior reporting, industry groups and respected professionals in the industry. Selected firms have demonstrated success in their practice and in their communities.
But it’s not just outside success our team looked for. These companies also showcase strong employee and community values. Employee support programs and benefits are important as is a personal presence in their communities — often with pro bono cases.
I think you’ll agree that this list is filled with impressive law firms and attorneys. Perhaps you’ll also find the next firm that can do exactly what you’re looking for. Congratulations to all the honorees.
— Kendra Beneke, Special Sections Editor
Avisen Legal
Avisen Legal was founded seven years ago as “a boutique business law firm comprised of partner-level lawyers representing companies, owners, executives, investors and entrepreneurs throughout the U.S.”
Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto
Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto, a regional civil litigation firm, opened with four attorneys three years ago and has since grown to eleven.
Forsgren Fisher
Founded four years ago by eight attorneys who had built practices elsewhere, Forsgren Fisher makes culture the center of the firm.
Hill Crabb
Hill Crabb was founded in 2019 and is a “boutique law firm dedicated to creating custom legal solutions for individuals, couples and families,” according to its website.
Kemmitt Sanford & Kramer
Mike Kemmitt, Evan Sanford and Patrick Kramer say they aim to ensure that clients with work-related injuries and disabilities receive the benefits they deserve.
Lucere Legal
Early in her career, Lucere Legal’s founding partner Kimberly M. Hanlon “kept noticing that most law practices violate the laws of good business.”
McCurdy Laud
McCurdy Laud, a boutique intellectual property firm, was created by a new mother during the pandemic.
Messick Law, PLLC
Messick Law, PLLC, which has been in business for four years, focuses on trust and estate litigation, probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate, civil litigation and family law.
MJB Law Firm, PLLC
MJB Law Firm is “a boutique law firm focusing on the areas of banking law, under-secured workouts, agri-finance, loss prevention and corporate turnarounds and restructuring.”
Padda Law Group
Co-founded in 2018 by Devan Padmanabhan and Michelle Dawson as a boutique intellectual law firm, Padda Law Group tells potential clients it is “a potent sword or shield for you to wield as you journey toward achieving your highest business goals.”
Poul Haas
Tom Poul and Nancy Haas had worked together for nearly two decades when they launched their boutique government relations firm in 2023.
Upper Midwest Law Center
Upper Midwest Law Center was founded in 2019 by attorney Douglas Seaton.
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