In the Lead: Up & Coming Law Firms 2026

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Welcome to Minnesota Lawyer’s second In the Lead: Best Up and Coming 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 number of lawyers and law firms responsible for some of the most influential cases each year.

With this 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

Avantech Law

Founded in 2021, Avantech Law is an intellectual property and technology law firm serving clients in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto

Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto’s practice areas include commercial and catastrophic litigation, construction litigation, employment counseling, investigations and litigation, and appellate advocacy.

Forsgren Fisher

As Forsgren Fisher’s website states, it does three things and does them well: litigation and trials, investigations, and intellectual property counseling.

Hill Crabb

Hill Crabb LLC is an Edina-based, boutique law firm founded in 2019. It specializes in divorce and family law, estate planning and criminal defense.

Kemmitt Sanford & Kramer

“Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota should never be as challenging as many workers report,” according to attorneys Mike Kemmitt, Evan Sanford and Patrick Kramer.

Lucere Legal

Established in 2017, Lucere Legal serves entrepreneurs and their families in the areas of business law, estates, and real estate law.

McCurdy Laud

Created by a new mother during the pandemic, boutique intellectual property firm McCurdy Laud specializes in technology transactions and disputes, with clients ranging from large national and multinational corporations to individuals, co-ops, and trade associations.

Messick Law, PLLC

Messick Law, PLLC, founded by B. Steven Messick, focuses on providing creative and highly effective legal solutions to clients in the practice areas of trust and estate litigation, probate and trust administration, elder law, real estate, civil litigation, and family law.