2026

The Minnesota Legal 250 recognizes the most influential attorneys across Minnesota’s legal landscape. Each year, editors spotlight leaders shaping the state’s legal profession across a number of practices.

290 exceptional professionals. 16 diverse categories. One incredible state.

The Minnesota Legal 250 is Minnesota Lawyer’s premier recognition program celebrating the most influential and accomplished attorneys throughout the state. Our editorial team carefully selects a minimum of 250 outstanding individuals who have experienced prolonged success and an ability to successfully navigate changing client needs, legal developments, technology, economic environments, and strong community engagement.

Whether they’re representing the injured, advancing laws for new technology, or standing up for immigrants, these leaders represent the very best of Minnesota’s commitment to legal excellence.

FEATURED HONOREES

Meet the Leaders Shaping Minnesota's Future

Nicole Engisch

Dorsey & Whitney

Cathy E. Gorlin

Best & Flanagan

Mara Brust

Hall Law

Joseph W. Anthony

Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A.

Sonia Miller-Van Oort

Sapientia Law Group

Michael Hall III

Hall Law

Rich Ruohonen

TSR Injury Law

Carol Moss

Hellmuth & Johnson

Peter W. Riley

Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A.

Jenny Olson

TSR Injury Law

Matthew J. Barber

Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A.

Timothy Gustin

Cozen O’Connor

Vincent D. Louwagie

Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A

Jessica Klander

Bassford Remele

Beth Bertelson

Bertelson Law Offices, P.A.

Brandon Schwartz

Schwartz Law Firm

Alec Sherod

Hellmuth & Johnson

Russell Nicolet

Nicole Law Accident & Injury Lawyers

Janel M. Dressen

Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A.

Nate Bjerke

TSR Injury Law

Beth Forsythe

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Phaedra Howard

Hellmuth & Johnson

Robert Keena

Hellmuth & Johnson

James Schwebel

Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A.

Art Boylan

Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan, P.A.

See the full list of honorees in each category

Categories

Appellate Attorneys

Appellate attorneys are particularly detail oriented because they have to be. They review trial court records, identify legal errors, and present written and oral arguments to higher courts, seeking to uphold, reverse, or modify lower court decisions through legal interpretation.

Business Litigation

Business is business … until it’s not. These business litigation attorneys represent companies in disputes involving contracts, fraud, partnerships, and commercial torts. They manage pre-trial discovery, negotiate settlements, and advocate in court.

Construction Law

Construction law attorneys are crucial to the built environment. They advise and represent clients in construction-related matters, including contracts, project disputes, defects, delays, and regulatory compliance.

Defense Attorneys

Innocent until proven guilty. Defense attorneys represent individuals or organizations accused of crimes, safeguarding their constitutional rights. They investigate cases, challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and advocate in court to seek acquittal or reduced penalties.

Emerging Technologies Attorneys

Does anyone really understand AI and crypto? These emerging technology attorneys do. They advise clients on legal issues involving new technologies like AI, fintech, blockchain, and biotech. They address regulation, intellectual property, privacy, and compliance.

Employment Law

Employment law attorneys are the protectors of the working class. They handle workplace legal issues involving discrimination, wrongful termination, wages, harassment, and contracts. They advise employers and employees and ensure compliance with labor laws.

Family Law & Estate Attorneys

Family matters can be tricky. That’s why family law and estate attorneys exist. They handle matters like divorce, custody, adoption, and support, as well as wills, trusts, and probate. They guide clients through sensitive disputes and long-term planning.

Finance & Banking

It’s not all about the money. Finance and banking attorneys advise financial institutions and clients on regulatory compliance, lending, securities, and transactions. They handle disputes, structure deals, and ensure adherence to complex financial laws and regulations.

Government

Government attorneys represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulations, and public law. They navigate compliance issues, administrative disputes, permits, enforcement actions, and litigation against or involving government entities.

Health Care Attorneys

First, do no harm. Health care attorneys advise providers, insurers, and organizations on medical regulations, compliance, liability, and patient rights. They handle licensing, malpractice, reimbursement issues, and disputes involving health care laws and policies.

Immigration Law

Immigration matters have become particularly complex in Minnesota. These immigration law attorneys assist individuals and organizations with visas, green cards, citizenship, and deportation defense. They navigate intricate immigration regulations and court proceedings.

Mergers & Acquisitions Attorneys

Business deals are no walk in the park. These mergers & acquisitions attorneys are the best at advising companies on buying, selling, or combining businesses. They structure deals, conduct due diligence, negotiate contracts, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Nonprofit & Philanthropy

Charity is nothing to look down on. Nonprofit and philanthropy attorneys counsel charitable organizations on tax-exempt status, governance, compliance, and fundraising regulations. They handle structuring, grants, and legal issues to ensure organizations operate lawfully.

Personal Injury Attorneys

Representation matters. These personal injury attorneys represent clients harmed by negligence or wrongdoing, such as accidents or medical malpractice. They investigate claims, negotiate with insurers, and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and damages.

Politics & Lobbyists

Trust and follow-through matter in politics. That’s why these politics and lobbying attorneys advise clients on campaign finance, ethics rules, lobbying regulations, and election law. They ensure compliance with government standards and represent interests in legislative and regulatory processes.

Real Estate Attorneys

Property sales are exciting, but they can also be complicated. Real estate attorneys handle legal matters involving property transactions, leasing, development, and zoning. They review contracts, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal property laws.

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As a leading firm with nationally respected practices, our arsenal is formidable indeed. We’re authorities in our legal fields, and well established at the crossroads of law and business. We think creatively, work collaboratively and act decisively. In combining the in-house assets of a large law firm with the accessibility and flexibility of a smaller one, we have all the muscle you need without any of the fat.

What truly sets Hellmuth & Johnson apart, however, is our personal investment in each client and our focus on cultivating long-term relationships to ensure you’re never left exposed. Count on us to understand exactly what you have at stake. Know that we’ll guard your legal interests zealously, defend them aggressively, and pursue your objectives with every resource at our disposal. Our dedication not only makes Hellmuth & Johnson unique; it makes us your strongest possible advocate.