LAW FIRM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Partner
- Partner at Hellmuth & Johnson
Adam is a partner at Hellmuth & Johnson, focusing on commercial, employment and general litigation.
Prior to joining the firm, Adam helped run his family business before founding his own small company. Additionally, he has worked with several Fortune 500 companies. These experiences are the foundation for his litigation practice and his role as a practical, no-nonsense advisor. Adam understands that he is not engaged just to agree with clients, but to push back when appropriate and game tough matters.
Adam has been named a Minnesota Super Lawyer Rising Star 2020-2023. He obtained his J.D. from University of St. Thomas School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Minnesota. He is admitted to practice in Federal and State Courts of Minnesota.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Partner
- Attorney Spotlight
- Partner at Hellmuth & Johnson
Ailana McIntosh is a partner at Hellmuth & Johnson. She has extensive legal and business experience representing clients in various transactional related matters, including commercial and residential real estate, for-profit and non-profit entity formation and governance, business mergers and acquisitions, leases, purchase agreements, and commercial contracts. Ailana's clients include small, medium, and large businesses, financial institutions, service industries, professional advisors, real estate developers, landlords, tenants, property owners, commercial brokers, non-profits, and individuals. Her experience as a former litigator, coupled with her entrepreneurial background, and her excellent negotiation and drafting skills prove to be valuable assets to Ailana's client's legal challenges and objectives. As a business owner who comes from a family of entrepreneurs, Ailana understands the realities of business management, the need to keep costs low, and the considerations involved with every business and legal decision. Her favorite part of practicing law is diving in to learn the ins-and-outs of her clients' businesses, providing counsel to resolve issues and disputes, and being a partner in their journey to success.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Advisor and Key Contributor
- Attorney Spotlight
- Member of the Twin Cities
Alec Sherod has extensive experience successfully representing both public and privately held companies across many industries. He primarily practices in the following areas:
Mergers and acquisitions
Corporate finance
Private equity and venture capital finance
Commercial contracts
Corporate strategy and governance
Securities regulations
Strategic corporate and business counseling
Shareholder issues
In his practice, Alec assists buyers, sellers and financial advisors in a wide variety of domestic and international M&A transactions. He also represents clients in financing transactions, including advising issuers and investors in securities law compliance, handling acquisition financing for lenders, borrowers and investors and representing clients in private placements of equity and debt.
Clients note that Alec is a trusted advisor and key contributor in analyzing both legal and business issues.
Alec has been a notable member of the Twin Cities legal community for more than a decade and is admitted to practice in Minnesota, Colorado and New York. He began his legal career in the corporate department of a large New York City law firm and later served as General Counsel for a family office/private equity group in Colorado. Alec is also an experienced CPA (inactive) who leverages his accounting background when handling sophisticated financial transactions.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Attorney Spotlight
- Chairman of the Sports
Alex is the Chair of the Sports, Art and Entertainment Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association and has taught music business courses at the Institute of Production and Recording, and Saint Thomas University. Alex is an engaging speaker who makes legal subjects tangible for creatives, students, and business owners. She has been a panelist and presenter for Minnesota Music Coalition, Springboard for the Arts, Film North, Winona State University, and the University of Minnesota. Alex is the author of a chapter on music transactions in the latest edition of the Intellectual Property Deskbook for Business Lawyers (published by the American Bar Association). She was named a 2021 Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer. Outside of the law, Alex composes film scores and concert music and plays the viola. You can learn more and listen to her music here.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Entertainment Law Attorney
- Featured As a 2022 Next Generation Attorney
- Selected As Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Attorney Spotlight
Amy provides advisement on commercial and residential real estate matters such as purchase and sales, leasing, community associations governance, and lien foreclosure. Amy dedicates her practice to providing the most up to date legal advice through her regular attendance at continuing learning seminars. She understands the law has multiple layers that require a careful understanding of municipal, state and federal law. With this understanding, Amy provides practical advice to real estate questions that she tailors to each legal need.
Amy is an all-round real estate attorney that enjoys working with small to large business owners, Associations and individuals. Often times, the type of regulatory law that applies will be different depending on the type of client she is working with. Amy has experience working with a variety of clients and has the confidence necessary to identify legal issues at the outset.
Clients appreciate that Amy has experience in a variety of real estate matters. While away from the office, Amy invests in real estate and often considers her hand-on experiences to provide a practical view of the law. She understands the business of real estate and provides workable solutions to real life problems.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Associate in Hellmuth & Johnson
Amy M. Ortega is an associate in Hellmuth & Johnson's litigation and class action litigation practice groups. Prior to joining the firm, Amy served as a law clerk. In this role she conducted legal research and writing regarding complex business disputes. She also analyzed and prepared various client files and aided in the various stages of trial preparation, post-trial motions, and litigation simulations.
Amy is fluent in Spanish and was one of the founding members of the University of Minnesota's Women of Color Collective student organization. Amy obtained her J.D. from University of Minnesota Law School and her B.A. from New York University. She is admitted to practice in Minnesota State Courts and United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Anne advocates for private and public clients in large-scale commercial and employment litigation across the country, in cases involving the health care, medical device, pharmaceutical, food and agriculture, financial services, transportation, insurance, and manufacturing sectors. She has experience in all aspects of pre-trial and appellate practice, as well as class action and multi-district litigation.
Anne has represented businesses and individuals in complex litigation involving antitrust, consumer fraud, employment, environmental law, intellectual property, products liability, and securities fraud claims, as well as businesses in insurance-related claims and disputes.
She was recognized on the Minnesota Rising Stars list from 2012-2013, and since 2014, has been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Attorney Spotlight
- Elected Secretary of Minnesota Subcontractors Association Board of Directors
- Named Real Estate Lawyer of the Year
- Property Law Specialist
Job Titles:
- Potential Sale of Bremer Bank With Finance & Commerce
Blake's clients don't conduct business in a vacuum, nor does he take that approach to practicing law. "My clients don't need me to duplicate their expertise; they count on my guidance when their business intersects with construction, real estate transactions, lending, corporate matters, collections, and many other areas."
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Attorney Spotlight
- Co - Authors Chapter in E - Discovery Deskbook Published by Minnesota CLE
- Discusses the Lawyer As Counselor in the Minnesota Catholic
Job Titles:
- Discusses the Lawyer As Counselor in the Minnesota Catholic
Brendan M. Kenny is a seasoned litigator with 17 years of experience in administrative, state, federal, and appellate courts, including at the Minnesota and California Attorney General's Office. Whether it is administrative law, business law, commercial and contractual disputes, real-estate conflicts, probate matters, or insurance coverage, Brendan has the experience and the passion to deliver exceptional results for his clients. He is also a recognized leader and innovator in legal writing and persuasion, sharing his insights and best practices through publications, presentations, and podcasts. Brendan is also a husband and a father of six. A Californian by birth, he is a Minnesotan by choice.
Brendan's passion for advocacy started at a young age. In his rural California hometown, he saw first-hand what happens to a community when powerful political, economic, and social forces converge to destroy a way of life. Now as a lawyer, Brendan is driven to be what he couldn't be in his youth: a voice for those who can't speak for themselves; a skilled advocate who understands the inner workings of the legal system; and a knowledgeable guide for those who don't know the way.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Attorney Spotlight
Brian practices primarily with the firm's litigation group and focuses on commercial, landlord-tenant, real estate, and employment litigation. He also draws upon his litigation experience to counsel his clients on methods of avoiding litigation in the first place.
Brian Nelson is a litigation attorney who specializes in business and corporate law, insurance claims, and construction defects. He represents businesses, associations, and individuals in all types of disputes and through all stages of litigation. With experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in numerous types of litigation, Brian is able to anticipate claims and arguments from opposing counsel and craft unique solutions and case management strategies that lead to successful resolutions.
Whether he is helping to start a new company, handling day-to-day business, or resolving legal disputes, Brian's knowledge, determination, and experience help his clients achieve their goals in a cost-effective manner. Brian's clients appreciate his passion, client service, and drive to obtain a favorable result.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Member of the Minnesota State Bar Association
Bryan Wiley is an experienced litigator with a diverse legal background. In addition to litigation, Bryan has experience in insurance coverage matters, and business and community association law, including general governance, compliance, and contract drafting, review and enforcement. Bryan represents his clients in a wide range of legal matters, including appearing at appraisals, mediations, and in the courtroom. Bryan's practice is currently concentrated on representing property owners, construction contractors, and other businesses.
Bryan is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association.
Bryan is a married and proud father of two who enjoys spending time outdoors with his dogs, hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Attorney Spotlight
- Featured As "Attorney of the Month" in Attorney at Law Magazine 's Women in Law Issue
- Hellmuth & Johnson Attorney
- Local and National Spokesperson
Whether working with business or individuals, Carol brings a formidable array of talents to advocate for and advance her clients. They include a thorough knowledge of the law, strong analytical skills, and a deep commitment to advocating for her clients and protecting their interests in areas including:
Cannabis
Business Litigation
Business Advisor
Probate Litigation
Banking & Finance
Appeals
Carol's practice focuses on advising and guiding businesses through planning and development, especially in the cannabis space. She is passionate about supporting her clients in creating and continuing successful businesses. She represents cannabis clients at all points in the product stream - from growers to retailers. Her support for the cannabis industry led Carol to serve on the Advisory Board of the Minnesota Is Ready Coalition - the comprehensive strategic campaign that pushed for the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota. The Advisory Board reviewed input from industry stakeholders and organizations to craft recommendations provided to legislators. She provided legal guidance through the legislative process and testified to various government agencies as the legalization legislation was considered. She is now working with her clients as they prepare for the start of the recreational cannabis market.
Carol is a local and national spokesperson for the cannabis industry. She has been interviewed by and written for numerous news outlets, including Business Insider, MPR (Minnesota Public Radio), CBS, WCCO-TV, Minnesota Lawyer, Attorney at Law Magazine, and Valley News Live, Fargo.
Carol also fiercely advocates for her clients. "No two cases are alike, and you must also think outside the box," she explains. "As a litigator I focus on a wide variety of legal issues for clients including businesses, organizations, and individuals, all of whom require strategies tailored to their unique needs. Developing ethically grounded solutions that not only meet my clients' needs but exceed their expectations is tremendously satisfying."
To this end, she is a Board member of the National Association of Women Business Owners - Minnesota Chapter and member of the Minnesota Women's Cannabusiness Association.
Carol derives satisfaction from other quarters as well. She believes that attorneys have a moral responsibility to use their skills for the benefit of others. She puts that obligation into action as Chair of the City of Robbinsdale Human Rights Commission, which helps promote the goals of equal human rights, and provides pro bono legal work for victims of domestic violence.
In recognition of her work for clients and the larger community, Carol has been named a Best Lawyers in America® 2024, a 2023 "Top Women in Law" honoree by Minnesota Lawyer, Super Lawyer® 2019 - 2023, a Rising Star® 2012 - 2018, and an Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer in 2010.
Carol represents clients from across the country and is licensed to practice law in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, and North Dakota, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Districts of Minnesota, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and North Dakota.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Founding Partner of Hellmuth & Johnson
Chad Johnson is a founding partner of Hellmuth & Johnson, and serves as the firm's Managing Partner. He founded Hellmuth & Johnson after just two years of practice, growing the firm on the strength of its loyal clients and experienced attorneys to become one of the 20 largest law firms in Minnesota.
Attorney at Law Magazine cover story features Chad Johnson and tells how Hellmuth & Johnson became a top Minnesota law firm
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Named Partner at Hellmuth & Johnson
Chris has nurtured close client relationships since he joined Hellmuth & Johnson in 2004. Today, he is a partner and a member of the Real Estate, Construction, and Litigation practices. His clients include contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, business owners, and property owners. He represents them in mediations, arbitrations, administrative hearings, and district court actions regarding mechanic's liens, construction defect disputes, real estate and other business and commercial disputes and investigations.
He assists his construction industry clients on contract issues, project disputes, and general legal matters, taking a problem-solving approach to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently. Chris also works to prevent future disputes by drafting and reviewing construction contracts, assisting in project documentation, and establishing preliminary dispute resolution procedures. His construction industry clients also hire him to handle regulatory and legal compliance matters on their behalf.
Chris represents both buyers and sellers in real estate sale misrepresentation cases, including arbitrations. He frequently teaches seminars on sale disclosure issues to real estate agents, who are frequently the first point of contact when a problem arises. In all matters, he works diligently to achieve the best outcome possible while trying to minimize the tensions inherent in these types of matters.
Chris Sall is a partner in Hellmuth & Johnson's litigation and transactional groups, where he works closely with businesses and individuals in a wide range of areas.
Chris obtained his J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He earned his B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Partner
- Attorney Spotlight
- Featured As 2020 Next Generation Attorney
- Selected As Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer
Cole practices in the areas of estate planning and closely held business law. Cole prepares succession plans for business owners and serves as general counsel for small to mid size companies across a variety of industries. In that role, Cole regularly counsels his clients through sales and acquisitions of businesses and real estate.
His clients have ranged from individuals and start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Individuals, families, and business owners rely on Cole to help them plan what to do with their assets during their lifetimes and upon death. He prepares a variety of estate planning instruments, including wills, trusts, health care directives, and powers of attorney. In addition, Cole assists his clients in mitigating estate tax by drafting such documents as disclaimer trusts, credit shelter trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, and intentionally defective grantor trusts. Cole works closely with business owners and their advisors to develop tax efficient business succession strategies.
Cole also works with clients after the death of a family member or business owner. In this role, he assists his clients and their families in carrying out the decedent's final wishes. He counsels personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries through probate and the trust administration process.
In addition to estate and business succession planning, Cole serves as outside general counsel to many businesses. Cole regularly represents closely held businesses in both transactional and litigation matters.
As part of his transactional business practice, Cole regularly advises clients through all stages of a business sale, whether that client is selling the business or acquiring a business. In that capacity, Cole works in close collaboration with the client's advisors to develop and implement tax efficient strategies. Cole's transactional practice also includes preparing and advising on corporate organization and reorganization documents, and employment and executive compensation agreements. He works closely with owners of small to mid size businesses to incorporate the proper buy/sell agreements as part of their business succession plan.
Cole has a broad range of experience in litigating matters on behalf of his clients. This experience includes employment disputes, contract disputes, products liability matters, and real estate disputes. Cole has first chair trial experience and has argued cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals for his business clients.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Attorney Spotlight
Colman Sutter is an associate attorney at Hellmuth & Johnson, focusing his practice on Information Technology and E-Commerce contracts and Intellectual Property matters. Colman works tirelessly on behalf of his clients to understand their business needs and deliver results. His client's appreciate the collaborative approach he brings to solving complex problems at the intersection of law and technology.
Prior to joining the Hellmuth & Johnson, Colman worked for an intellectual property law firm where he negotiated technology contracts on behalf of companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations. Representing both vendors and acquirers of technology solutions, Colman distills complex issues to help his clients mitigate risk and enter business relationships on favorable terms. He has extensive experience negotiating a wide range of technology agreements including MSAs, ESAs, NDAs, licenses, software purchases, SAAS agreements, professional technology services agreements, and cloud computing agreements.
Colman also assists clients in protecting their brands through the registration of trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, sending and responding to demand letters, enforcing rights against third parties in state, federal, and international courts and tribunals. He has also represented clients in numerous proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
Colman earned his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He is licensed to practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Darbie Tamsett is a transactional attorney who practices in the areas of corporate, real estate, and entertainment law. Darbie focuses her practice on issues faced by corporate clients, closely held businesses, investors, and high-net-worth individuals, in acquisitions, dispositions, and transactions. Darbie's experience includes the general representation of start-up and existing companies, stock, real estate and asset acquisitions and dispositions, exploitation and protection of intellectual property rights, and non-competition restrictions.
Darbie also provides her transactional proficiency and business acumen to clients in the entertainment industry. Darbie negotiates high-priority deals and transactions while providing strategic guidance for her clients across each critical stage of the deal. Darbie leverages her first-hand experience to provide comprehensive legal counsel to clients.
Darbie works closely with each client to understand their goals and objectives to provide the highest level of support and advocacy. She develops authentic relationships with her clients, enabling her to take a long-term view of their business and legal matters. In many of her attorney-client relationships, Darbie serves in the capacity of general counsel, overseeing and regularly advising them on all of their legal affairs and, where necessary, coordinating and supervising their engagement of special counsel.
Darbie received her B.A. from Hamline University with a major in Legal Studies and two minors in Business and Economics. Her J.D. is from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where she was the President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. During law school, Darbie worked and studied primarily in areas of corporate law, securities, and alternative investments.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Attorney Spotlight
Job Titles:
- Attorney Spotlight
- Discusses Attorney Recruitment
- Finance & Commerce on Commercial Real Estate Law
- Finance & Commerce on Condo Laws
- Founding Partner of Hellmuth & Johnson
As a founding partner of Hellmuth & Johnson, David has been creating strategic advantages for clients since the firm's inception. He works with a diverse group of small, medium, and large businesses, financial institutions, non profit entities and individuals, primarily assisting in matters involving real estate, corporations, collection/creditor remedies, banking and financial, and business matters. David also represents a significant number of condominium and townhouse associations.
"Whether it's a commercial transaction or litigation, the pleasure of my job comes from using my skills, not just to achieve the desired results, but to go beyond them," says David. His record of success has earned him the trust of clients throughout the business community. It has also made him a sought-after speaker and lecturer on topics in his practice areas and won him recognition outside the legal realm.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Business Journal Executive
Doug Mac Arthur practices primarily in the area of construction law, partnering with construction industry stakeholders, and managing a myriad of construction-related legal matters. His experience includes prosecuting and defending payment claims on behalf of contractors, subcontractors, owners, and others; drafting contracts; analyzing and defending claims on behalf of contractors and other professionals from multiple industries; defending contractors and other companies against OSHA citations, and advising clients regarding a variety of issues, including regulatory issues and liability exposure.
His industry exposure also includes past ownership of construction companies and a degree in construction management.
When Doug is not working with his clients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, relaxing outdoors, or training for the next marathon.
Drew is a versatile corporate attorney who provides counsel to clients spanning a diverse array of industries. His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of corporate matters, including, corporate governance, contract preparation, entity formation and all other corporate law needs. Drew is particularly recognized for his adept representation of both buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions, guiding them through every facet of the transaction process, from the initial letter of intent to a successful closing. Drew's approach to legal advice centers on providing his clients with actionable solutions, focusing on the possibilities rather than limitations.
What Drew finds most fulfilling as a lawyer is being the guiding hand for companies and their owners as they navigate the intricate legal landscape of forming, operating, or facilitating the purchase and sale of their distinct business ventures. Drew's unwavering dedication to his clients, combined with his diverse skill set, allows him to ensure that businesses not only meet their legal obligations but also make informed decisions that align with their unique needs, goals, and aspirations.
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Chairman of Hellmuth & Johnson 's Litigation Practice Department
Robert Keena is Chair of Hellmuth & Johnson's Litigation Practice Department where he has helped build a team of skilled, experienced, and unrelenting litigation attorneys who appear in State and Federal courts throughout the Midwest and beyond. This team not only litigates but resolves disputes pre-litigation in areas of law ranging from business to agriculture. This broad range of practice fields the team is known for also includes litigation in construction, real estate, insurance coverage, and probate law. Robert's breadth of experience in all these areas allows him not only to consult with the other team members but also to appear at trials, arbitrations, and mediations as a "first chair" attorney where he can apply his natural disposition to advocate on behalf of clients. "My goal is to find the absolute best result available for any client I represent. It's that simple."
Robert is licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Illinois has appeared before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court. He is also admitted to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the United States District for the Northern of Illinois, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh and Eighth Circuits. Robert has also appeared in other jurisdictions through admission via pro hac vice alongside attorneys admitted in those jurisdictions.
Having been in the courtroom since 1995, and Head of Litigation at Hellmuth and Johnson since 2001, there are few types of cases that Robert hasn't personally been involved in. His practice includes:
Complex multiparty litigation
Commercial disputes, including real estate, business, corporate and employment actions
Construction matters including contract, payment, materials, and defect claims
Insurance matters including claims for coverage, defense and indemnity by policyholders
Trust, will, and probate litigation
Community Association Law including developer claims, Insurance claims, and membership disputes
Robert's success and skills have been recognized by the public and his peers. He has been named to the Minnesota Super Lawyers® list for 16 consecutive years (2008 - 2023), named to the Best Lawyers in America® list in four categories (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Real Estate) 2022 - 2024, named on Minnesota Monthly's Top Lawyers in Minnesota list for Litigation - Construction and Appellate Law in 2023, and named to Minnesota Lawyer's 2023 POWER 30 list for Real Estate and Construction law, an acknowledgement of lawyers "who lead and influence various parts of the legal community."
Experience
EXPERIENCE
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney Spotlight
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney Spotlight
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Attorney Spotlight
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Attorney Spotlight
Represented NHL team owner in the sale of the team to a group of new investors.