SEILER LAW - Key Persons
James understands that behind every legal problem, a plethora of human emotions and expectations linger. James strives to humanize the legal process for those who think that all lawyers are robotic in demeanor. A bit of a renaissance man himself with a varied background in business and manufacturing prior to law school, James recognizes that the journey from point A to point B is often filled with twists and turns. It is James' mission to be the guide that simplifies that journey by removing legal headaches and providing perceptive advice for both business and life decisions.
James tends to work with people who want to start a business or see an idea come to life and helps business owners grow their business. He enjoys helping others make their vision and mission come to fruition and walking alongside them as a trusted advisor.
James views his network as his greatest asset and is always ready and willing to help his clients make meaningful connections to further their impact. When you work with James, his network becomes your network.
As a husband and father of four, James intimately understands the need to protect the assets most dear to you as well as those accumulated in the hours spent working away from family.
Outside of law, James' interests revolve around his faith, family, and friends. He enjoys the outdoors and being active as well as organized sports that sometimes devolve into unorganized chaos. Practicing in the area of Entertainment Law, he also naturally enjoys a good movie. He has traveled to 26 different countries over the years and is a published photographer.
James is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, University of St. Thomas (M.A. in Catholic Studies), and University of Washington (B.A. in Media Studies, with minors in Communications and Italian). Prior to practicing law, James worked overseas for Siemens Magnet Technology building MRI scanners in Oxford, UK, dabbled as a cook and a consultant, and held a myriad of other various roles over the years leading up to private practice.
"Attorney, Advocate and Advisor" has been Scott's motto for over 27 years as a lawyer, but not necessarily in that order. Scott attributes his success to experiences starting at a young age, when he began working alongside his father, brother, uncle and cousin in the family business. "I learned by watching and absorbing lessons about how to treat people and assist with their needs. Now, after years of experience working along-side business owners and real-estate investors, I can drill down and spot practical and legal problems in a transaction, corporate document, or employment structure that others simply don't see."
Scott's focus is working with all types of businesses, including start-ups, established organizations and those preparing to exit their companies, sometimes helping with one-off projects, but usually serving in a long-term capacity as the company's corporate counsel and owner's personal attorney. As his clientele grew, so did their needs, and Scott found himself immersed in matters well-beyond the scope of corporate structure and contract negotiations, most of which are regulatory in nature. He has dealt with a plethora employment law situations, acting as general consultant, contract drafter, disciplinarian, severance negotiator and defender of company rights. He has faced off against national law firms, as well as the Minnesota Departments of Labor, Revenue and DEED, the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Agency and Homeland Security (who enforces I-9 violations).
Helping businesses grow and succeed is one of the benefits of Scott's practice, which is why he also loves working with clients in the real estate field. Whether purchasing, buying or leasing, real estate is one of the few areas in business where both sides can "win." Scott enjoys negotiating the terms of purchase agreements and leases, almost as much as he likes watching his clients change and grow following each transaction.
Although he finds all business transactions interesting and important, it's the sales and acquisitions that excite Scott. "Assisting a client with the sale of a business and helping them move on to the next stage in life or assisting another purchase and grow an organization is extremely fulfilling and a great incentive to make sure they get the best deal possible."
Scott's interests extend beyond legal matters. He provides insight and direction as the President of the Sholom Community Alliance Board of Directors and as a member of the Board of Directors of Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute, and is actively engaged in a variety of community and philanthropic efforts.
Serving clients and the community is Scott's second passion. His first is spending time with his brilliant and beautiful wife and tremendous cadre of children. He teaches alpine skiing in the winter and enjoys road biking in warmer weather. Scott is a self-confessed obnoxious UMD Bulldog hockey fanatic, (American) history junkie and enjoys historical fiction, philosophy, theology, and bothering the family with his eclectic music tastes.
Scott is a graduate of Hamline University School of Law (Dean's List) and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in American Studies). While at the U of M, Scott was the media liaison in the Minnesota office of Senator Rudy Boschwitz. At Hamline, Scott served as the student representative to the first year student selection committee, writing assistant to Dean George Latimer and Law Review member. Prior to entering private practice, Scott worked as the judicial clerk to the Honorable Thomas H. Carey, Judge of Hennepin County District Court.