BERGLUND - Key Persons
Denise Connors started her career in the legal profession as a word processor. From there she moved into an assistant position and spent many years searching for the area of law she enjoyed most. Eventually estate planning and probate administration became her favorite. Although most of her working career was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recently Denise moved to Minnesota to be close to her oldest daughter and her new family. She landed her first job at BBG and has been here ever since working in the estate planning and probate section of the firm with Attorney Mark Berglund.
Hannah graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where she focused her study and professional experiences in the field of criminal law, both prosecution and defense. During law school, she interned with the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office, representing clients in a variety of matters, including domestic assaults and DWIs and all other misdemeanors in bail hearings. Hannah then completed an internship with a local law firm where she appeared on behalf of the State for several cities in arraignments, pretrials and traffic payable calendars. She also researched and drafted several appellate briefs. Just prior to joining BBKG, Hannah was a Law Clerk for the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office where she regularly appeared on in-custody and out-of-custody arraignment and pretrial calendars, as well as drafting motions, advocating in restorative court, and conducting numerous court trials.
Hannah currently prosecutes in Anoka County on arraignments, pretrials, in-custody and jury trial calendars. She is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and the Anoka County Prosecutor's Association.
Hannah graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where she focused her study and professional experiences in the field of criminal law, both prosecution and defense. During law school, she interned with the Hennepin County Public Def… Read More
Heidi Schwartz completed her college internship with us beginning in August 2015 and graduated that December with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. She was hired on fulltime and has extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of practice areas including criminal prosecution, criminal defense, estates and probate, personal injury, and civil litigation. Heidi is currently our Discovery Specialist acting as the main point of contact for defense attorneys, public defenders and defendants seeking discovery in almost all our prosecution cases.
Heidi Schwartz completed her college internship with us beginning in August 2015 and graduated that December with an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. She was hired on fulltime and has extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of practice… Read More
Holly Provo holds degrees in paralegal studies and criminal justice and has been working as a paralegal for over 25 years. Holly has extensive experience in criminal prosecution, including the drafting of numerous criminal complaints, interviewing victims/witnesses, file preparation for hearings and trials, responding to discovery demands, and interaction with the law enforcement agencies, probation services and court administration of the cities served by the firm. Holly is also well versed in the use of E-Charging for the electronic preparation and filing of criminal complaints and has received all security clearances required to participate in the E-Charging program through the BCA. Holly's knowledge and experience in utilizing electronic discovery, record and report requesting, and E-Charging has dramatically increased efficiencies within the firm.
Holly Provo holds degrees in paralegal studies and criminal justice and has been working as a paralegal for over 25 years. Holly has extensive experience in criminal prosecution, including the drafting of numerous criminal complaints, interviewing vi… Read More
Jackie Bernu has extensive knowledge in criminal law and has worked as a Paralegal since 2012. Prior to her position as a Paralegal, Jackie worked in court administration for six years where she obtained a strong base and understanding of criminal law, gaining considerable experience in the assignments division as well as the criminal division. She was the primary clerk for many jury and bench trials as well as a variety of other hearings. In 2012, Jackie transitioned to a local law firm working as their lead prosecution paralegal, where she handled complaints, witness and victim communication, restitution information, and most all other responsibilities for ten cities in two counties and three locations where she remained for seven years. In addition to her significant experience in criminal prosecution, she also has extensive knowledge in criminal defense, civil municipal law, and civil DWI-related forfeitures. Jackie takes pride in establishing and building relationships with all of our justice partners.
Jackie Bernu has extensive knowledge in criminal law and has worked as a Paralegal since 2012. Prior to her position as a Paralegal, Jackie worked in court administration for six years where she obtained a strong base and understanding of criminal la… Read More
Kurt serves as City Attorney and Prosecutor for the cities of Lexington and Centerville, and as the Prosecutor for Nowthen. He is General Counsel to the Centennial Lakes Police Department, Centennial Fire District, and Lexington Fire Relief Association. He is also the Hearing Officer for property compliance actions in the City of Anoka.
Kurt began his career as a prosecutor in Wayne County (Detroit), Michigan, where he prosecuted gang-related gun and drug offenses. Criminal law has been the focus of his career. He has been a small law firm partner in two firms since entering private practice in 1992. Since 1999 he has served as the prosecutor for the City of Lexington. He began prosecuting for the City of Centerville in 2006 and for the City of Nowthen in 2014. Kurt is hands-on, actively prosecuting cases at all levels.
Kurt has honed his skills by working "both sides of the fence" as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. As a defense attorney he has had many high-profile cases and primarily works in Federal Court. A feature of his professional history is his distinguished service to the U.S. District Court, which has reappointed him annually since 1998 to serve the Court in complex criminal litigation as part of Criminal Justice Act Panel.
His recent projects include leading the Anoka County Bench and Jail to create a ‘walk-in' bail policy allowing low-level offenders to appear in court without posting bail. The impact of this policy made it faster and easier for these offenders to get back to court, dramatically reducing court and jail costs.
Kurt has appeared before the United States Court of Appeals, and the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. On March 11, 2020, he will have argued a precedential case before the Minnesota Supreme Court in support of aggravated DWI prosecution that will have statewide effect. He has written and implemented countless ordinances, including some used as model ordinances by the League of Minnesota Cities. He has worked on behalf of municipalities and police interests lobbying the Minnesota Legislature.
Kurt serves as City Attorney and Prosecutor for the cities of Lexington and Centerville, and as the Prosecutor for Nowthen. He is General Counsel to the Centennial Lakes Police Department, Centennial Fire District, and Lexington Fire Relief Associati… Read More
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Investigator for the 21 St District Ethics Committee
Mark works in the areas of real estate law, corporate law, criminal law, and personal injury law. He has tried numerous criminal and civil cases to juries and to the court. Additionally, Mark has authored and argued a wide variety of criminal and civil motions, including successfully arguing cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court.
Mark has represented hundreds of clients in both criminal and civil matters. He has experience in both criminal defense and prosecution. He prosecuted for the City of Blaine from 2015-2019, and currently prosecutes for the City of Anoka and Linwood.
In addition to his legal practice, Mark has been an investigator for the 21 st District Ethics Committee for over eight years and served as President of the Anoka County Bar Association from 2018-2019. Mark has been a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, Anoka County Bar Association and the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association since 2004. He is licensed to practice before the Minnesota Bar, the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Mark works in the areas of real estate law, corporate law, criminal law, and personal injury law. He has tried numerous criminal and civil cases to juries and to the court. Additionally, Mark has authored and argued a wide variety of criminal and civ… Read More
Paul received his B.A. from Bradley University in 1976 and his law degree from Southern Illinois University in 1979. He relocated to Minnesota in 1984. Paul has done prosecution work with the Isanti County Attorney's office and later with Holmes and Graven and Tallen and Baertschi. Paul joined BBG in 2022, bringing several decades of experience in prosecution as well as private defense to the firm.
Paul is Past President of the Criminal Law Section Council of the Minnesota State Bar Association. He has been a lecturer at various seminars including the annual Criminal Justice Institute for attorneys and police officers. Paul authors a monthly case summary service, Minnesota Police Briefs, which has been in publication for over 30 years. Many attorneys including city attorneys, public defenders and private attorneys rely on this service to keep up to date on developments in criminal law. Paul has worked with the Supreme Court Criminal Rules Committee to revise some forms used in District Court, and frequently provides consultation for other attorneys.
Paul is a strong believer in fairness and equal access to the courts. He serves on the Board of Directors of Twin Cities Christian Legal Aid, an organization that he was the principle founder of, which provides free legal services to the poor at various locations in the Twin Cities.
Paul received his B.A. from Bradley University in 1976 and his law degree from Southern Illinois University in 1979. He relocated to Minnesota in 1984. Paul has done prosecution work with the Isanti County Attorney's office and later with Holmes an… Read More
Born in the suburbs of Chicago but raised on a farm in Kentucky, he comes from a diverse background and has enjoyed a range of experiences prior to becoming an attorney. Ronnie's passion to practice criminal and civil law stems from his personal conviction that all individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect while ensuring that they receive conscientious and zealous representation. Ronnie is candid, compassionate, and driven in his approach to legal matters. Ronnie takes on all forms of criminal charges along with representing individuals in various aspects of civil litigation, no matter how big or small.
Ronnie is a first generation Mexican-American with Puerto Rican roots and is passionate in representing Spanish speaking clients. He understands the unique circumstances many Spanish speakers face when presented with criminal charges or when they are attempting to pursue their rights under law. He works in tandem with other legal professionals as merited to address all issues that come up in the course of this representation.
He received his bachelors and law degrees from University of St. Thomas.
Born in the suburbs of Chicago but raised on a farm in Kentucky, he comes from a diverse background and has enjoyed a range of experiences prior to becoming an attorney. Ronnie's passion to practice criminal and civil law stems from his personal co… Read More
Sara Strehlo holds a degree in paralegal studies and has worked as a paralegal for over 19 years. Sara has extensive prosecution and municipal law experience. She has managed thousands of prosecution matters. Her work includes organizing case files, interviewing and working with witnesses and police officers, scheduling hearings, handling discovery and restitution requests, and providing general litigation support. She is very skilled in legal research and writing motions. She is uniquely experienced at providing support to crime victims and victims of domestic violence.
Sara Strehlo holds a degree in paralegal studies and has worked as a paralegal for over 19 years. Sara has extensive prosecution and municipal law experience. She has managed thousands of prosecution matters. Her work includes organizing case files,… Read More
For over the past 25 years, Scott has effectively represented both private and public sector entities. Beginning in 2006, Scott's practice has been devoted almost entirely to municipal law, including representing both charter and statutory cities in the areas of condemnation law, subdivision and land development, abatement, Torrens proceedings, special assessment appeals, ordinance drafting and enforcement, and other civil matters. He has worked before City Councils, Charter Commissions, and Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. Scott currently serves as the City Attorney for the Cities of Anoka and Andover (including Anoka's Charter Commission and HRA); is the supervising prosecuting attorney for the cities of Andover, Oak Grove, Elk River, Buffalo and Annandale; and has served as the Administrative Hearing Officer for the Cities of Coon Rapids, Ramsey, and Fridley.
Scott's criminal prosecution practice has encompassed all phases of the criminal process including charging decisions and complaint drafting, witness and officer interviews, handling contested motions, vehicle forfeiture proceedings, court trials, jury trials, and appeals. Scott has been involved in numerous court trials, jury trials, mediations, arbitrations, and arguments before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court. As a prosecutor, Scott and his firm have been selected to serve on various committees and pilot projects, including the Anoka County Violence Against Women Task Force Steering Committee and the Domestic Abuse Case Expediting Subcommittee. These programs identify high risk domestic abuse victims, provide better services to these victims, resolve these cases more quickly, and achieve better overall results. As a result of these efforts, all Anoka County law enforcement and prosecutors now participate in both programs. Scott further assisted in expanding portions of these successful programs throughout Sherburne County, and continues to represent all municipal prosecutors in Anoka County on these committees.
In 2012, Scott helped develop a diversion program in Sherburne County for certain low-level offenses. This program aimed to reduce resources spent on these types of offenses, quickly compensate victims, and provide typical first-time offenders an opportunity to preserve a clean criminal record. This program is now implemented throughout Sherburne County.
Additionally, during the development of E-Charging, Scott's office was selected for early implementation to test the new system. Through this process, his firm worked closely with the BCA to enhance the program, which is now mandated state-wide.
For over the past 25 years, Scott has effectively represented both private and public sector entities. Beginning in 2006, Scott's practice has been devoted almost entirely to municipal law, including representing both charter and statutory cities i… Read More