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a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. lao-tzu, chinese philosopher

A COLLECTION OF

pro bono stories fredrikson & byron 2014

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. â€“ Lao-Tzu, The Way of Lao-Tzu

s ingle step. Although it sounds simple, for many in our communities taking that first step can be daunting.

All too often, fear of the unknown can prevent many from moving forward on a journey to a better life. For some, building a better life means starting a new business to provide for their family. For others, it means seeking resolution of potentially crushing legal or financial situations. And for others, it means taking an even more arduous route and leaving behind everything and everyone to start a new life in a new country. As we all know, journeys can be difficult when traveling alone. Thanks in part to the vast array of resources available in our communities, assistance is available. Many lawyers, paralegals and others at Fredrikson & Byron take that journey with their clients. They help incorporate the businesses that make our communities a welcoming and diverse place to live and work. They help negotiate and resolve legal and financial problems. They help gain asylum for refugees from other countries who are seeking a life without fear of persecution. Some journeys are short and take little time; others are longer, more complex and can take years. But oftentimes through the process, the volunteers take a journey themselves â€“ one filled with a sense of fulfillment and the satisfaction of knowing they helped make a difference. We hope you enjoy the stories of the journeys taken by our clients and their lawyers.

Table of Contents CHAPTER 1

Pro Bono Leads to Legislative Changes

CHAPTER 2

Personal Representation Improves Lives

CHAPTER 3

New Beginnings Attained With Asylum

CHAPTER 4

Support for Entrepreneurs Yields Success

CHAPTER 5

Volunteerism Helps Enrich and Protect Communities

CHAPTER 6

Coordinated Support for Nonprofits Maximizes Impact

CHAPTER 7

Recognitions 37

CHAPTER 8

Ongoing Service

EPILOGUE 49

CHAPTER 1

pro bono leads to legislative changes

n a journey that began three years ago, Kim Lowe, a shareholder in the Nonprofit and Corporate groups, and Kevin Riach, an associate in the Litigation Group, were asked to represent a young, vulnerable adult who had come before the Hennepin County District Court. Without lawyer representation, the woman was seeking permission to sell part of a structured settlement for just pennies on the dollar. At the time, anyone requesting to sell part of an annuity was not required to disclose other previous sales, allowing disreputable organizations to take advantage of vulnerable adults in need of quick funds. In this case, the matter was assigned to a judge who recalled that this individual had come in front of him once before with the same request. Concerned that the woman did not understand the long-term consequences of her actions, the judge called upon Fredrikson & Byron to provide pro bono legal counsel. At the conclusion of the successful representation, Kim and Kevin were asked by the Court to help draft legislation to change Minnesota’s structured settlement law, and to testify at the Minnesota State Legislature as the bill made its way through the various committees. After the hearing, the bill passed unanimously in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Kim and Kevin were assisted by associate Matt Norris.

“While our testimony ended up being a pretty minor part of the process, it is nonetheless gratifying to see this on its way to becoming law. It is more evidence of how the work we do here improves the lives of people in our community.” – Kevin Riach

CHAPTER 2

personal representation improves lives

ollowing the recent recession, many credit card companies aggressively go after debtors for repayment of bills. Unfortunately, they often do so by bundling the accounts and selling them to collection agencies that do not always confirm the correct ownership of the debt. This practice leaves some people struggling to defend themselves in confusing and costly court cases. One place people go for help is Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN). Greg Karpenko, a shareholder in the Litigation Group, took one such case from VLN on behalf of a low-income woman who was being sued for a consumer debt she claimed was not hers. Greg’s efforts to prove this fact were successful and the Hennepin County District Court issued an order dismissing the case. “Greg, I cannot thank you enough… for your help and time. It is wonderful to meet and work with people like yourself Greg. I realize what this would have cost me to hire an attorney on something that is not even mine. As I have told family and friends I feel like you were my Angel (if you will) sent to help me with such a difficult case and willing to do it for free… Where do you find that nowadays?” – Email from client to Greg Karpenko

Shareholder Dave Marshall and associate Chelsea Brennan DesAutels, both members of the Litigation Group, represented a client who suffered short-term memory loss due to a traumatic brain injury. The client also had a host of other health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. With $710 in monthly income, the client’s housing options were limited. In early 2011, the client rented a “room” in the basement of a private home. This room consisted of two outside walls made of concrete, two walls made of drywall, a concrete floor, a bare light bulb hanging from a ceiling pipe and no door. The room was next to the home’s laundry facilities, which other residents used frequently. With no door, the room was neither private nor secure. 10

After putting down a security deposit of $1,050, the equivalent of three months’ rent, our client moved in. At various times, the landlord entered our client’s room without proper notice or justification, and at one point, assaulted our client. After moving out, our client sent a written notice to the landlord requesting the return of his deposit. When the landlord did not respond, VLN asked Fredrikson & Byron to assist. In December 2012, our team served the landlord with a summons and complaint in Hennepin County District Court asserting, among other things, wrongful retention of the security deposit, assault and battery, and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Under law, the landlord had 20 days to respond, but failed to do so. Dave and Chelsea asked the Court for damages, including the return of the security deposit, plus an additional $10,000 for the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, which is allowed under a Minnesota statute relating to the protection of vulnerable adults. While the Court granted default judgment, the landlord did not pay. The Court has since held the landlord in contempt of court and issued a bench warrant for him to appear. Nick Datzov, an associate in the Intellectual Property Litigation Group, represented a client who came to Fredrikson & Byron through VLN after he won a conciliation court judgment against a party who appealed the decision to the Hennepin County District Court. The client’s claim was for the rent money and security deposit he paid to his landlord while renting a home that was in disrepair. The landlord had promised to make numerous repairs after our client moved in, but those repairs were never made. The landlord also lacked a valid rental license to rent the home. Rather than going to trial on the condition of the home, Nick filed a motion for summary judgment stating that our client was entitled to the money he paid the landlord as a matter of law. He argued that a landlord in Minneapolis is not entitled to collect rent without a valid rental license and that, if rent is collected, it must be returned to the tenant. The Court granted the motion for summary judgment, and since then, the landlord has agreed to a favorable payment plan. Our client was pleased 11

with the ruling and grateful for the help in obtaining a favorable result and avoiding trial. Additionally, this decision is legally significant because it departed from a recent housing court decision that misapplied the law in favor of unlicensed landlords. It also reinforces years of decisions that landlords must have a current license in order to rent housing in Minneapolis. “When our client came to us, he was frustrated that he was misled about the condition of the home he paid money to rent. He was even more frustrated that his former landlord refused to accept the conciliation court’s decision. As a former law clerk, I wanted to help our client not only receive the compensation he was entitled but also reaffirm to him the effectiveness of the judicial process. After the Court ruled in our favor, our client was grateful to receive the rent he paid. Perhaps even more importantly, he believed that the judicial process worked to remedy the wrong committed against him. For me, it was a privilege to be part of that process.” – Nick Datzov

For many people, traveling the path to financial security and freedom can be difficult. While filing for bankruptcy does not carry the social stigma it once did, it is still a very serious consideration and beginning the process can be intimidating. In determining whether to go forward, potential filers must understand the consequences of such an action. Some people also need assistance in navigating the proceedings. Ryan Murphy, a shareholder in our Bankruptcy Group, was there to assist a client, and he shared an email exchange after the final proceeding: Client: Thank you so much for all your help through a difficult but, nonetheless, helpful time. Ryan: Glad to hear all is well. The rewarding part about filing a bankruptcy case is when it does in fact provide someone a fresh start for a brighter future. Client: This is so true. And I’m here to tell you that it HAS made a huge difference in my life. This is the best year I’ve had in a very very long time. Things are moving forward in a great direction and I’m so lucky that I’ve had you and your team to help me through all of it. Best wishes to you. 12

Through a partnership with the Fargo VA Medical Center, the Estate Planning Group in the firm’s Fargo office takes referrals to assist low-income veterans receiving services through the hospital. There are times when the request is urgent and the situation requires someone to act quickly. One such request involved a man who had been recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was living at the hospital and needed help with a will and power of attorney form. We were told he had little family support except for his dog. The Fargo Estate Planning Group received the request on Monday, May 5, and associate Katie Perleberg quickly responded. Shortly after completing the project, Katie sent the following note: “Thought I’d give you an update on this. I met with the client last Tuesday, May 6, to discuss his estate plan. My team and I put the documents together in less than a day, and he signed them on Wednesday. He died on Saturday. The client had some specific wishes regarding his children, dog, and two close friends. He previously prepared a holographic will and was concerned that it was not going to be valid. So he was really grateful that we were able to help him memorialize his wishes in a legally binding manner. He was surprised and elated that we were doing the work on a pro bono basis, as he had very few assets and little income. I’m very happy to have met and worked with him. Kudos to Linda and Melissa who were rock stars in helping me get the file opened and documents drafted, signed, witnessed, and notarized in an incredibly short time frame. Thanks for the referral.” Katie received support from legal assistants Linda Rieniets and Melissa Setzer. Fredrikson & Byron is proud of Katie, Linda and Melissa for stepping up so quickly to assist this veteran in his time of greatest need. The firm also thanks the entire Estate Planning Group for their dedication and support of our partnership with the Fargo VA Medical Center.

On September 28, 2012, Damon Thibodeaux was exonerated after spending nearly 16 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. After his release, Damon moved to Minneapolis to be close to his lawyer Steve Kaplan and others at the firm who believed in his innocence and helped to gain his freedom. Damon worked at Fredrikson & Byron for many months, working in the copy center and delivering mail. Earlier this year, he left the firm to pursue a career in over-the-road commercial truck driving. During Damon’s first few trips on the road, he experienced torrential rain, ice and snow storms that shut down the interstates. Since then, he has managed a number of trips across the country. He has now visited all but three states, which he hopes to do in the near future. Damon is also keeping up his advocacy work. At the request of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s office, he testified on February 25 before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the use of solitary confinement in our prison system. A link to the hearing can be found at fredlaw.com/solitary-confinement. This was just one more accomplishment for our client and friend. From Louisiana State Penitentiary’s death row to the U.S. Senate in less than 18 months – now that is a notable journey.

Damon Thibodeaux testifies before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

CHAPTER 3

new beginnings attained with asylum

ery few journeys are as difficult as those taken by victims of oppression in their home countries. Many lawyers in the United States feel compelled to assist individuals who have suffered maltreatment at the hands of those in power simply because of their beliefs. One way they do so is by representing those seeking asylum. Fredrikson & Byron has partnered with The Advocates for Human Rights on many such cases, including the following. Ted Koshiol, an associate in the Intellectual Property Litigation Group, Natalie Kadievitch, a shareholder in the Intellectual Property Group, and Medtronic lawyer John Getsinger, represented a 20-year-old man through a referral from The Advocates for Human Rights. Our client fled to America from his native Togo in the summer of 2011 after repeated arrests for his political affiliations. During these detainments, he was tortured and molested, and was told that he would be killed if picked up by the police again. He attempted to file a petition for asylum on his own in January 2012, but the application was denied on procedural grounds. Ted, Natalie and John began working with the client and spent several months helping to develop and add to his application, which was then re-filed in July 2012. After waiting more than a year, our client finally received the great news that his application had been granted. He is elated to have legal status in the United States and now looks forward to applying for financial assistance to continue his education.

â€œI just receive a mail from the USCIS granted my application with a new I 94. I am so glad that I can start school and become an attorney. Thanks for everyone.â€? â€“ Note from the client 18

Loan Huynh, a shareholder in the Immigration Group, Paula Blenker, a paralegal in the Immigration Group and Lindsey Hemly, an associate in the Energy Group, teamed up to represent an asylum client who had been an enlisted soldier in the Eritrean military. The client, an Evangelical Christian, had been imprisoned, tortured and raped after her superiors discovered her praying with several of her fellow soldiers. The Eritrean government has a long history of persecuting Evangelical Christians. The client eventually escaped from a desert prison camp and crossed over the Sudanese border. She was then smuggled to Central America and across the Mexican border into Texas in July 2007. She filed her initial application for asylum after arriving in Minnesota in July 2008. It was denied for procedural reasons and she was referred to immigration court. The Department of Homeland Security immediately commenced removal proceedings. Over the next five years, Loan, Paula and Lindsey, with invaluable support from many others in the Immigration Group, developed our clientâ€™s asylum case and represented her in numerous immigration court hearings. On September 20, 2013, the immigration judge granted our clientâ€™s request for asylum. The client is now employed full time at a major corporation. Rhona Shwaid, a shareholder in the Commercial Law Group, Jamal Faleel, a shareholder in the Litigation Group, and Anu Sreekanth, an associate in the Litigation Group, represented B.A., a 32-year-old lawyer from Ethiopia who came to the United States in the fall of 2011. 19

After graduating from law school in 2008, B.A. went to work for the Oromia Housing Development Project Office, thinking she would help provide better housing opportunities for low-income Ethiopians. Within a few months of starting her job, B.A. realized the agency was corrupt. Instead of helping people as promised, the agency was actually displacing Ethiopians and moving them into slums, while the government profited by selling their land to foreign investors. When our client objected to the agency’s actions, she was threatened and eventually imprisoned on three occasions. In prison she met with mental and verbal intimidation, physical abuse, inhumane conditions and rape. Because of our client’s opposition to the agency’s activities and her subsequent pro bono work to assist other victims of the government, she was labeled as “anti-government.” She and her family were subjected to continual threats, harassment and danger. During this time, our client applied for and was accepted to a Master of Social Work degree program in Delaware that was to begin in the fall of 2011. After many setbacks, she was eventually able to obtain a student visa from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and began the long journey to the United States. But once she arrived in Delaware, she was turned away from the school since the semester had already begun. B.A. made her way to Minnesota and connected with The Advocates for Human Rights. Rhona, Jamal and Anu worked with her to make an affirmative application for asylum in the United States. Our client was interviewed in October 2012, and almost one year later we received the wonderful news that her application for asylum had been approved. Seeking a way to give back, B.A. is now attending paralegal school and will begin an internship with a Minnesota pro bono service provider in the fall of 2014. The team received assistance from Loan Huynh and Debra Schneider, shareholders in the Immigration Group.

Jody McGinley, a lawyer in the Oil & Gas Group, successfully represented a client with an application for asylum. Our client, a pastor in a rural area of Ethiopia, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the members of his poor community. Sadly, because of his leadership position and his opposition to a program that allowed

the government to relocate his community, his hard work was eventually labeled anti-government. On one occasion, following a massacre in his community, soldiers threatened, tortured, beat and left our client unconscious along a roadside in the middle of the night. It was clear that our client was not safe from persecution in his home country, and in 2011, he fled Ethiopia for the United States. After his departure, a representative of his regional government publicly declared that our client was “Enemy #1” and that the representative would “take action” against our client if he returned to Ethiopia. When he left Ethiopia, our client also made the incredibly difficult decision to leave behind his wife and family, who remained in hiding. Jody worked with the client to draft his application for asylum and helped him prepare for his hearing. Our client learned his application was granted in May 2012, and shortly thereafter, Jody began the process of obtaining approval for his family to join him here. After a long and difficult process that required gathering everything from school records to baby pictures and submitting DNA for testing, our client’s family was finally approved to come to the United States. On February 28, 2014, after more than three years apart, our client was able to meet his family at the Minneapolis airport. Jody had the pleasure of joining our client and his friends in the unforgettable experience of welcoming the family to the United States. The family is now settling in their new community of Dubuque, Iowa. Throughout the process, Jody received invaluable assistance from Loan Huynh, Roxanne Gangl, a legal assistant, and lawyers from The Advocates for Human Rights. “Hello Jody, after taking a deep breath and look into the future of my family, I would like to once more say thank you for your fruitful involvement in our life in the last few years (to count). Moreover we thank you and your friends who contributed different kinds of gift card and monetary that gave us much relief. We have no words to express what you have done in our lives. You continue to be in our prayers as you all a change agent in the world.” – Note from client and wife to Jody

CHAPTER 4

support for entrepreneurs yields success

redrikson & Byron lawyers have been working with community economic development organizations for more than 40 years. These efforts help build communities by supporting micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses. Many of our community economic development clients speak limited English, making it important to have a lawyer at their side in business transactions. Brian McCool, a shareholder in the Real Estate Group, represented one such small-business owner with a commercial lease negotiation. The owner had located an office to house his new business of assisting immigrants in navigating their new homeland. He knew he needed help to negotiate the terms and conditions of the lease presented by the landlord. The client was referred to Fredrikson & Byron through Neighborhood Development Center. Brian worked with the client to negotiate the lease, and also helped him understand the terms to ensure no misunderstanding. Brian received a note of thanks from his client after the successful conclusion of the negotiation. Even though English is still new to this client, the message of gratitude comes through loud and clear.

“Dear Brian: This is to inform that both the landlord and I have signed the lease agreement… Please see attached here, the signed documents for records. I cannot express, Brian, how grateful I’m for this unimaginable service that I have received [from] you, Brian, and your company. I wouldn’t ask any more, however, its a privilege to have known you. Thank you, Brian, and all your colleagues.” – Note from client

Tom Archbold, a shareholder in the Corporate Group, first met cousins Conrado and Alejandro in 2011, when he helped them incorporate their first restaurant, Sonora Grill, located in the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. Conrado and Alejandro had a dream of one day owning their own full-service sit-down restaurant serving upscale food and beverages. That dream came true last fall when they opened their second Sonora Grill restaurant in the heart of an up-and-coming neighborhood. Tom, along with associates Levi Smith and Pete Diessner, and paralegal Jackie Bernu, assisted with the formation of the second entity and then helped the cousins negotiate the lease on the new space. What was once a long-vacant building is now home to a vibrant business that employs more than 35 people and has contributed to the revitalization of a neighborhood.

“It has been very rewarding for me as a business lawyer to work with Alejandro and Conrado as they initially started their Sonora Grill restaurant and then again when they expanded to add a second larger location. Alejandro and Conrado have a great concept, an entrepreneurial spirit and they have worked very hard to develop their businesses. I’m very proud to have been a part of the process.” – Tom Archbold

This past year, the members of the Board of Directors created teams to take pro bono projects as part of their commitment to this important work. One team included Board members Mary Ranum, a shareholder in the Real Estate Group; Dave Bunde, a shareholder in the Litigation Group; and Clint Cutler, a shareholder in the Bankruptcy Group. They assisted a small restaurant specializing in East African cuisines with a lease renegotiation. The current lease was based, in part, on the restaurantâ€™s gross sales. But due to a major construction project in close proximity to its location, sales were down and the restaurant was experiencing economic difficulties. The team worked with the client to successfully renegotiate its lease with the landlord. After the negotiation, the team visited their clients to enjoy a truly wonderful lunch.

Mary Ranum, Clint Cutler and Dave Bunde enjoy lunch at their clientsâ€™ restaurant.

CHAPTER 5

volunteerism helps enrich and protect communities

onprofit organizations are often considered the building blocks of our communities. They provide safety nets for the most vulnerable, give voice to artists, and enable people to receive training and find jobs. Fredrikson & Byron lawyers serve on the boards of many organizations, helping to build infrastructure and to guide programming and services. These volunteers also provide invaluable legal services to organizations that serve the disadvantaged and to those organizations with small budgets. Bridget Penick, an officer in Fredriksonâ€™s Des Moines office, worked with Ballet Des Moines this past year to obtain an O-1 visa for one of its principal dancers from Colombia. She also assisted the organization in hiring a new executive director and preparing its apprenticeship program for its pre-professional dancers. Established in 2002, Ballet Des Moines brings professional ballet performances to central Iowa. Bridget also serves on the board of directors of the organization. Bridget has assisted Iowa Legal Aid with employment issues across its offices in Iowa, and she currently serves on Iowa Legal Aidâ€™s Central Iowa Advisory Committee. John Nelson, a lawyer in the Trusts & Estates Group, worked with some concerned citizens who wanted to find a way to stop the financial exploitation of seniors. John helped them form a new 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Minnesota Elder Justice Center. The center combines two Minnesota initiatives, the S.A.F.E. Elders Initiative developed by the Anoka County Attorneyâ€™s Office and the Center for Elder Justice and Policy at William Mitchell College of Law. The new organization will work to accelerate efforts in the prevention of elder abuse. It will offer valuable resources to the community through its website and will offer a toll-free hotline. The center is due to open at the William Mitchell College of Law this fall. 30

John Pickerill, a shareholder in the Intellectual Property Group, assisted the Cookie Cart this past year with a trademark issue. The Cookie Cart is a small nonprofit located in North Minneapolis that provides teens with lasting and meaningful work, life, and leadership skills through experience and training in an urban nonprofit bakery. John began working with the Cookie Cart in 2008, and he continues to assist them with trademark work.

The Attractive Nuisance Tour is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF). The proceeds of this event provide funds to help MJF pay law students to go forth into Minnesota communities and provide pro bono legal services to low-income individuals. The students are placed in legal services organizations and work under the supervision of licensed lawyers. These internships help instill a sense of professional pride in the students. This experience often translates into careers that include giving back through pro bono. Once again this year, Fredrikson & Byronâ€™s band, Noisy Withdrawal, opened this unique fundraiser. Shareholders Steve Beck, LaurieÂ Hartman, Chris Hunt and Sam Orbovich, along with associate MattÂ Norris, played to a packed crowd at a local venue and helped raise more than $6,000 for the evening.

CHAPTER 6

coordinated support for nonprofits maximizes impact

redrikson & Byron is committed to serving the communities in which we work and live. We do this in many ways â€“ through donating pro bono time, serving on boards of nonprofit organizations and by granting funds to nonprofits through the Fredrikson Foundation. In many instances, organizations benefit from the coordination of all three. The Advocates for Human Rights was established in 1983 by a group of socially conscious lawyers who wanted to create a local organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights throughout the world. For more than 30 years, the organization has dedicated itself to training and educating legal professionals and advocates to use their skills and experiences to defend human rights in Minnesota and around the world. Fredrikson & Byron lawyers have volunteered in many ways â€“ from direct representation of clients in asylum cases to conducting research on human rights abuses. Fredrikson & Byron was a lead law firm in conducting interviews of the Liberian diaspora community and then gathering the research and compiling the report that was used in the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague. Research projects this past year included updating a shadow report on the use of the death penalty in the United States that was presented to the United Nationâ€™s Human Rights Committee, revamping a number of websites relating to violence against women, and reviewing and providing comments regarding new domestic violence-related laws in a variety of developing countries. Volunteers help The Advocates for Human Rights leverage financial resources to continue its important work. The organization also receives financial support from the Fredrikson Foundation and many lawyers.

Shareholders Jim Dorsey, Loan Huynh and Mary Ranum have served on committees or as directors of The Advocates for Human Rights.

Other lawyers who volunteered in the past year to assist on cases or projects with this vibrant human rights organization include Matthew Barber, Dulce Foster, Kent Harbison, Beau Hurtig, Karla Reyerson, Jillian Rupnow, Patrick Whiting, Loan Huynh and interns Ashley Brosius and SharifaÂ Crawford.

CHAPTER 7

recognitions

he Children’s Law Center presented Fredrikson & Byron with its Distinguished Service Award for the firm’s commitment to pro bono representation. More than 27 Fredrikson & Byron lawyers and staff have volunteered at some point with Children’s Law Center – either by providing pro bono legal services to children in foster care or by assisting the organization itself.

John Koneck receives the Distinguished Service Award from Children’s Law Center Board Chair David Potter.

Fredrikson & Byron was also recognized by Cancer Legal Line at the organization’s annual gala on September 19, 2013, for work on behalf of a young woman who needed a blood transfusion. The client’s only match was her brother, who lived in Ecuador and had been denied a visa based on a previous exclusion. The legal team, including Ryan Johnson, Catherine London and Debra Schneider, was recognized 38

for working with U.S. Senator Al Franken’s office to obtain a humanitarian parole visa that allowed the brother to come to the United States and give blood for the transfusion. The transfusion was a success and our client, a young mother, is now cancer free.

the associate volunteer of the year Fredrikson & Byron is home to many talented lawyers who are dedicated to the profession of law and to helping those less fortunate. Many give up their work and personal time to take a case or support a cause that is particularly compelling to them. The firm proudly recognizes associates who have exhibited a commitment to providing legal services for low-income individuals. Joe Cassioppi began volunteering with Children’s Law Center of Minnesota (CLC) during his first few months as a new associate at Fredrikson & Byron. His first case was a tough one, involving a troubled young child who had been accused of inappropriately touching his foster sister. Even at his young age, Joe’s client was charged with sexual misconduct, and faced a life labeled as a sexual predator. Undaunted, Joe began working with his client and the client’s public defender to fight the charges. Joe also worked with CLC staff and social workers to put a plan in place to assure that this child received necessary and appropriate guidance and counseling. Due to Joe’s involvement and continued mentoring, the client has thrived, was adopted, and is now a successful young adult attending college. Since that first case, Joe has continued to represent children and vulnerable adults in difficult circumstances through Children’s Law Center and Volunteer Lawyers Network. Fredrikson & Byron is proud to recognize Joe’s dedication to providing pro bono legal services to the disadvantaged.

CHAPTER 8

ongoing service

friends of fredrikson program Friends of Fredrikson is a stand-alone nonprofit that began 20 years ago and is run by employees of Fredrikson & Byron. Its mission is to provide assistance to low-income families with children in a variety of ways. One annual program always brings an abundance of joy and satisfaction to many. Every year since our inception, we have “adopted” families in need during the holiday seasons. Over the years, we have worked through a number of community organizations to do this, including Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, The Link for Homeless Youth, and Sharing & Caring Hands. The organizations identify families in need and we work to fulfill their holiday wish lists. Always moving, at times heartbreaking, the requests we receive include such things as a warm pair of socks, newborn diapers or a winter jacket. Our firm has responded to these modest requests and provided a little bit of joy for low-income families. This past year, the Minneapolis and Fargo offices began a new partnership with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V) to identify families in its networks. All of the families we adopted were formerly homeless and receiving rental assistance through MAC-V. The families’ journeys were touching. In Minneapolis, we supported a female combat veteran with a 90 percent disability rating and her three teenage children. After her husband left the family, she lost her home to foreclosure and she and her children became homeless. They had recently begun receiving rental assistance from MAC-V and were looking forward to starting to live a normal life. In Fargo, we assisted a single father of three who had just been released from the VA Medical Center in November and who was not sure how to provide gifts for his 10-year old twin and five-year old children. While we were not able to identify a veteran family in Bismarck, the office worked with the Welcome House, a faith-based agency serving homeless individuals and families in the Bismarck/Mandan area, to identify a family in need. In this case, both parents had worked, but became homeless after the mother got sick and could not work for a significant amount of time. Until they received help through the Welcome House, the family of seven lived in a camper trailer for more than a year. They moved into an apartment shortly before the holidays, and our gifts helped make their season brighter. 42

Additionally, the Minneapolis office provided gifts and gift cards to Jewish Family & Childrenâ€™s Service to be distributed to their clients, including senior citizens, shut-ins and low-income families. All of this has been possible because of the culture of community here at Fredrikson & Byron. Special recognition goes to legal assistant Roxanne Gangl for all of her hard work to coordinate this program and make the activities happen each year.

Images of holiday cheer from Fargo, Bismarck and Minneapolis show holiday spirit in action.

Some thank you notes from the MAC-V families: “Words cannot express the joy that you have so generously given to my family this year. Thank you for everything and all you did.” “I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for my children and I this Christmas! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May your generosity reflect goodness in all you do throughout the coming year! Thank you.” “Thank you so much for your donations to my children! It’s been such a rough year for both of them. Your gifts are priceless and their smiles will be priceless! Thank you.” “Thank you SO much for your generosity this holiday season. You have made such a difference to our family, helping us to remember what Christmas is about. Thank you.”

From the “house mom” at one of the shelters for veterans: “I want to take the time to tell you all that you are wonderful! You went above and beyond to ensure the veterans and their families had a wonderful Christmas. Your generosity was overwhelming. The veterans were all so excited when they picked the gifts up. Thank you for bringing Christmas to these families.” From Jewish Family & Children’s Services: “Thank you for your very generous and beautiful gifts. They will make great presents. We are so blessed that you support Hag Sameach every year. Happy Holidays!”

community service Fredrikson & Byron has a long history of encouraging community service by all of its employees. Both lawyers and staff embrace this commitment by providing services too numerous to list. Their volunteer activities include such things as tutoring students in math, reading, and comprehension; serving on local community boards; fundraising for charitable events; and working to keep low-income families in their homes. Our firm supports this commitment by giving each employee paid time off to volunteer for firm-sponsored community service programs through Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, Project for Pride in Living, Sharing & Caring Hands, and tutoring at Whittier International School.

Krithiga Ganesan, Curt Okerson and Kara Noble prepare meals at Sharing & Caring Hands.

the minnesota keystone program The Minnesota Keystone Program identifies, encourages, and recognizes Minnesota companies that help enhance quality of life in the state by contributing 2 percent or 5 percent of pre-tax earnings in the form of time, money or in-kind services. A proud participant since 1989, Fredrikson & Byron has been a contributor at the 5 percent level for the past several years, and our firm was honored to receive the Keystone Award for mid-sized companies in 2010. 45

fredrikson & byron minority scholarship For more than 20 years, the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation has awarded a $10,000 scholarship as one way to affirm our commitment to promoting diversity among incoming law professionals. In 2014, the Foundation increased the award to two $15,000 scholarships. This scholarship program promotes the legal training of minority lawyers and encourages them to join and excel in the private practice of law with major law firms.

fredrikson & byron foundation Funded by contributions from the law firm’s officers, the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation exists to support law-related institutions and events, organizations that complement the rule of law and access to justice, and a number of cultural and social service groups that are of special interest to the law firm’s lawyers and employees.

Below is a comprehensive list of the organizations that received support this past fiscal year from the Fredrikson & Byron Foundation. 360 Communities AccountAbility Minnesota (now known as Prepare & Prosper) Alzheimer’s Association of Minnesota & North Dakota American Immigration Council Anishinabe Legal Services Arc Greater Twin Cities Baby’s Space: A Place to Grow Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative Belwin Conservancy BestPrep Bismarck Library Foundation Books for Africa Call for Justice, LLC Cancer Legal Line Cantus Central Minnesota Legal Services Charities Review Council Children’s Cancer Research Fund Children’s Health Care Foundation

Children’s Heart Fund of Ethiopia Children’s Home Society Children’s Law Center of Minnesota Children’s Theatre Company Citizens League CLUES Council on Crime and Justice Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota FamilyWise Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research Foundation for Public Affairs Friends of Fredrikson Friends of the Hennepin County Library Girls in Action Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery Hamline University School of Law Hennepin County Bar Foundation Housing Preservation Project Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

Infinity Project Innovative Quality Schools Judicare of Anoka County Jungle Theatre Just the Beginning Foundation Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Legacy Childrenâ€™s Foundation Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota Legal Aid Society Legal Rights Center Legal Services of North Dakota Legal Services of Northwestern Minnesota LegalCORPS Loan Repayment Assistance Program Metropolitan Economic Development Association Milestone Growth Fund Minneapolis Institute of Arts Minnesota Film and TV Board Minnesota International Center Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company Minnesota Justice Foundation Minnesota Land Trust Minnesota Literacy Council Minnesota Opera Minnesota Orchestra Minnesota Public Radio Minnesota Sinfonia Minnesota Urban Debate League Minnesota Zoo MinnPost.com Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Minnesota Justice Foundation Summer Clerkship Program Neighborhood Development Center Neighborhood Justice Center Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Open Eye Figure Theatre Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rightsâ€“US Foundation Page Education Foundation Pangea World Theater Phyllis Wheatley Community Center Plains Art Museum Project for Pride in Living Ragamala Dance Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area Ronald McDonald House Charities Sandbox Theatre Sanford Health Foundation Science Debate Science Museum of Minnesota Sharing and Caring Hands Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services St. Paul Chamber Orchestra St. Paul Riverfront Corporation Ten Thousand Things Theater The Advocates for Human Rights The Bakken Museum The Link The Loft Literary Center The Salvation Army Tubman Family Alliance Twin Cities in Motion University of Iowa College of Law University of Minnesota Foundation University of North Dakota Foundation University of St. Thomas Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership Volunteer Lawyers Network Voyageurs National Park Association Walker Art Center Washburn Center for Children William Mitchell College of Law YMCA Camp Menogyn YWCA Cass Clay

epilogue

redrikson & Byron and its Pro Bono Committee thank all the lawyers, paralegals, librarians, summer associates, interns, and staff who have helped provide free legal and other community services to economically disadvantaged people, nonprofits, and to our community. We will continue our commitment to increase these services in the years to come. The Pro Bono Committee welcomes any questions or comments about this report, the firm’s pro bono policy, the Pro Bono Law Firm Challenge, or opportunities to get involved with pro bono work. Please direct your calls or comments to our Pro Bono Manager, Pam Wandzel, or to any member of the Pro Bono Committee: Cindy Moyer (chair), Ed Cassidy, Patrick Kelly, Jody McGinley, Steve Quam, John Schenk, Debra Schneider and Aubrey Zuger.

firm pro bono hours Special recognition goes to those individuals who met or exceeded their goal of providing 50 hours or more of pro bono work for fiscal year 2014: Steven Kaplan 1,478.3 James Mayer 687.9 Leslie Anderson 576.3 Kimberly Lowe 550.7 Edward Cassidy 380.5 Sten-Erik Hoidal 265.3 Chelsea Brennan DesAutels 250.4 David Bunde 197.4 Kristen Barlow Rand 173.2 Timothy O’Shea 167.3 John Lundquist 162.7 Douglas Kassebaum 160.9 Nikola Datzov 159.2 Matthew Stortz 157.6 Christopher Montana 143.8 Joann Landkamer 141.5 John Erhart 133.6 Andrew Johnson 125.9 Samuel Young 124.0 Dulce Foster 122.5 James Brand 122.2

John Stout Ashley Roth Kevin Spreng Kevin Riach Johanna Franzen Haley Waller Pitts Warren Mack Clint Cutler Lousene Hoppe Jessica Edwards Hiep Pham Paul Thomas John Nelson Anupama Sreekanth Joseph Schauer Kyra Ayo Caros John Koneck Erin Secord Ryan Johnson Ryan Brauer Benjamin Tozer

120.2 118.7 116.9 116.8 115.6 115.5 113.8 111.7 111.6 110.8 110.8 108.9 105.0 104.2 104.0 103.8 103.7 101.7 98.5 96.4 95.4

Robert Boisvert Matthew Norris Jillian Rupnow Kent Harbison Jamal Faleel Gauri Samant Paul Jones Pamela Abbate-Dattilo Kimberly Morris Agee Kristin Blenkush Jeremy Duehr Katherine Ilten Emily Duke Joseph Cassioppi Katie Perleberg James Dorsey Ingrid Culp Amy De Kok Cynthia Moyer Joy Chung Gail Brandt

94.3 93.8 91.3 85.9 85.8 85.2 84.3 84.2 80.9 79.7 79.1 78.4 76.6 74.6 73.0 70.7 70.4 69.4 67.4 67.1 66.5

Ilse Akbar David Coyle William Guy III Debra Schneider Sarah Olson Kristy Rodd Lori-Ann Jones Aubrey Zuger Lisa Lindenfelser Eric Buss Nicole Moen Jessica Manivasager Erik Splett Michael Feller Amy Jenson Katherine Peckham Stephen Bergerson Daniel Deveny Christy Carrier Shannon Matter Anne Radolinski

64.7 64.4 63.8 62.8 62.3 60.1 59.1 58.0 56.6 55.8 55.4 55.3 55.1 54.0 53.2 52.8 52.6 52.5 51.4 50.5 50.5

Other lawyers, paralegals, and summer associates doing pro bono work in fiscal year 2014 include: Maher Abduselam Marguerite Ahmann Kristy Albrecht Jessica Allen Elizabeth Alvine Eric Anderson Thomas Archbold James Baillie Jonathan Baker Jane Ball Matthew Barber MaKell Baumgartner Jeffrey Benson Larry Berg Jacqueline Bernu Paula Blenker Norah Olson Bluvshtein

Matthew Boos Sheri Brenden Amber Brown Harleigh Brown Christina Brusven Dana Buchholz Wayne Carlson Jason Cassady Emily Chad Zhu June Cheng Jeannine Christensen Lori Cobb Katherine Cole Aleida Conners Bronwen Cound Carolyn Coverdale Sharifa Crawford

Michael Cummings Laura Danielson Stephanie Davis Steven Dickinson Peter Diessner Chris Dolan Scott Dorfman Elizabeth Dunshee Timothy Eschweiler Grant Fairbairn Jessica Foss Thomas Fraser Sharon Freier Lora Friedemann Barbara Fritz Krithiga Ganesan Ron Garber

Thomas Garton Philip Goldman David Gollin Kevin Goodno Jodi Gustafson Brent Haase Deborah Halvorson Alexis Hamilton Shepard Harris Laurie Hartman Benjamin Hasbrouck Krista Hatcher Ryan Heck Steve Helland Lindsey Hemly Thomas Hipkins Quinn Hochhalter Lisa Holter Christopher Hunt Beau Hurtig Loan Huynh Leigh-Erin Irons Rebecca Iserman Leah Janus Jenna Jenson Andrea Jenson-Packer Bruce Johnson Alicia Jones Thomas Judd Natalie Kadievitch Dean Karau Gregory Karpenko Patrick Kelly Sara Kilian Jennifer Kitchak Ted Koshiol Mary Krakow Richard Kyle Ann Ladd Patricia Larson Kimberly Lattimore Paul LaVanway, Jr.

Ray Lazar Lacey Lesmeister Ruilin Li Debra Linder Heidi Loch Catherine London Sheila Long Debbie Maday Patrick Mahlberg Erik Malinowski Thomas Manewitz David Marshall Cari Martell Brian McCool Jody McGinley Nola McNeally Christopher Melsha Mia Mendoza Morgan “Sjur” Midness Ryan Miest Deborah Moeller Alycia Morell Daniel Mott Barbara Muller Ryan Murphy Laura Myers Adonis Neblett Andrew Nick Carl Numrich Zachary Olson Bonnie O’Malley Sherrill Oman Samuel Orbovich John Patterson Bridget Penick John Pickerill Joshua Porte Jeffrey Post Yan Qi Steve Quam Melissa Rahn Erika Ramirez

Mary Ranum Michael Raum Luis Resendiz Karla Reyerson Jordan Rife Lisa Robinson Dona Rodrigue Melodie Rose Carrie Rosenberry Alexander Rosenstein Richard Ross Howard Roston John Satorius Mark Savin Karen Schanfield Amanda Schmall Dale Schoonover Renee Senger Jeffrey Serum Cameron Seybolt Dipak Shah Rhona Shwaid Leia Simon Anneliese Simons Levi Smith Eric Snustad Richard Snyder Amy Sobiesczyk Joseph Sokolowski Lindsay Sokolowski Chelsea Sommers Joseph Springer Kelly Staack Christopher Stafford Adam Steinert Karen Sandler Steinert Susan Steinwall Rebecca Strand Marc Sugden Asmah Tareen Julie Taylor Kim Thompson

Teresa Thompson Jeanne Tracy Aaron Vanderpool Mark Vyvyan Deborah Walker David Waytz

Michelle Weck Richard Wegener David West Patrick Whiting Robert Whitlock Abby Willemssen

John Williams III Todd Wind Joan Wrolstad Masha Yevzelman Maureen Young Todd Zimmerman

individual service to nonprofit organizations Fredrikson & Byron lawyers, paralegals and staff support our nonprofit communities in a number of ways including providing legal services for charitable organizations; handling numerous matters for individuals; and serving on board of directors for organizations focused on the arts, legal services and community development. Fredrikson & Byron lawyers and staff have provided board and committee leadership assistance to the following organizations. Ilse Akbar

West Side Summit Charter School, Board member

Becky Anderson

Hennepin County Library Board, Board member

Briar Andresen

Ragamala Dance, Board President, Board member

Jim Baillie

American Bar Association Section of Business Law, Pro Bono Committee American Bar Association Section of Business Law, Pro Bono Services Committee of the Business Bankruptcy Committee American College of Bankruptcy, Pro Bono Committee, Chair American College of Bankruptcy Foundation, Secretary LegalCORPS, Emeritus Board member Minnesota State Bar Association, Legal Assistance to the Disadvantaged Committee Upper Midwest Chapter of the Turnaround Management, Volunteer Services Committee Volunteer Lawyers Network, Benefactor Board, Co-Chair

Jeffrey Benson

Neighborhood Commercial Spaces, LLC, Board member

Larry Berg

Minnesota Chapter of the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Board member

Steve Bergerson

Advertising Compliance Service, National Editorial Advisory Board Advertising Federation of Minnesota, Honorary board member Better Business Bureau; Emeritus Board member Childrenâ€™s Cancer Research Fund, Volunteer Sanford Sports Complex, Advisory Board South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame, Advisory Board University of Minnesota School of Journalism & Mass Communication, National Advisory Board William Mitchell College of Law, Board member William Mitchell College of Law Intellectual Property Institute, Advisory Board

Kristin Blenkush

Rockstar Supply Co., Board member

Bob Boisvert

Twin Cities in Motion (fka Twin Cities Marathon, Inc.), Board of Directors, Vice President; Governance Committee; Human Resources Committee Chair

Matt Boos

Ingrid Culp

American Bar Association, Section of Business Law, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Board member Federal Regulation of Securities Committee Laura Danielson American Bar Association, Section of Business Law, Green Card Voices, Board member Officer and Director of Liability Committee Legal Services Access Corporation, Amy De Kok Committee member Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, Committee for Special Institute on Shale Plays

Gail Brandt

Minnesota State Bar Association, Diversity Committee Chair

Steve Dickinson

Hamline Law Alumni Board, Board member Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program, Vice-chair

Iowa District Export Council, Chair Iowa State Bar Association, International Law Section Minnesota International Center, Board of Directors North Dakota Trade Office, Board member University of Northern Iowa, Business Incubator Advisory Board University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, Advisory Board US China Business Connections, Board of Directors, Vice President

Christy Brusven

Pete Diessner

Bill Brody

Indiana University School of Law, Board of Directors and Board of Visitors Boy Scouts of America, Northern Star Council, Board member

Harleigh Brown

Minnesota State Bar Association Public Utilities Law Section Council, Committee member

Jason Cassady

Community Action Council, Board Chair

Jim Dorsey

Cantus, Board member Minnesota, Fifth Congressional District, City of Grant Charter Commission, Minneapolis, and Senate District 62 Commission member Democratic-Farmer Labor (DFL) Party, Housing Preservation Project, Board member Committee member and State DFL Constitution, Jack Mason Law & Democracy Initiative of Books Bylaws, and Rules Committee delegate for Africa, Advisory Board Minnesota 2105: Democracy in a Sustainable Joseph Cassioppi Future, Conference Director Federal Bar Association Minnesota Chapter, Board Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights – US member, Co-Vice President Legal Education Foundation, Board member United States Attorney’s Forum on Criminal Emily Chad Justice, Chair Dress For Success Twin Cities, Treasurer, Finance Committee member Katie Douglas Fresh Energy, Board member Ordway Circle of Stars, Board member

Julie Cheng

International Institute of Minnesota, Board member

Katie Cole

Open Eye Figure Theater, Board member

Aleida Conners

Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association, Board member

Bronwen Cound

College of Saint Benedict, Campaign Leadership and Steering Committee, Committee member

Emily Duke

Minnesota E-Discovery Working Group, Co-Founder and Co-Chair Momentum Enterprises, Board member Project for Pride in Living, Board member Volunteer Lawyers Network, Benefactors Board

Liz Dunshee

American Heart Association Twin Cities Go Red, Committee member

Judy Engel

Hennepin County Conciliation Court, Volunteer

John Erhart

State of Minnesota, Compensation Council Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Civil Rules of Procedure The Advocates for Human Rights, Death Penalty Tim Eschweiler Project, Steering Committee Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, Board member, United Way Education Committee, Executive Committee member, Secretary Committee member Volunteer Lawyers Network, Benefactors Board Jamal Faleel St. John’s University School of Theology & Seminary, Board of Trustees, Chair

Federal Bar Association, Diversity Committee Hamline Law School Alumni, Board member

Sharon Freier

Growth & Justice, Board member NAIOP, Land Use Committee member, Public Policy Committee member

Annais Rittenberg Conservation Fund, Board member eWomen Network Foundation, Grant Committee The Discipleship Network of America, Midwest, Director

Jessica Foss

Lora Friedemann

Linda Fisher

State Bar Association of North Dakota, Young Lawyers Committee YMCA Cass Clay, Board member

Dulce Foster

Eighth Circuit History Committee for the District of Minnesota, Treasurer Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, Board member, Co-Vice President, Legal Education Loan Repayment Assistance Program, Board member Minnesota Law Review, Alumni Advisory Board member

Joe Fousek

Minnetonka-Hopkins Gymnastics Association, Board President

Johanna Franzen

Urban Land Institute, Minnesota Young Leaders Group, Board member

Tom Fraser

American College of Trial Lawyers, Minnesota State Committee Call for Justice, LLC, President Children’s Law Center of Minnesota, Board member Council on Crime and Justice, Board member Fund for the Legal Aid Society, Board member Hennepin County Civil Counsel Project, Committee member Minnesota State Bar Association Judiciary Committee, Committee member Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society, Chair and Board member Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Board member, Campaign for Legal Aid Committee

Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, Board member U.S. District Court, Magistrate Judge Reappointment Committee, Vice-Chair, In Her Honor: A Celebration of Minnesota Women in the Law, Member

Ron Garber

J Street Minnesota, Chair

Tom Garton

RS Eden, Board member, Audit/Finance Committee, Chair

David Glaser

Gillette Children’s Specialty Health Care, Board member United Jewish Fund and Council, Board member

Phil Goldman

United Jewish Fund and Council, Board member

David Gollin

Temple Israel of Minneapolis, Board member

Kevin Goodno

American Brain Foundation (f/k/a American Academy of Neurology Foundation), Board member Center for German & European Studies, Committee member Minnesota Business Partnership, Deputy Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Member Minnesota Government Relations Council, Member Own Your Future, Advisory Panel Public Affairs Council, Board member St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, Member

Karen Grandstrand

Concordia College, Board of Regents Hamline University School of Law, Advisory Board of Business Law Institute Minnesota State Bar Association, Banking Law Committee, Business Law Section Executive Council

William Guy III

Concordia College, Offut School of Business, Center for Ethical Leadership, Committee member Floyd Shores Homeowner’s Association, Board of Directors State Bar Association of North Dakota, Business Entity Drafting Task Force, Chair State Bar Association of North Dakota, Uniform Trust Code Drafting Task Force, Chair University of North Dakota, Alumni Association, Board member University of North Dakota, School of Law Building, Advisory Committee member University of North Dakota Foundation, Board member Wellspring for the World, Pro Bono Legal Services

Lindsey Hemly

Minnesota State Bar Association, Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Law Section, Treasurer Voyageurs National Park Association, Board member

Tom Hipkins

Minnesota American Indian Bar Association, Member

Sten Hoidal

Hands On Twin Cities, Board member and Treasurer Volunteer Lawyers Network, Board member

Lisa Holter

Girls in Action, Board member Minnesota State Bar Association, Business Law Section, Committee member Women’s Business Development Center, Advisory Board

Lousene Hoppe

State Bar Association of North Dakota, Pro Bono Task Force Committee

American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section, White Collar Crime Committee, Co-Chair, Minnesota Area Subcommittee American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Leadership Advisory Board American Constitution Society, Minneapolis/St. Paul Lawyer Chapter, Board member Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, Co-Chair National Lesbian and Gay Law Association, American Bar Association Outreach Committee

Kent Harbison

Christopher Hunt

Deborah Halvorson

Lawyers Professional Responsibility, District 7 Ethics Committee Investigator

Kristen Hansen

Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota, Salvation Army, Programs and Services Committee, Chair, Advisory Board, Executive Board member Committee member Minnesota State Bar Association, Committee on Minnesota State Bar Association, Probate & Trust Civil Gideon, Co-Chair Law Section

Shep Harris

City of Golden Valley, Mayor Minnesota Government Relations Council, Member Public Affairs Council, Member Robbinsdale Schools Legislation Action Coalition, Member Sabes Jewish Community Center, Board member

Krista Hatcher

The Link, Board member

Beau Hurtig

Independent Community Bankers’ Legislative Committee, Member

Loan Huynh

The Advocates for Human Rights, Refugee & Immigrant Program, Advisory Committee, Women’s Human Rights Program, Advisory Committee American Immigration Counsel, Board of Trustees

Leigh-Erin Irons

Neighborhood Development Center, Board member Touchstone Mental Health, Board member

Katie Ilten

Annex Teen Clinic, Board member

Leah Janus

Minnesota Justice Foundation, Board member Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, Treasurer Minnesota State Bar Association, Committee member Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, Committee member

Bob Klepinski

Big Sand Lake Association, Board member Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, Officer BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota, Board member Minnesota State Bar Association, Consumer YMCA Camp Menogyn, Board member Litigation Section, Council member John Koneck Seward Coop, Director Minnesota Board of Law Examiners, Ryan Johnson Board member American Health Lawyers Association, Life Minnesota State Bar Association, Governing Sciences Practice Group, Vice-Chair Council of Real Property Section, Member BHALDI, Founder, Board and Executive Minnesota State Bar Association, Certification Committee member Council of Real Property Section, Co-Chair Life Science Alley, Alley Institute, St. Paul Riverfront Corporation, Executive Advisory Committee Committee member and Board member Minnesota Cup, Life Science and HealthIT Summit Academy OIC, Board member Division, Review Board Minnesota State Bar Association, Health Law Ted Koshiol Section, Governing Council Teatro del Pueblo, Treasurer and Board member University of Minnesota Joint Degree Program Mary Krakow in Law, Health and the Life Sciences, City Church â€“ Minneapolis, Vice Chair, Advisory Board Board member University of Saint Thomas, Future of Health Care Minnesota Healthcare Collaborative, Conference Planning Committee Committee member Young Scientists Roundtable, Planning Committee

Lori-Ann Jones

Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, Vice President National Bar Association Region VIII, Board member, Secretary

Tom Judd

The ARC Greater Twin Cities, Board member The ARC of the U.S., Board member

Richard Kyle

Call for Justice, Board member Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, Board member Minnesota Criminal Rules Advisory Committee Minnesota State Bar Association, President

Ann Ladd

The Bakken Museum, Board member

Natalie Kadievitch

Ray Lazar

Minneapolis Tours Sister Cities Association, Board member

The Landings Town Home Association, Former Chair and current Board member

Steve Kaplan

Ruilin Li

Innocence Project of Minnesota, Board member

Pat Kelly

Commerce of Minnesota, Advisory Board

Sara Kilian

Hennepin County Bar Association, Committee member Minnesota Adoption Resource Network, Board Chair

University of Minnesota China Center Advisory Council, President

Keith Libbey

Carleton College, Board of Trustees

Debra Linder

Minnesota State Bar Association, Employee Benefits Council, Member PACER Center, Advisory Board

Kim Lowe

American Bar Association, Business Law Section, Non-profit Organizations and Non-profit Governance Committee member BestPrep, Board member, Marketing Committee member BestPrep – Minnesota Business Venture Curriculum, Advisory Committee member Growth and Justice, Board member Hennepin County Bar Association, Secretary, Executive Committee member, Board member; Finance and Planning Committee member and Bylaws Subcommittee Chair LegalCORPS, Board member Minnesota State Bar Association, Business Law Section; Non-profit Organizations Subcommittee member; 302A Drafting Committee member National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Committee member Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, Corporate Secretary

Warren Mack

Dahlberg Family Foundation, Board member Jorja Fleezanus and Michael Steinberg Fund For Music, Board member Madeline Island Music Camp, Board member Minnesota Orchestra, Board member North Memorial Medical Center, Board member

Ryan Miest

Baby’s Space: A Place to Grow, Board member and Governance Committee Baby’s Space Environments, Board member Pathways Minneapolis, Inc., Board member and Finance Committee

Nicole Moen

American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, Board member

Kim Morris Agee

Pillsbury United Communities, Board member

Daniel Mott

Innovative Quality Schools, Board member, Chair National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Legal, Tax and Accounting Committee, Past Chair United Hospital Foundation, Executive Committee, Board member, Past Chair

Cindy Moyer

Children’s Law Center, Board member Minnesota Chapter of International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Coalition, Board member and Program Committee Chair The Fund for Legal Aid, Board member, Executive Committee member Upper Midwest Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association, Board member

Tom Muck

Minnesota Justice Foundation, Board member

Minnesota Taxpayers Association, Board member Page Education Foundation, Advisory Board

Jessica Manivasager

Ryan Murphy

Patrick Mahlberg

Lawyers United for All Families, Committee member Minneapolis Ibaraki Sister City Association, Board member Minnesota State Fair Foundation, Board member TruSight, Inc., Board member

Brian McCool

Shoreview Area Housing Initiative, Board member; NAIOP, Land Use Committee, Co-Chair, Public Policy Committee

Nola McNeally

Minnesota State Bar Association, Bankruptcy Section, Committee member

Laura Myers

Advertising Federation of Minnesota, Board member

Dana Neu

Minnesota State Bar Association, Probate & Trust Litigation Committee, Committee member

John Nelson

Grassroots Culture, Board member Yellow Tree Theatre, Board member

Sarah Olson The Cullen Children’s Foundation, Board member The Loft Literary Center, Committee member Fargo Marathon, Inc., Board member DMF Lend-A-Hand, Executive Committee member Chris Melsha

Totino-Grace High School, President’s Council

American Diabetes Association, Community Leadership Board member

Sjur Midness

Sherrill Oman

Coffee House Press, Treasurer, Board member

Zach Olson

Affordable Housing Connections, Board member

Sam Orbovich

Aging Services of Minnesota, Committee member ARRM, Board member Care Providers of Minnesota, Committee member Lyngblomsten, Governance Advisory Committee Minnesota State Bar Association, Administrative Law Section Governing Counsel, Past Chair and member

Tim Oâ€™Shea

Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, Committee member Minnesota State Bar Association, Minnesota E-Discovery Working Group, Board Member

John Parzych

Guardian Angels Catholic School, Little Angles Preschool, Volunteer

Crystal Patterson

American Red Cross, Disaster Services Human Resources volunteer Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Service Unit Delegate, Troop Leader Riverpark Center, Board member

John Patterson

Boy Scouts of America, Northern Star Council, Board member, Camping and Properties Committee, Vice president Ramsey County Bar Association Foundation, former Board member and former President St. Thomas Academy, Trustee, Executive Committee member

Bill Pearce

Bismarck-Mandan Orchestral Association, Inc., Board member The Library Foundation, Inc., Board member and Treasurer

Katie Perleberg

Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company, Board of Directors Theatre B, Volunteer

John Pickerill

Advertising Federation of Minnesota, Board member Art Buddies, Board member

Bridget Penick

Ballet Des Moines, Board of Directors Iowa State Bar Association, Committee member Iowa Legal Aid Central Iowa Advisory Council, Committee member Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission Polk County Board Association, Board member

Jim Platt

Angel Foundation, Board member Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Chapters, Board member

Anne Radolinski

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, Board member Power of 100 Twin Cities Women Who Care, Member

Melissa Rahn

Minneapolis Community and Technical College Foundation, Board member, Fundraising Committee, Chair, and Alumni Advisory Council Minnesota Film & TV Board, Board member, Legislative Advocacy Committee, Chair Minnesota Government Relations Council, Committee member Public Affairs Council, Committee member Reach for Resources, Board member, Vice ChairÂ Womenwinning State PAC, Board member

Virginia Rahn

Minneapolis Community and Technical College Foundation, Board member

Mary Ranum

Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, Board of Regents, Board member Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, Board Co-Chair University of Minnesota Law School, Board of Advisors, Board member

Kevin Riach

Coalition for Impartial Justice, Board member

Melodie Rose

Heritage Christian Academy Foundation, Board member

Alex Rosenstein

Columbia University Club of Minnesota, Board member

Rick Ross

Minnesota Management Attorneys Association, Founder, Board member Minnesota State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Institute, Planning Committee Oak Ridge Country Club, Board member and Golf Committee, Co-Chair

Ashley Roth

American Immigration Lawyers Association, Committee member

Jillian Rupnow

Joe Sokolowski

John Satorius

Lindsay Sokolowski

State Bar Association of North Dakota, Ethics Committee Belwin Foundation, Board member International Education Center, Board member Lacek Foundation, Board member MinnPost, Board member

Debra Schneider

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, Board member, President

John Schenk

The Loft Literary Center, Board of Directors, Chair

Chuck Segelbaum

Golden Valley Board of Zoning Appeals, Chair Golden Valley Planning Commission, Secretary

Cameron Seybolt

Minnesota Board of Continuing Legal Education, Member

David Sellergren

University of Minnesota UMore Park Development L.L.C. Board of Governors, Board member

Karen Schanfield

St. Paul Jewish Community Center, Committee member National Academy of Arbitrators, Committee member

University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital Philanthropic Board Peace and Hope Trust, Inc., Chair The ARC Greater Twin Cities, Media Spokesperson Women’s Business Development Center of Minnesota, Board member

Kevin Spreng

James J. Hill Reference Library, Board Chair Minne*, Board member Real Phonic Radio Hour, Board member

Howard Stacker

Summit Academy OIC, Advisory Board member

Tom Steichen

Annunciation School, Board member Grant Kate’s Wish Foundation, Board member

Karen Sandler Steinert

American Bar Association, Real Property, Trusts and Estates Law Section, CLE Committee, Business Planning Group, Committee on Estate Planning and Administration for Business Owners, Farmers and Ranchers, Vice Chair Cancer Legal Line, Board member

Sue Steinwall

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Minnesota / Dakotas Chapter, Board member Twin Cities Cardozo Society, Steering Committee, Programming Committee, Co-Chair

American Bar Association, Environmental Transactions and Brownfields Committee, Vice Chair and year in Review Editor Hennepin County Bar Association, Environmental Section, Co-Chair Minnesota Land Trust, Vice President of the Board and Chair of Conservation Committee

Leia Simon

John Stout

Rhona Shwaid

Citizen’s League, Member American Bar Association, Business Law Minnesota Government Relations Council, Member Section: Corporate Governance Committee, myHealth, Vice Chair of Board, Chair, Corporate Social Responsibility Task Executive Committee Force, Vice Chair, Governance, Task Force Pet Project Rescue, Advocacy Committee member on Human Trafficking, Member, Governing Public Affairs Council, Member Council, Member Center for International Private Enterprise, Board Anneliese Simons and Executive Committee member Citizen League, Member Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Minnesota Government Relations Council, Member Co-founder, Secretary, Board member Public Affairs Council, Member Milestone Growth Fund, Co-founder, The Arc Minnesota, Committee member Chair, Secretary Minnesota Film Board, Co-founder, Richard Snyder Emeritus Director Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee National Association of Corporate Directors, on Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure, Minnesota Chapter, Emeritus Director Committee member

Jon Strinden

Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Growth Industry Foundation, Board member North Dakota Public Employer Retirement System, Board Chair North Dakota State University Technology Park Advisors, Board member

Rachna Sullivan

Federal Bar Association, Minnesota Chapter, President University of Minnesota Law School, Alumni Relations Committee Chair, Board member

Asmah Tareen

OMEED, Board member, Officer Tamami Learning Center, Board member

Todd Taylor

Algae Biomass Organization, Board member Minnetonka-Hopkins Gymnastics Association, Board member University Enterprise Laboratories, Board member

Paul Thomas

Volunteer Lawyerâ€™s Network, Quality Control Committee Project for Pride in Living, Board member, Nominating Committee, Chair, Fundraising Committee

Laura Wanger

Inver Grove Heights BEST Foundation, Board member

Dick Wegener

Bureau of National Affairs Antitrust & Trade Regulation Report, Advisory Board member The Antitrust Counselor, Board of Advisors Minnesota State Bar Association, Food Drug & Device Law Section, Governing Council

Rich Weiner

American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Board member British-American Business Council, Board member Minnesota International Center, Board member

David West

Jungle Theatre, Board member

Amnicon Foundation, Board member The Origins Program, Board President

Steve Tight

Robert Whitlock

American Heart Association, Committee member Twin Cities Heart & Stroke Gala, Committee member

Jeanne Tracy

Off-Broadway Musical Theatre, Board President

Mark Vyvyan

Volunteer Lawyers Network, Board member

F. John Williams III

National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter, Board member Red River Valley Estate Planning Council, Board member

Pam Wandzel

Northside Economic Opportunity Network, Board Chair

Mill City Commons, Board member

Todd Wind

ALS Association of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, Board member Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, Panel member

Masha Yevzelman

Minnesota State Bar Association, Tax Section, Vice-Chair

Aubrey Zuger

State Bar Association of North Dakota, Board of Governors, Secretary-Treasurer The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley, Board member

Fredrikson & Byron

Where Law and Business Meet® At Fredrikson & Byron, we’ve built a reputation as the firm “where law and business meet” by bringing business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to our work with clients. We operate as business advisors and strategic partners, as well as legal counselors. A proactive, problem-solving mindset runs throughout our service areas, which enables us to understand and keep client objectives firmly in mind, as well as anticipate and address problems before they arise. Our lawyers blend a common-sense approach with in-the-field experience, and we utilize our firm’s strong reputation and our lawyers’ broad networks to get things done.

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