Franklin Lawyers

Paul Downes is a respected trial attorney who combines a client-centered philosophy with recognized legal skill to successfully represent a wide range of personal injury clients. Before joining SiebenCarey, Paul successfully built the personal injury law firm of Meyer & Associates with Helen Meyer, another prominent personal injury attorney who served as a Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. At Meyer & Associates, Paul developed a highly personalized level of client service while providing outstanding legal representation. In 2002, he joined SiebenCarey as a partner. Paul was appointed by the MN Supreme Court to serve on...

Jeffrey practices law in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, professional malpractice, civil rights law and police misconduct, auto and truck accidents, product liability, premises liability, property damage, and insurance litigation.

A graduate of the William Mitchell College of Law in 1998, Jeffrey was admitted to the Minnesota State Bar, and then joined SiebenCarey as an associate attorney. Jeffrey is now a shareholder in the firm, and is admitted to practice law in Minnesota Federal District Court, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and the State of Wisconsin. He has tried numerous cases, in both State and Federal Court, in...

Mark Olive is an experienced and accomplished workers' compensation attorney. Martindale-Hubbell, the most respected directory in the legal community, gave Mark an AV Preeminent 5.0 Rating for both professional skills and ethics - the highest designation available in both categories. In addition, Mark has been selected for Super Lawyer honors consistently since 2000. Super Lawyer honorees are selected from an annual survey and the distinction is bestowed on less than five percent of Minnesota's practicing attorneys. Mark was also selected in Minnesota Law & Politics Top 40 Workers' Compensation Attorneys and was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in...

Harry Sieben has been with his law firm for 50 years. It has been built into one of Minnesota's largest and most successful personal injury law firms by fighting for the rights of injured people. Harry has conducted jury trials that have resulted in record verdicts. He has recognition from state and national organizations for his success. He has consistently been selected by his peers as a Super Lawyer honoree and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Harry is certified as a Civil Trial Law Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association, a distinction awarded to...

Cory Whalen is a partner and shareholder at the law firm of SiebenCarey. He practices in all areas of personal injury litigation. He was selected as one of America's best lawyers in the area of product liability litigation by The Best Lawyers of America. Selection to The Best Lawyers of America is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprised of more than four million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.

Cory is a Certified Civil Trial Law Specialist, a certification program administered by the Minnesota State Bar Association and approved by...

Jeff is an advocate for injured people, an attorney and partner at SiebenCarey. He practices in all areas of personal injury law. He is licensed to practice law in Minnesota Federal District Court, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the State of Wisconsin.

Before becoming an attorney, Jeff served as a volunteer teacher in Bucaramanga, Colombia, South America. He handled work assignments for the Dakota County Sheriff's Department in Hastings and worked with Central Minnesota Legal Services in St. Cloud. Jeff holds membership in the American Association for Justice, the Minnesota Association for Justice and the American, Minnesota, Wisconsin,...

Brendan has spent his entire career helping people seriously injured and their families. He began as part of a trial team working on behalf of a woman who lost fetal twins and the family of a man who died, both as a result of contaminated deli meat. Driven by that formative experience, he focused his practice on food poisoning cases and has represented people throughout the country. Over the past fifteen years, he has litigated countless product liability and food poisoning cases and achieved remarkable, ground-breaking results, including one of the largest E. coli verdicts in history. Most importantly, his...

Ryan has dedicated his entire legal career to representing people injured by foodborne illness. His passion is holding food producers accountable when they poison their customers. His unending goal is to make the food we eat safer. Ryan has a decade’s worth of experience in foodborne illness litigation. He has represented people in every major foodborne illness outbreak during that time. Ryan gravitated to the science-driven foodborne illness practice in part because he comes from a medical family. His sister is a neonatologist at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, his mother is a former nurse practitioner and his father is...

Luke J Blahnik is the founder of Law Firm of Luke J Blahnik. Mr. Blahnik was born in the city of Rochester, Minnesota and graduated from Caledonia High School, in Caledonia, Minnesota. In 1998 he received his Bachelor of Science in History from Winona State University, in Winona, Minnesota. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law in 2001 and was admitted to practice law in the State of Minnesota in 2002. From 2001 through 2004 Mr. Blahnik was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Koochiching County Courthouse, where he...

I am the Owner and Principal Attorney of Paden Legal Services. Professionally, I have worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years in various roles such as: Compliance, Medical Staff Services, Behavioral Health, Human Resources, and Finance. My experience in the healthcare industry has shaped my approach to working with clients. Like patients, clients are the center of my focus. I truly enjoy helping my clients and creating solutions for them. I graduated Cum Laude from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and graduated Cum Laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law with a juris...

Mr. Joseph J. Dudley, Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. in 1945 and has practiced law in the state of Minnesota since 1978. Mr. Dudley served in the U.S Air Force (Vietnam) and graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1972. He received his law degree in 1977 from Hamline University, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Dudley is a member of the Ramsey County Bar, Minnesota State Bar, Federal Bar and American Bar Associations. Mr. Dudley’s main areas of practice include Corporate, Commercial Litigation, Franchising, Transportation and Environmental Law. Dudley and Smith, P.A. is a Minnesota law firm practicing in most...

Jay has been a licensed attorney since 1980. He began his career as a public defender before transitioning into insurance defense work where he gained valuable experience and knowledge of the insurance industry and insurance practices. After founding Tentinger Law Firm in 1997, Jay practiced in family law as well as continuing his insurance defense work. Today, Jay focuses his time to working with small businesses and their litigation needs. Jay is a member of the Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska State Bar Associations and a no-fault arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He is admitted to practice before the...

Ashley M. Beard is a dedicated attorney with a strong background in family law and litigation matters. She is known for her unwavering commitment to advocating for her clients and providing them with personalized and strategic legal representation. Ashley's experience spans across various legal settings, including private law firms, a self-help clinic, and as a certified student attorney, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in handling diverse legal matters. Ashley has successfully handled family law-related matters, such as dissolution, child custody, child support, and parenting time, and provided representation in ex parte proceedings involving allegations of abuse or neglect. Ashley's strategic approach...

With over 24 years of experience serving as counsel for banking institutions, real estate developers, and organizations with substantial employee bases, our Firm is committed to delivering outstanding results. We assist clients with a variety of needs including corporate, banking, real estate, and various commercial transactions and disputes. I am David A. Lutz, an attorney based in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Throughout my career, I have handled negotiations for projects as large as $100 million dollar real-estate transactions and have led the legal aspects of notable hotel projects such as the Water Park of America and the Grand Hotel Minneapolis. I understand...

Erin Conway Johnsen is a Minneapolis-based attorney with the firm Garner & Ginsburg, PA. She specializes in franchise law, helping franchisees and dealers resolve their disputes. Her work includes reviewing franchise agreements, negotiating agreement alterations, helping franchisees get out of agreements, drafting franchise agreement addenda, and more. Erin graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2012. During here time at the U of M, she served as an editor for the Minnesota Law Review. She received her B.A. from Duke University, where she made the Dean's List.

General practitioner who personally provides exemplary consultation and representation for families and businesses in Minnesota (Eagan) and California (Orange.) Business attorney who provides superior legal leadership for established companies, as well as startup endeavors. Institutes policies and procedures to ensure compliance with municipal, state and federal laws and regulations. Clients include medical service providers, security firms, restaurants, local organizations (not for profit,) home improvement contractors, etc. I pride myself on understanding a business’ needs and responding promptly, efficiently and effectively. Family attorney who provides compassionate legal guidance for empty nesters, as well as young couples. Focuses on ensuring a benevolent future...

Frances E. Baillon is a recognized advocate for those who have been treated unfairly by the illegal practices of employers. A founding partner of Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta LLP, Frances litigates and tries employment cases in state and federal court involving sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation. She has also successfully argued cases before the Minnesota state and federal district courts, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Frances has consistently been named to the lists of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars by her peers and has made the lists...

Robert Brabbit joined SiebenCarey in June 2017, and provides clients with more than 28 years of personal injury law expertise. Robert was a founding partner in the Minneapolis law firm of Brabbit & Salita, PA. As a trial lawyer, he practices in the area of civil litigation on behalf of plaintiffs and concentrates in workers' compensation, automobile negligence, product liability and wrongful death. His practice also includes asbestos related injuries such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Martindale-Hubbell awarded Robert an AV rating after an extensive and confidential peer review by members of the bench and bar. In 2005 he...

As one of Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm’s associate attorneys, Lis Carlson practices in the area of criminal defense. She previously spent time as a trial attorney at the Law Office of the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender, where she provided representation to thousands of clients. Ms. Carlson began her legal career as a law clerk for the Public Defender’s office in Anoka County. Attorney Carlson is a proud graduate of William Mitchell College of Law. Please contact her firm today to get more information.

Bob served as the Minneapolis City Attorney for nearly two decades, advising all elected and appointed officers, department heads, and employees. As City Attorney, he also litigated numerous cases and served as labor relations and licensing counsel. In addition, Bob has served as President of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and the Minnesota Municipal Lawyers Association as well as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Minnesota. In private practice, Bob has focused on both public sector and private sector labor and employment matters.

John is the founder of the Minneapolis employment and civil rights litigation firm of John A. Klassen, P.A. He received law degrees from the University of British Columbia (1992) and Seattle University (1993). Since 1994, John has practiced exclusively in the areas of employment and civil rights law. He has represented employees and victims of civil rights violations throughout the United States, in the areas of harassment and discrimination law, False Claims Act/Qui Tam claims, whistleblower law, wage and hour disputes, class action claims, employment contract disputes, and sexual abuse. Employees consult with him on a regular...

Draeke Weseman is a trademark and business attorney in Minneapolis, MN. He started Weseman Law Office, PLLC in 2010 to serve entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses in Minnesota. Visit www.wesemanlaw.com or call 888-614-6864 for more information.

Stephanie Hill practices in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, secured financing, and economic development incentives (such as New Markets tax credits, historic tax credits and low income housing tax credits). A partner at Faegre & Benson for several years, Stephanie also has wide-ranging experience as local counsel in multi-state transactions and practices in mezzanine financing and renewable energy (wind power, ethanol, biomass incinerators).

Albert Usumanu is a 1989 graduate of the University of Minnesota and a 1994 graduate of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is admitted to practice in the following Courts: Minnesota Supreme Court. October 1994 Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Minnesota Federal District Court

After practicing law for over 41 years, I have retired and am no longer accepting new clients or cases. If you are a former client in need of a document, please feel free to call me, and I may be able to assist you. It's important to note that certified copies can only be obtained from the court administration in the county where your case was filed. I want to express my gratitude to all my former clients for giving me the opportunity to represent your interests! I also extend my thanks to my former legal assistants, court clerks, court reporters, and...

A Minnesota native, William Bongard grew up traveling the world as the son of a professional foreign service worker. His entire 37-year career in has been spent at the law firm of SiebenCarey representing Minnesotans when they experience accidental injury. William is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also state certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. Most recently, William was selected as a 2019 Super Lawyers honoree. In 2008, he was selected by Minnesota Lawyer as one of 15 Attorneys of...

Jennifer J. Roben is the owner/managing attorney at Roben Law, PLLC. She practices in the areas of family law, estates and trusts, and probate litigation. Ms. Roben focuses on practical, individualized solutions for her clients and their families. She has extensive experience in advising and representing clients regarding marital dissolution, custody and parenting time, child support, complex property valuation and division, business valuation and allocation pursuant to a divorce, spousal maintenance, and post-decree matters. Ms. Roben is a graduate of Bradley University, summa cum laude, and William Mitchell College of Law. She is a member of the Minnesota...

Brian has experience in divorce and family law matters. He has prosecuted and defended all types of contested issues, including the legal custody and physical custody of children; restrictions on parenting time and other placement related issues; current and past due child support; child care and day care expenses; education and employment-related issues; spousal support including initiating, limiting, modifying and terminating spousal maintenance; complex property division; digital currency and virtual accounts; concealed assets and dissipation of marital assets; allocating marital interests in closely-held businesses and professional firms; non-marital property claims; and distribution of property through negotiation or litigation. Brian can...

As a practicing attorney and business owner in the highly regulated and rapidly changing in-home healthcare industry I aggressively advocate for continuous improvement and delivery of industry-leading services. Believing that paramount to advancing the goals of clients is understanding systems they depend upon, I have developed a level of expertise in areas key to business successes: evaluating, testing, and determination of the reliability, cost-effectiveness, and usability of hardware and software; leveraging social media, search, and PPC advertising to capture marketing opportunities; utilizing internal and external financial and program audits to evaluate program profitability and legal compliance; and integrating employment law to...

For over 20 years I have been defending people charged with criminal offenses. I defend cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. I also practice family law, mainly divorce cases. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and my Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul MN. In 2014 I was selected for Membership in the National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers for Criminal Defense. In 2000 and 2003 was selected for inclusion in MN Super Lawyers Editions. I have had many trials during my career....

For the past 36 years, I have served as a general practice attorney, representing thousands of individuals across various legal fields including Real Estate, Evictions, Bankruptcy, Family Law, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Municipal Law, Criminal Defense, Business Law, Contracts, and Personal Injury. I am committed to handling each case with compassion and dedication, while vigorously pursuing the most effective legal strategies for my clients. My background as a former city and township attorney and prosecutor allows me to leverage my accumulated knowledge and experience to advocate for my clients' best interests effectively. My client base spans the State of Minnesota, particularly...