For over thirty years Joni M. Thome has focused her practice working on behalf of employees who have been wrongfully terminated from their jobs due to discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation. Joni is a founding member of Wanta Thome PLC. Joni consistently obtains positive results for her clients through court awards and settlements and is well known for her advocacy and commitment to employee rights.
Best Employment Lawyers in Minnesota
Joseph Osterbauer
Employment Lawyer
Joe Osterbauer was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attended Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and received his law degree in 1990 from the William Mitchell College of Law. While going to law school, Mr. Osterbauer clerked at the Cody Law Firm in St. Paul. Upon graduation, Mr. Osterbauer worked with the Taylor Law Firm in Minneapolis for a year and a half.
He then founded the Osterbauer Law Firm in the summer of 1992. Mr. Osterbauer is recognized as one of the top attorneys in MN and practices in the areas of workers’ compensation and personal injury.
At Osterbauer Law Firm, we have a strong belief in the relationship between our lawyers and our clients. With twenty years of experience to offer, our clients have full confidence in us with all of their legal services. We represent people and their families in many types of legal matters, but we have learned to develop our skills with Personal Injury as well as Workers’ Compensation Claims. We provide free initial consultations, and there are no fees for any legal services unless we recover. Our goal is to meet your legal needs and continue our legacy of service to our community. Regardless of the size of matter, we are committed to our clients and will dedicate our knowledge and expertise to finding a solution.
Kenneth H. Bayliss III
Employment Lawyer
Ken is an experienced trial attorney who has tried cases throughout Minnesota. He is also an accomplished appellate advocate, having argued more than 70 appellate cases in state and federal courts. Much of his practice includes the defense of governmental entities, including counties, townships, and cities, but he also represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of disputes, including cases involving professional liability, land use planning, auto liability, premises liability, personal injury, construction defects, property damage, and business disputes.
He has been active in professional organizations and has served on Minnesota Supreme Court Rules Committees and State Bar Section Governing Councils (Civil and Appellate). He is a regular speaker at professional conferences and has spoken to lawyers and the business community about many different areas of the law, including: Government Immunities, Evidence, Legal Writing, Construction Litigation, Insurance Coverage, and Land Use Planning.
Education
- University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- J.D. – 1984
- St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
- B.A. – 1981
- Honors: cum laude
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 1984
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1985
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1995
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2001
Joni M. Thome
Employment Lawyer
Education
- Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN, J.D.; Journal of Law and Policy, Associate
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, B.A.
Lawrence P. Schaefer
Employment Lawyer
Larry has earned a reputation as a lawyer who assists clients in every way possible to best recover from the effects of illegal workplace conduct. He has represented numerous executives in severance negotiations and litigation. He was lead counsel in a case establishing the “just cause” standard for termination in Minnesota on behalf of a former Cargill Vice President, securing a judgment of more than $500,000 and establishing the legal principal that just cause is not present unless there is some form of misconduct.
In his free time, Larry enjoys golfing, bicycling, attending sporting events and traveling with his wife, Toni.
Areas of Practice:
- Employment Litigation
- Class Action
- Multi-Plaintiff Cases
- Executive Severance
Tara Jensen
Employment Lawyer
Tara Jensen represents individuals in litigation and negotiation of a wide range of employment and civil rights matters involving discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower, sexual harassment and assault, and medical malpractice.
With over 15 years of employment law experience, Tara recognizes that discrimination takes many forms and is often quite subtle. She is creative in her approach to advocacy and is accustomed to navigating highly complex employment matters.
Tara began her practice in New York where she worked as a litigation partner and attorney for two reputable labor and employment firms. She represented labor unions and individual employees in all areas of labor and workplace disputes, including discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour violations. She is a skilled litigator with experience practicing before state and federal trial and appellate courts, administrative agencies, and in mediation and arbitration proceedings.
Before entering private practice, Tara served as a law clerk for the Honorable Ronald L. Ellis of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and a Civil Rights Litigation Fellow at Bernabei & Wachtel, a civil rights firm in Washington, D.C.
Tara graduated from the City University of New York School of Law w
Ben Kwan
Employment Lawyer
In or out of the courtroom, Ben Kwan’s innate ability to share a compelling story drives his client advocacy. Prior to law school, he put that talent to use as a television news anchor and reporter with CBS and FOX affiliates in Michigan and working with a South African national news network in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
As a Partner and Founder of Haller Kwan LLP, Ben primarily represents employees who have been treated illegally in the workplace. Clients and colleagues welcome his strong voice, patient listening skills, and creative legal mind. He’s a dynamic advocate for wrongfully terminated employees, those thrust into a whistleblower role, and those who have experienced discrimination and retaliation. Ben also counsels employees facing various other legal dilemmas including exit counseling, severance negotiations, non-compete advice, and other employment contracts.
Ben’s empathy for workers was nurtured from an early age. “My father is an immigrant from China. He arrived with the proverbial ‘nothing but the clothes on his back.’ To him, work was the only path to a better life and – quite frankly – dignity. To this day, my father serves as a role model for my advocacy. Work in restaurants was his path to dignity and meaning.”
Understanding the indignities caused by discrimination or losing a job, Ben works hard to put clients first, and at ease. To him, it’s personal. Spending extra time to ensure a client understands the legal process, making the additional phone call or sending the detailed email, are all part of Ben’s commitment to help his clients move forward with their lives.
Shifa Alkhatib
Employment Lawyer
Ms. Shifa Alkhatib is the managing partner of our Phoenix, Arizona office. Ms. Alkhatib represents employees in all aspects of employment law matters. Prior to joining HKM Employment Attorneys, she served as a Public Defender for Maricopa County where she gained extensive jury trial experience. Ms. Alkhatib graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2013. As a student, she worked with the Arizona Justice Project, the ACLU, and the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. Ms. Alkhatib also interned for an international NGO that advocated for prisoners rights. Ms. Alkhatib is a board member for the Homeless Legal Assistance Project and the Treasurer of the Central Arizona National Lawyers Guild.
Areas of Practice:
- Employment Law
- Criminal Defense
Education:
- Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, ASU
Concentration in International and Transnational Law
Post Conviction Relief Law Clinic
International Law Fellow - Arizona State University (B.A. Global Studies and Certificate in Arabic)
FRANCES BAILLON
Employment Lawyer
Frances E. Baillon is a recognized advocate for those who have been treated unfairly by the illegal practices of employers. 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 of Top 50 Minnesota Women Super Lawyers, Top 100 Minnesota Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America repeatedly. She is a certified employment law specialist, serves as a member of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure and as a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association’s Eighth Circuit Conference Board. Frances formerly served on the Governing Council of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section and was the former president and former amicus committee chair of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association.
Education
- William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN, J.D.; Rosalie E. Wahl Moot Court Competition, Competitor and Board Member
- Drake University, Des Moines, IA, B.A. in English
Admissions
- Minnesota Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 Lakes: Why You Need Top-Tier Employment Lawyers in Minnesota
Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” boasts a vibrant economy, stunning natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Yet, even in this idyllic setting, workplace conflicts can arise. Whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated, faced wage theft, or experienced discrimination, navigating employment law complexities alone can feel daunting. This is where the best employment lawyers in Minnesota step in – becoming your trusted ally and fierce advocate to ensure fair treatment and a just resolution. This comprehensive guide delves into the invaluable benefits of retaining a skilled legal professional to protect your rights and ensure you receive the workplace protections you deserve under Minnesota law.
Understanding Minnesota Employment Law: Safeguarding Your Rights in the Workplace
Minnesota offers comprehensive employee protections that exceed federal standards. A strong understanding of your rights is crucial:
- Know Your Rights: Federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act provide baseline workplace protections. Minnesota law extends these protections further, including provisions for earned sick and safe time, pregnancy accommodations, and whistleblower protection. A top employment lawyer in Minnesota ensures you understand your specific rights under both federal and state law.
- Wage and Hour Issues: Minnesota adheres to a higher minimum wage than the federal standard. An employment lawyer helps you navigate wage and hour issues like overtime pay, minimum wage violations, and illegal deductions. They can review your paystubs and advocate for unpaid wages or miscalculated overtime.
- Discrimination and Harassment: Minnesota law prohibits discrimination based on various protected classes, including race, religion, sex, disability, and age. A skilled lawyer can assess your situation, determine if discrimination has occurred, and fight for compensation and a fair workplace environment.
- Wrongful Termination: Minnesota recognizes “at-will employment,” meaning an employer can generally terminate you without cause. However, exceptions exist. An employment lawyer helps you understand the legal grounds for wrongful termination, such as retaliation for whistleblowing or discrimination.
- Severance Agreements: If offered a severance package after termination, a lawyer can review its terms, ensuring it fairly addresses your situation and protects your future employment opportunities.
Beyond Legal Expertise: The Qualities of a Top-Tier Employment Lawyer in Minnesota
Not all employment lawyers are created equal. Here’s what sets the best Minnesota employment lawyers apart:
- Extensive Experience in Minnesota Employment Law: Skilled lawyers stay up-to-date on the nuances of Minnesota employment law, including recent court rulings and legislative changes. They understand how to effectively navigate the legal system within the state, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Experience matters. Look for a lawyer with a history of achieving positive outcomes for employment law cases similar to yours in Minnesota. Client testimonials and case results can offer valuable insights.
- Compassion and Understanding: Employment disputes can be emotionally charged. Your lawyer should approach your case with empathy, providing emotional support and guidance throughout the process.
- Clear Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is essential. A top employment lawyer keeps you informed on case developments, answers your questions promptly, and addresses your concerns openly and honestly.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Many employment lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. Discuss fee structures upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial circumstances.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Minnesota
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced workplace legal issues and inquire about their lawyers.
- Minnesota State Bar Association: Contact the Minnesota State Bar Association for referrals to qualified employment lawyers in your area.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for employment lawyers in Minnesota based on location, experience, client reviews, and areas of expertise in employment law.