"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” - Sun Tzu, 512 B.C.
Licensed in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Arizona, our team has over 50 years of trial experience and has been recognized by our peers for excellence in practice. Our greatest compliment, however, is that our practice is built on referrals from our clients and opponents.
Attorneys You Can Trust
When you are in need of an attorney, you want a firm that will listen to your goals, chart a path to success, and deliver the results you expect. Our clients appreciate our promptness in communication, swiftness in action, and delivery of results.
Experience That Matters
For more than 40 years, we have been the trusted advisors to international businesses, small companies, and individuals when winning was the only acceptable outcome.
Areas of Practice
Business Litigation
We are battle tested trial attorneys to handle your bet-the-company litigation, protect your product, and enforce your rights in all types of litigation which impact you or your business.
Shareholder Disputes
When it is time to part ways with your business partner, you need someone who knows the intricacies of this area of law to bring you success.
Company Formation
Forming your business requires having the appropriate governing documents in place so that you can guide your business from start-up to profitable.
Contract Law
From negotiation to execution, we can assist in your employment contracts, lease agreements, and purchase agreements to ensure that you or your company are protected.
Construction Litigation
Subcontractors too often find themselves fighting a general contractor with deeper pockets, but we have the skills to handle your issue cost effectively and efficiently.
Family Law
Divorce, separation, child custody, child support, and post-divorce motions require knowledgeable and thoughtful guidance during an emotionally difficult process.
We Give You Personalized Attention
We pride ourselves in prompt communication to ensure you are well informed of the status of your legal issue.
Discuss your legal issue
We look forward to discussing your legal issue with you and how we can help.
Introduction to our trial attorneys
Our attorneys have gained the trust of our clients and the respect of our adversaries.
Schwartz Law Firm for your case
We stand ready for you when winning is what matters.
Proven Results
Schwartz Law Firm has a proven winning record.
Schwartz Law Firm is Proud to Represent Clients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Arizona and Massachusetts
Having represented clients across the Country, we bring unparalleled insight you can leverage on your matter.
What Our Clients Say
We are most proud of the referrals we receive from our clients.
Rick Breza
Superior Feed Ingredients, LLC
Great lawyers. The best I have used in over 30 years of business.
Jason Horner
President, SafeWood Designs, Inc.
Brandon has served us well in several instances. He is quick in thought and fast in action when necessary, but also very knowledgeable in approaching a topic from many sides to get the best result. You will be lucky you have him on your side of the table.
Gil Irey
Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, P.C.
Michael and Brandon are exceptional professionals who have helped our clinic out on numerous occasions. They are some of the most hard working honest people I have ever dealt with in my 28 years as a Healthcare Executive. I value our clinic's relationship with Schwartz Law Firm at the highest level.
Dillon Saxhaug
Farmington, MN
The team at Schwartz Law Firm made me feel important and not like I was just another client. Their professionalism and knowledge of the legal system gave my case an outcome far better than I could have expected. I would highly recommend Schwartz Law Firm to anyone.
Blogs and Articles from Schwartz Law Firm
Please check out our blog for helpful information on interesting topics.
Happy New Year
We wish you and yours a wonderful New Years and cheers to 2022 being your best year yet…or at least...
Read MoreADMIT THAT…
Last, but not least relating to discovery are requests for admissions. Here too, there is not a hard and fast...
Read MoreDOCUMENT REQUESTS – LOOKING FOR THE ‘SMOKING GUN’.
Document requests are often served concurrently with interrogatories, which we touched on last week. Document requests are another form of...
Read MoreINTERROGATORIES – A USEFUL TOOL IN THE LITIGATOR’S ARSENAL.
Over the past several weeks, we looked at what a deposition is and how they are used in civil litigation. ...
Read MoreTAKING TIME FOR THANKS.
During this time of thanks, we are especially thankful for the trust our clients place in us to handle their...
Read MoreDEPOSITION CONDUCT AND PROCEDURES
The following description of procedures and suggestions for your conduct are general in nature and are presented to help you...
Read MoreHOW IS DEPOSITION TESTIMONY USED?
There are four principal uses for testimony given at a deposition: Evidence at the Trial. — A deposition may be...
Read MoreDEPOSITIONS; Part 1
Over the next couple of weeks, we will dive into depositions – what they are, how they are used, how...
Read MoreWHAT IS ‘PHANTOM STOCK’?
‘Phantom stock’ can be an effective way to keep key employees or senior management with a corporation. Rather than receiving...
Read MoreWRITTEN ACTIONS – AIDING IN COMMUNICATION
Last week we talked about ensuring ongoing communication to prevent conflict amongst the ownership group. Given the pandemic and perhaps...
Read MoreCOMMUNICATION IS KEY
Many business disputes start because of a breakdown in the lines of communication. While most businesses start with two or...
Read MoreSO YOU LOST YOUR JOB…
Some businesses have flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have not. If you find yourself unemployed and looking to create...
Read MoreREQUESTING RECORDS FROM A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Last week, we discussed how to request records from a corporation. Are there similar rights for a member of a...
Read MoreREQUESTING RECORDS FROM A CORPORATION
You are a shareholder of a corporation. Maybe you are on your way out. Maybe you have been kept in...
Read MoreWHO SHOULD BE ON YOUR TEAM WHEN YOU FORM A BUSINESS.
Forming a business can be a daunting, but exciting task. When you form your business, it is not only important...
Read MoreCONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL!
It is with great pride that I get to share that Michael was recognized by Best Lawyers® and named a...
Read MoreWHAT IS BOARD CERTIFICATION FOR ATTORNEYS?
There are board-certified doctors, teachers, and counselors. There are also board-certified attorneys. What does that mean exactly as it relates...
Read MoreHOW MANY CIVIL CASES GO TO TRIAL?
I am a board-certified civil trial specialist. This means that I have handled a certain number of judge and jury...
Read MoreSO YOU WANT TO START A LAWSUIT (OR YOU HAVE BEEN SUED)
Litigation can be stressful, time-consuming, and scary. Knowing the procedures of litigation can help ease the anxiety. Having an experienced...
Read MoreOPERATING AGREEMENT VS. SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT
The Operating Agreement for an LLC and the Bylaws for a corporation each respectively govern the internal relations amongst the...
Read MoreHOW TO FORM YOUR BUSINESS.
Last week we discussed considerations for what state to form your business in. Entrepreneurs most also decide what type of...
Read MoreSELECTING THE STATE TO INCORPORATE
There may be several factors in considering what state is best to form a new entity. In this article, we...
Read MoreWhat is the difference between a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) and a S-corporation (“S-corp”).
A common question often arises when forming a business as to what is the difference between a LLC and an...
Read MoreWHAT IS THE BUSINESS JUDGMENT RULE?
If you serve on the board of directors of a corporation or if you are a shareholder in a corporation,...
Read MoreTake time for family
We all need the occasional break. Working all day, every day for a business owner can seem like the only...
Read MoreGIVING YOUR BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP THE BEST CHANCE AT SUCCESS.
Few people go into a business relationship thinking about when the partnership will fail. Partnership agreements can help ensure that...
Read MoreDIRECT VS. DERIVATIVE CLAIMS – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
If you business relationship has found its way to litigation or is on its way to litigation, you have likely...
Read MoreHOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE SLC?
We previously discussed what a Special Litigation Committee was and what the SLC does. The benefits on whether to appoint...
Read MoreWHAT DOES “SLC” MEAN?
If your dispute with your partner has ended up in litigation, or maybe you have a friend or family member...
Read MorePREVENTING PROBLEMS IN PARTNERSHIP/OPERATING AGREEMENTS.
Whether it be a small business owned with family, with friends, or with strict business partners, none of us go...
Read MoreRESOLVING SMALL BUSINESS DISPUTES OUT OF COURT
Often small business owners, especially when working with family or friends, seek to resolve business disputes without having to bring...
Read MoreHOW BUSINESS DISPUTES TYPICALLY START AND EVOLVE.
The reasons an owner dispute is triggered are never the same. Having handled several member and shareholder litigations, none of...
Read MoreWHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CLOSELY HELD CORPORATION AND ONE THAT IS PUBLICLY TRADED?
Most businesses in Minnesota are considered “closely held”. As it relates to a corporation, that means having 35 or fewer...
Read MoreDO I OWE MY FELLOW SHAREHOLDER(S) ANY DUTIES?
A frequently asked question for closely held corporation shareholders is whether the shareholders owe each other any fiduciary duties? The...
Read MoreTRIAL CONSIDERATIONS
As a board-certified civil trial specialist, I have been fortunate enough to have been entrusted with handling my fair share...
Read MoreNON-COMPETES – ARE THEY ENFORCEABLE IN MINNESOTA?
One of the most common questions I get asked is whether non-competes are enforceable in Minnesota. The answer, like most...
Read MoreRETIREMENT/SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR YOUR BUSINESS:
For most closely-held business owners, their business constitutes all or a large part of their assets and retirement savings. These...
Read MoreWHAT IS THE RIGHT TYPE OF ENTITY FOR MY BUSINESS?
That all depends. The type of business, tax consequences, liability protections, and goals all impact what type of entity will...
Read MoreWHAT IS A “TRADE SECRET”?
When an employment/independent contractor relationship ends, there are certain considerations on next steps for both the company and individual. We...
Read MoreABOUT THE FAMILY BEHIND THIS FAMILY BUSINESS.
Our clients range from international and highly successful businesses to small start-ups to individuals. We treat our clients the way...
Read MoreSteps to take to avoid veil-piercing claims against your business.
Earlier, we posted about what piercing the corporate/limited liability company (“LLC”) veil means. Today, we are providing tips to take...
Read MoreWHAT IS PIERCING THE CORPORATE VEIL?
If you own a business, undoubtedly you have heard the phrase “piercing the corporate veil” or you may have wondered...
Read MoreHOW TO MAKE WORKING WITH FAMILY WORK.
Working with family can be an amazing blessing. I know – I am fortunate to work with my dad and...
Read MoreWHAT HAPPENS TO MY BUSINESS IN A DIVORCE?
Going through a divorce is difficult. Going through a divorce when you are a business owner adds another liar of...
Read MoreCOMMON CAUSES OF LITIGATION BETWEEN OWNERS
The reasons triggering a dispute between owners are never the same. Having handled several member and shareholder litigations, none of...
Read MoreCalculating the value of your business when it comes time to part ways.
One of the hardest decisions a small business owner has to make is parting ways with the business they have...
Read MoreFORMING A BUSINESS: Starting with the basics
Often times a client will come to us with a type of business entity in mind that they want to...
Read MoreTO FORM OR NOT TO FORM A BUSINESS
Starting your own business and working for yourself can be one of the most rewarding professional experiences that you can...
Read MoreGOVERNING DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
We previously posted about the pitfalls of not having internal governing documents for your business or failing to follow such...
Read MoreSOCIAL MEDIA IN THE COURTROOM
There are over 1.82 billion daily active Facebook users and over 2.74 billion monthly active Facebook users. Instagram has over...
Read MoreHow to (hopefully) avoid Family Drama in your Business;
Starting a business with your family or friends can be a dream come true. You are your own boss and...
Read More