Minneapolis Business Lawyers: Find the Right Legal Help
Minneapolis is home to a deep bench of business and corporate attorneys — from Big Law firms with Fortune 500 clients to boutique transactional firms serving startups and mid-market companies. Whether you need help with entity formation, a commercial lease, an acquisition, or an employment dispute, the Twin Cities legal market offers strong options at every level.
Major Business Law Firms in Minneapolis
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath
Focus: Corporate, M&A, litigation, employment, IP, finance
Highlights: One of the largest law firms in Minneapolis with deep roots in the Twin Cities corporate community. Represents major financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. Strong practices in financial services regulation, private equity, and complex commercial litigation.
Dorsey & Whitney
Focus: Corporate transactions, securities, IP, employment, tax
Highlights: Headquartered in Minneapolis and one of the most recognized firms in the Upper Midwest. Dorsey has particular strength in corporate finance, venture capital, public company work, and patent prosecution. Deep relationships with the Minnesota business community.
Fredrikson & Byron
Focus: Business law, M&A, private equity, employment, real estate
Highlights: One of Minnesota’s premier full-service business law firms. Fredrikson is known for its strong corporate transactional practice, serving mid-market companies, private equity sponsors, and growth businesses across industries. Excellent reputation for practical business advice.
Taft Stettinius & Hollister (Minneapolis Office)
Focus: Business law, real estate, banking, litigation
Highlights: Regional powerhouse with a strong Minneapolis presence. Taft serves businesses of all sizes with particular depth in commercial real estate, banking law, and business transactions.
Briggs and Morgan
Focus: Business litigation, transactions, employment, real estate
Highlights: Long-established Minneapolis firm with a reputation for practical, efficient representation of business clients. Strong in commercial litigation and business transactions for mid-market companies.
Boutique and Emerging Business Law Firms in Minneapolis
Gray Plant Mooty
Focus: Franchise law, business law, litigation, estate planning
Highlights: One of the top franchise law firms in the United States, based in Minneapolis. Also serves businesses of all sizes with strong corporate and litigation practices. Excellent reputation for franchise system development and enforcement.
Winthrop & Weinstine
Focus: Business transactions, real estate, employment, IP
Highlights: A well-regarded Minneapolis business boutique known for its work with entrepreneurs, growth companies, and real estate investors. Practical, business-focused approach without the overhead of a major firm.
Fafinski Mark & Johnson
Focus: Business law, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, employment
Highlights: Eden Prairie-based firm (suburban Minneapolis) with a strong reputation for serving mid-sized businesses on transactions, employment matters, and real estate. Well-regarded by entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses.
What Type of Business Lawyer Do You Need?
- Starting a Business: Entity formation attorney for LLC or corporation setup, operating agreements, and initial capitalization
- Contracts: General business attorney for vendor agreements, customer contracts, and NDAs
- Employment: Employment law attorney for hiring practices, employee handbooks, non-competes, and HR compliance under Minnesota law
- Commercial Real Estate: Real estate attorney for lease negotiation, purchase agreements, and title review
- Mergers & Acquisitions: M&A attorney for buying or selling a business — including due diligence, purchase agreements, and closing
- Intellectual Property: IP attorney for trademarks, patents, and trade secrets
- Litigation: Commercial litigation attorney for contract disputes, partnership disputes, and business torts
Online Legal Resources for Minneapolis Entrepreneurs
For straightforward legal needs, online services can be cost-effective:
- LegalZoom — LLC formation, registered agent service, basic contracts
- Northwest Registered Agent — flat-fee formation, privacy-focused, registered agent included
For anything involving real money — acquisitions, significant contracts, litigation — use a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Minnesota-Specific Legal Considerations
- Non-Compete Agreements: Minnesota passed significant non-compete restrictions in 2023 — agreements signed after July 1, 2023 are void and unenforceable for most employees. Consult an employment attorney.
- Minneapolis Sick and Safe Leave: Minneapolis has its own sick leave ordinance requiring employers to provide paid time off. Verify compliance with local counsel.
- Minneapolis Minimum Wage: Minneapolis has a higher minimum wage than the state — currently above $15/hour for most employers. Confirm current rates.
- Annual Renewal Requirement: Minnesota LLCs must file an annual renewal with the Secretary of State or face administrative dissolution.
Starting or growing a business in Minneapolis? Join Hustler’s Library free for curated legal resources and tools for Twin Cities entrepreneurs.
