Minneapolis Civil Litigation Attorneys
- Award-Winning Law Firm
- State & Federal Court Experience
- Experienced MN Litigators
- Serving Minnesota Since 2003
Minnesota Civil Litigation Attorneys
Legal disputes can put your business, property, finances, or other important interests at risk.
Burns & Hansen represents individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, property owners, and other clients in civil disputes throughout Minnesota. Our attorneys handle matters in both state and federal courts, from early negotiations and motions through trial and, when needed, appeal.
Litigation does not always have to end in a courtroom. We work with clients to understand what is at stake, determine which outcomes are realistically available, and decide whether negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation makes the most sense under the circumstances. When a dispute needs to be tried, our attorneys are prepared to take it there.
Our Civil Litigation Services
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Real Estate Litigation
Handling disputes involving commercial and residential property, purchase agreements, ownership rights, boundaries, easements, development, landlord matters, and other real estate conflicts.
Construction Litigation
Representing property owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals in disputes involving construction defects, contracts, payment, delays, cost overruns, and other project-related claims.
Family Law Litigation
Representing clients in contested divorce, custody, parenting time, support, property division, and other family law disputes. Burns & Hansen handles complex family litigation involving significant financial interests, closely held businesses, disputed assets, and other issues that require experienced courtroom advocacy.
Probate Litigation
Representing beneficiaries, personal representatives, trustees, heirs, and other interested parties in disputes involving wills, trusts, estate administration, fiduciary duties, and other contested probate matters.
Appellate Support for Litigation
Working alongside trial counsel before, during, and after trial when a case presents significant appellate issues. Burns & Hansen’s appellate attorneys can assist with complex legal questions, significant motions, post-trial strategy, and potential appellate review while complementing the work of the existing litigation team.
Business Litigation
Representing businesses, owners, executives, shareholders, and other parties in disputes involving contracts, ownership interests, fiduciary duties, business relationships, unfair competition, and other commercial matters.
Complex & Multi-Party Litigation
Handling disputes involving multiple parties, overlapping claims, substantial financial exposure, or legal issues that extend beyond a straightforward lawsuit. Burns & Hansen's attorneys have experience managing litigation in state and federal courts when the scope of a case requires careful coordination across claims, parties, and proceedings.
Why Burns & Hansen for Civil Litigation
When you work with Burns & Hansen, you benefit from:
- Experienced trial attorneys who represent both plaintiffs and defendants in Minnesota state and federal courts.
- A litigation team that handles disputes involving businesses, contracts, real estate, construction, employment, professional services, and other civil matters.
- Experience with complex and multi-party cases where significant financial, business, or property interests are at stake.
- Attorneys who evaluate negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation based on the circumstances of the dispute rather than treating trial as the only measure of success.
- An established appellate practice that allows appellate attorneys to become involved during significant litigation and continue representation when a matter proceeds beyond the trial court.
- Straightforward advice about the strengths and challenges of your position, the potential cost of litigation, and the consequences of different approaches.
- Direct access to the attorneys handling your matter throughout the case.
Common Situations We Can Help With
You may benefit from a civil litigation attorney if you're trying to:
- Enforce a contract or defend against a breach of contract claim.
- Resolve a dispute involving a business, business owner, partner, or shareholder.
- Pursue or defend a real estate or construction claim.
- Address an employment-related dispute.
- Pursue or defend a claim involving fraud, misrepresentation, unfair competition, or another business tort.
- Address a dispute involving an estate, will, trust, probate, or fiduciary.
- Resolve a dispute involving a homeowners association.
- Navigate complex litigation involving multiple parties, claims, or jurisdictions.
- Determine whether a dispute can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
- Prepare for litigation in Minnesota state or federal court.
- Respond to a lawsuit that has already been filed against you or your organization.
- Address another civil dispute, or aren't sure which type of litigation your matter involves. Contact Burns & Hansen to discuss your situation with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of civil litigation cases does Burns & Hansen handle?
Burns & Hansen handles a wide range of civil disputes involving businesses, contracts, real estate, construction, employment, professional malpractice, homeowners associations, and other matters. Our attorneys represent both plaintiffs and defendants in Minnesota state and federal courts.
When should I contact a civil litigation attorney?s of civil cases does Burns & Hansen appeal?
You do not necessarily need to wait until a lawsuit has been filed. It can make sense to speak with an attorney when a significant dispute develops, you receive a demand or threat of litigation, negotiations have stalled, or you need to understand your rights before deciding how to respond.
What is the civil litigation process in Minnesota?
The process depends on the dispute, but a lawsuit may involve pleadings, discovery, motions, depositions, settlement discussions, mediation, trial, and potentially an appeal. Some disputes are resolved before a lawsuit is filed, while others require substantial litigation before the parties reach an agreement or the court decides the case.
Does every civil dispute have to go to trial?
No. Many civil disputes are resolved through direct negotiation, mediation, arbitration, motions, or settlement. Burns & Hansen evaluates those possibilities while preparing contested matters so the firm is ready to proceed to trial when the circumstances require it.
How long might a civil lawsuit take to resolve?
There is no standard timeline. The length of a case can depend on the complexity of the issues, number of parties, amount of discovery, court schedule, motions, settlement discussions, and whether the matter proceeds to trial or appeal.
Does Burns & Hansen handle civil litigation in federal court?
Yes. Burns & Hansen represents clients in both Minnesota state and federal courts. Federal litigation has its own procedural requirements, making familiarity with federal court practice important when a dispute falls within federal jurisdiction.
Does Burns & Hansen handle complex or multi-party litigation?
Yes. Burns & Hansen handles disputes involving multiple parties, significant financial interests, overlapping claims, and other circumstances that can make litigation more complex.
Can Burns & Hansen help resolve a dispute without filing a lawsuit?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, a dispute may be addressed through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or another approach before trial becomes necessary. The appropriate strategy depends on the parties, the legal issues involved, and what the client needs to accomplish.
Can Burns & Hansen handle an appeal if my civil case goes beyond the trial court?
Yes. Burns & Hansen has an established appellate practice and represents clients in civil appeals before Minnesota and federal appellate courts. The firm's appellate attorneys can also become involved during ongoing litigation when significant legal issues could affect a later appeal.
Speak With a Minnesota Civil Litigation Attorney
A dispute does not need to reach the courthouse before it makes sense to speak with a litigation attorney. Early legal guidance can be especially valuable when a business relationship is deteriorating, a demand has been made, significant money or property is at stake, or a lawsuit appears likely.
If litigation has already begun, understanding the claims, deadlines, potential exposure, and available responses becomes even more important.
Contact Burns & Hansen to discuss your civil dispute with an experienced Minnesota litigation attorney.
