Skip to content
  • CAREERS
  • CONTACT US
Search
Close
anthony ostlund logo
  • PEOPLE
  • LITIGATION
    • APPEALS
    • COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
    • EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION
    • FRAUD AND FIDUCIARY DUTY
    • FINANCIAL LITIGATION
    • OWNER/SHAREHOLDER DISPUTES
    • PLAINTIFF CONTINGENCY CASES
    • PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE
    • REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
    • TRUSTS AND ESTATES LAW
  • SUCCESSES
  • NEWS
  • ABOUT
  • FEE ARRANGEMENTS
Menu
  • PEOPLE
  • LITIGATION
    • APPEALS
    • COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
    • EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION
    • FRAUD AND FIDUCIARY DUTY
    • FINANCIAL LITIGATION
    • OWNER/SHAREHOLDER DISPUTES
    • PLAINTIFF CONTINGENCY CASES
    • PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE
    • REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
    • TRUSTS AND ESTATES LAW
  • SUCCESSES
  • NEWS
  • ABOUT
  • FEE ARRANGEMENTS
Linkedin
612-492-8245
email
vcard
PDF

Legal
Administrative
Assistant

Geri Wilkie

612-349-6969

email

Janel M. Dressen

Attorney, Shareholder, CEO, Executive Committee Member

Janel Dressen

Her clients, co–workers, and colleagues and competitors in the marketplace remark that Janel M. Dressen is a tenacious business litigator who will advocate tirelessly and creatively to resolve her client’s business disputes. Janel prides herself on being the most prepared person in the room, solving problems that lawyers and clients refer to as “the most challenging” and getting to know her clients and their businesses as much as they do. She loves to solve problems and views all problems as solvable with the right person by your side who has the knowledge, dedication and desire.  Janel’s clients will tell you that you can expect to receive laser focus, determination, and sheer excellence when working with her.

 

With over 21 years of experience in representing business owners and their companies, Janel has an impressive list of victories for her clients.  While she represents business owners and businesses in all types of complex business disputes, her sweet spot is shareholder, ownership, and business valuation disputes.  Janel was lead counsel for what has been reported to be the largest Minnesota trial award in a shareholder buyout case in Lund v. Lund in which she obtained over a $45 million buyout award in favor of her client, Kim Lund. In addition, as lead counsel, she obtained a significant victory on behalf of her clients during the COVID–19 pandemic.  She obtained a summary judgment in their favor on breach of fiduciary duty and good faith and fair dealing claims, as well as limited liability company member oppression claims with a fair value buyout from their real estate limited liability companies.  This is believed to be the first reported buyout decision under Minnesota’s Revised Limited Liability Company Act.

 

In addition to her numerous successes on behalf of her clients, Janel is a frequent author and presenter locally and nationally on various business litigation topics, most notably shareholder oppression, fiduciary duties and business divorces.  Janel is a co–author of chapters in the Ongoing Businesses and Minnesota LLCs Deskbooks published by Minnesota CLE, and a co–contributor to the American Bar Association’s Business Divorce Litigation chapter.  She is regularly requested to speak on business litigation topics by local and national organizations, and she has won numerous awards, including being named a Minnesota Attorney of the Year in 2017, and one of the “Top 50 Women: Minnesota Super Lawyers” since 2019. In 2021, Janel was chosen by the firm’s leaders as only the second Chief Executive Officer of Anthony Ostlund, making her the first woman to lead the firm. She has served on the firm’s Executive Committee since 2018.

 

 

                              

 

                   

RESULTS
CREDENTIALS
RECOGNITION
PUBLICATIONS
SPEAKING

Clintsman et al. v. Gervais et al. (2021): LLC member oppression and Breach of Fiduciary Duty

As lead counsel, represented two siblings in a family–owned business with a total of seven sibling members.  The siblings collectively owned six LLCs, which in turn owned over 100 pieces of real estate in various states. The case was largely litigated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous depositions and motion hearings.  The court granted summary judgment in favor of Janel’s clients on their oppression and breach of fiduciary duty claims and granted their motion for a fair value buyout.  No trial was necessary.  It is believed that this is the first decision in which a court has granted a fair value buyout award, on motion, to a member of an LLC under Minnesota’s Revised Limited Liability Company Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 322C.

 

Holmes et al. v. O’Connor and Taco John’s International et al. (2021): Shareholder Oppression and Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Represented three owners in the family–owned Taco John’s business, which is the largest privately–owned company in the state of Wyoming.  As lead counsel, Ms. Dressen commenced an action in Wyoming state court against the companies and certain other shareholders and directors for shareholder oppression and breach of fiduciary duty.  After extensive litigation, a resolution was negotiated that resulted in a buyout and business divorce of Ms. Dressen’s clients from the Taco John’s enterprise.

 

Feneis v. Feneis: Shareholder Oppression and Breach of Contract

Represented 50% business owner in three family–owned Minnesota businesses against other 50% owner, who was plaintiff’s brother.  As lead counsel, obtained a buyout award in plaintiff’s/client’s favor on summary judgment entitling plaintiff to purchase his brother’s ownership interests in the three family businesses pursuant to the terms of the brothers’ buy-sell agreement.  Defendant’s summary judgment motion was denied in its entirety and no trial was necessary.

 

MDR Real Estate Holdings, LLC et al. v. AHA Yorktown, LLC et al.: Breach of Contract, Fiduciary Duty and Oppression

As lead counsel, obtained summary judgment dismissing defendants’ counterclaims and obtaining a very favorable ruling in plaintiffs’ favor in a multi–million dollar contract and business dispute between business partners involving various affordable housing projects.

 

Christiansen et al.: Legal Malpractice

In a legal malpractice action, on behalf of defendants, obtained complete dismissal of all but one minor claim on Rule 12 Motion to Dismiss, without having to conduct any discovery or incur significant expense.  Following the Rule 12 Motion to Dismiss, Plaintiff stipulated to the dismissal of the remaining limited claim, with prejudice, without payment or receipt of anything in return.

 

Charles Barry v. Twin City Fan Co. and Melanie Barry: Shareholder Oppression and Divorce

Served as lead counsel to Melanie Barry and her trusts in highly publicized litigation and arbitration proceedings involving her ownership interests in Twin City Fan and other family–owned businesses and her marital dissolution from her husband of fifty–five years, pending in Minnesota and Florida, arising out of her former husband’s alleged misappropriation and abuse of corporate assets, 17 year extramarital affair and dissipation of marital assets, and his demand for a fair value buyout.  All matters were fully resolved in early 2018 with a full separation of the parties and business interests.

 

Lund v. Lund: Kim Lund Is Awarded $45.2 Million in Ownership Buyout Dispute

Following a 5 day trial, Hennepin County District Court Judge Ivy Bernhardson ruled that Kim Lund was the “prevailing party” against her brother, Tres Lund, and various Lund’s entities, in a lengthy legal battle centered on the value of Kim Lund’s ownership interests and Tres Lund’s exercise of power and control over Kim’s interests.  In the Court’s 54–page opinion concluding this complex shareholder dispute, the Court awarded Kim $45,225,000, which means that Lund’s must buy Kim Lund out over time for that price.  The Court also awarded Kim her court costs.  The award was upheld on appeal and affirmed in all respects.

 

Representation of LLC and LLC owner: Ownership and Employment Claims

Served as lead counsel for LLC and LLC owner in 2016 and 2017, in an arbitration proceeding commenced by claimant in Arizona alleging ownership and employment related claims and seeking millions of dollars in damages and legal fees and expenses.  Obtained full defense verdict after multiple day arbitration proceeding with a panel of three arbitrators.

 

JML Heirs, LLC v. Superior Mineral Resources LLC et al.: Contract and Ownership Claims

Represented President of company in arbitration proceeding commenced by claimant alleging various contract, ownership and statutory claims.  Obtained full dismissal of all claims, with prejudice, in Respondents’ favor, and a full fee and costs award in Respondents’ favor in excess of $500,000.

 

The Cameron-Ehlen Group d/b/a Precision Lens v. Sightpath Medical, LLC et al.: Contract, Non-Compete and Tortious Interference Claims

Successfully defended Respondents in arbitration on claims seeking damages for seven figures for breach of non-compete agreement and tortious interference with non-compete agreement.  Obtained complete dismissal of all claims and a full attorneys’ fee award in Respondents’ favor.

 

FDIC v. Community Security Bank, New Prague: Bank Litigation

Negotiated settlement of claims substantially under the insurance policy limits against former bank officers and directors and obtained dismissal of all former bank officers and directors before action was commenced.

 

Manna Freight Systems, Inc. v. Steve Silver Co.: Contract Action

Obtained dismissal of action commenced against client in Texas and negotiated settlement of client’s claims in Minnesota action resulting in ongoing business agreement for client.

 

Motion to Dismiss Granted in Fraudulent Transfer Case

Successfully briefed and argued motion to dismiss in fraudulent transfer case relating to a mortgage real estate loan for case commenced in Florida state court.

 

Representation of Victim's Family in Bail Hearing

Helped secure $1 million bail for defendant on behalf of the family of an underage sexual assault victim.

 

Illinois Farmers Ins. Co., et al. v. Mobile Diagnostic Imaging, Inc., et al.: Fraud Claim Dismissed for Client

Obtained a complete dismissal, with prejudice, of client in an alleged fraud and kickback case against numerous Minnesota chiropractors in Minnesota.

 

First Security Bank – West and First Security Bank – Sleepy Eye v. First Premier Capital et al.: Contract Claim Dismissal for Client

In a breach of contract case in state court Minnesota, obtained an early dismissal, with prejudice of First Premier Capital LLC.

 

Alerus Financial National Association v. First Premier Capital LLC, T. Denny Sanford, William Kelly and Steve Alpeter: Contract and Fraud Claims Dismissed for Clients

Awarded a complete dismissal of T. Denny Sanford, William Kelly and Steve Alpeter on claims against them on personal guarantees for in excess of $8,000,000 by arbitration panel after a full arbitration hearing.

 

Toretta v. Lachinski et al.: Shareholder Oppression and Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims Dismissed for Clients

Successfully defended two directors of a closely–held Minnesota company in a breach of fiduciary duty and Minn. Stat. § 302A.751 (unfair prejudice) trial in state court in Minnesota.  The trial’s court’s dismissal of claims against Janel's clients was affirmed on appeal.

 

Cook v. Cook: Fraud in Divorce

Successfully obtained payment of $318,000 on behalf of client in a business fraud case against her ex-husband arising out of their divorce in approximately 90 days of representation.

 

Brauer v. Brauer: Fraud in Divorce

Obtained judgment on motion and without a trial in client’s favor in excess of $430,000 in Minnesota state court.

 

Hinshon v. Westlake: Partnership Dispute

Successfully negotiated a business break-up on behalf of client among two business owners of a closely-held Minnesota business after one day of trial in Minnesota state court.

 

Defense of FDIC Demands/Banking Litigation

On behalf of former bank officers and directors, successfully defended and resolved negligence and breach of fiduciary duty demands from the FDIC to former directors and officers of closed-down banks.

 

Non-Competition Agreements/Employment Advice

Worked with several employers to defend against and prosecute non–competition agreement claims and provide ongoing employment and ownership advice relating to dispute matters.

Education

J.D., The University of South Dakota School of Law, graduated in top 5%

B.A., with honors, Southwest Minnesota State University, graduated in three years

 

Admissions

State of Minnesota

State of South Dakota

U.S. District of Minnesota

 

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association Member and Business Divorce, ADR and Business Committees Member (2019–present)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council President (2022–2023)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council Vice President (2021–2022)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council Treasurer (2020–2021)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council Secretary (2019–2020)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association and Co-Author of Civil Litigation Practice Tips (2015–present)
  • Co-Chair, Private Business Governance Committee, Minnesota State Bar Association's Business Law Section (2017–present)
  • Member, Federal Bar Association Member
  • Member, Hennepin County Bar Association Member

 

Community Involvement

  • Community Service Committee MSBA Civil Litigation Council (2020–present)
  • Board Member, Vice President and Secretary, Edina Swim Club (2014–2017)
  • Chair of the Board of Directors, The Academy of Whole Learning (2014–2017)
  • Volunteer, Mary’s Place Legal Advice Clinic Volunteer, Legal Aid Society (2000–2019)

 

 

 

Awards & Honors

  • "Notable Women in Law 2022" by Twin Cities Business Magazine
  • Minnesota Lawyer — The POWER 30: Business Litigation, 2021-2022
  • Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America, 2018-2023
  • “Top 50 Women: Minnesota Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers, 2019–2022
  • “Top 100: Minnesota Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers, 2022
  • The Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Commercial Litigation (2019–2021)
  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • Selected as a Minnesota Lawyer’s “Attorney of the Year,” 2017
  • “Attorney of the Month” in Attorney at Law Magazine, September 2017
  • “Minnesota Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers, 2016–2021
  • “Minnesota Rising Stars” list by Super Lawyers, 2004–2015

Publications

  • To Zoom or not to Zoom? Minnesota Trial Lawyers Beware, Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce – Partner Content, July 2022
  • Minnesota Lawyer 1/17/2022 - Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Contingent fee lien doesn't pay.”
  • Featured in Capital Analytics: Spotlight On Interview with Janel Dressen, CEO of Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A., December 2021
  • Better to have an enemy that slaps you in the face than a partner who stabs you in the back, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal – Sponsored Content, October 2021
  • Featured in Minnesota Lawyer's The Power 30, October 2021
  • Ownership Disputes in Privately Held Companies, Minnesota CLE Deskbook Chapter 12, Representing the On-Going Business, First Ed., 2012, including updates in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021
  • Member Rights, Fiduciary Duties, Oppression, Liability, Remedies & Indemnification, Minnesota LLCs Minnesota CLE Deskbook Chapter 6, , First Ed., 2016, including updates in 2019 and 2021
  • Contributing author to Business Divorce Litigation, Chapter 26 of Recent Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, 2020 Edition, published by the American Bar Association
  • 6/5/2020 Minnesota Lawyer – Janel Dressen was interviewed by Todd Nelson on the topic “Breaking the Ice: Crisis management dominates in pandemic.”
  • The Eighth Circuit Further Strengthens the Mandatory Expert Affidavit Requirements In Litigation Against Attorneys, Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce – Partner Content, August 2019
  • Don’t Be The Next Lunds & Byerlys: Lessons learned from the Lunds shareholder Litigation, Bench & Bar of Minnesota, June 2019
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/27/2019 – Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Minnesota Supreme Court declines to review $45 million award in Lund family dispute.”
  • The Use Of A Special Litigation Committee Under The Revised Minnesota LLC Act, Minnesota Lawyer Partner Content, September 2018
  • Minnesota Lawyer 7/24/2018 – Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Supreme Court rejects tossing officials out for closed meetings.”
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/18/2018 - Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Minnesota Supreme Court says Victoria council members can stay despite many Open Meeting Law violations.”
  • Be Careful What You Wish For: The “Power” To Dissociate Under Minnesota's Revised LLC Act, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, June 2018
  • Chanhassen Villager 5/10/2018 — Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Are open meeting law violations enough to force Victoria councilors from office? Minnesota Supreme Court decides.”
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/4/2018 – Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Victoria open meetings case heading to Minnesota Supreme Court.”
  • Janel Dressen featured in Minnesota Lawyer: Attorneys of the Year; February 2018
  • Stop Delaying: The Need for An Operating Agreement Under the Revised MN LLC Act, republished in The LLC & Partnership Reporter (f/k/a The PUBGRAM) page 48, by the American Bar Association Section of Business Law, October 2017
  • Stop Delaying: The Need for An Operating Agreement Under the Revised MN LLC Act, Minnesota Lawyer – Partner Content, August 2017
  • Stop Lawyering Me, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, June 2017
  • Minnesota court rejects DLOM in major buyout case, BVWire Issue #177-3, June 21, 2017
  • Understanding an Owner's Right to Information and Records in Private Companies, C-Level Magazine, Minnesota Edition, September 2016
  • Structure Matters, Just Ask The Three Little Pigs, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, July 2016
  • Going the Distance: Application of the Business Judgment Rule, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, January 2016
  • LLC Members Beware: Your Statutory Right to Information Is About to Change, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, March 2015
  • Judge Sets $1 Million Bail, Blasts Former Tennis Coach, Star Tribune, December 12, 2014
  • Former Tennis Coach Back in Police Custody, WCCO, December 12, 2014. Read more.
  • Ex Visitation Tennis Coach Won't Stop Violating Restraining Order, MyFox9, December 12, 2014.
  • Should Tom Petters’ Legal Defense Costs Be Paid By the Corporations That He Harmed?, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, January 2014
  • Pitfalls To Avoid In Appointing and Acting as a Special Litigation Committee, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, October 2013

Speaking Engagements

  • Shareholder Litigation – Lessons Learned from the Lunds and Koch Cases, Key Lessons for Complex Business Transactions, Minnesota CLE, December 2022
  • Bench Trials for the Modern Age Lawyer, Trying a Successful Bench Trial, PowerHouse Civil Trial Institute, November 2022
  • Why It Should (or Should Not) Matter to a LLC Fiduciary if Minnesota or Delaware Law Governs Their Actions (Co-presented with  Wally Hilke, Ballard Spahr), Minnesota LLCs - The Basics and Beyond for Business Layers, Minnesota CLE, October 2022
  • Cheating on Your Spouse Who is Also Your Business Partner, Lying, Cheating & Stealing Seminar 2022, October 2022
  • 7 Litigated Owner Disputes and What the Courts Have Decided, Minnesota CLE, August 2022
  • Knock Down Drag Out Fight: The Anatomy of Business Ownership Disputes, CLE webinar for Quimbee subscribers, July 2022
  • Knowledge is Power: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Private Business Owner, CLE webinar for Quimbee subscribers, June, 2022
  • It’s Time to Separate: Lessons Learned from a Business Divorce Lawyer About How to Separate Without Destroying the Business, Business Planning webinar for Business Docs subscribers and offered live complimentary for Wealth Docx subscribers, July 2022
  • Negotiating the Terms of a 'Business Divorce' Without Losing the Business, Minnesota CLE, 2022 Business Law Institute, May 2022
  • 7 Litigated Owner Disputes and What the Courts Have Decided, Minnesota CLE, 2022 Business Law Institute, May 2022
  • Practical Tips for Post Pandemic Trials, ACTLM 2022 Spring Meeting and CLE, May 2022
  • Rights & Responsibilities of Owners, Family Business Breakfast, University of St. Thomas, February 2022
  • Complex Financial Litigation 2022: Common Issues and Strategies in Business Breakups, Financial Poise and West LegalEdCenter, February 2022
  • Breaking Up is Hard to Do: How to Separate from Your Business Partners Without Destroying your Business, American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education, November 2021
  • Advising Clients in Wind-Downs, Separations and “Business Divorce”:  How to Use ADR and Other Tools to Steer Business Owners Through a Break-up of a Closely-Held Business, ABA Annual Business Law Meeting Showcase Presentation Panel Member, September 2021
  • Member Rights, Fiduciary Duties, Oppression, Liability, Remedies and Indemnification, Minnesota CLE, August 2021
  • Should You Try Your Next Jury State Court Civil Case by Zoom?, MSBA Civil Litigation Section CLE, June 2021
  • Selecting the Right Valuation Expert, Financial Poise Webinars, April 2021
  • Co-Chair, Presenter and Panel Moderator for the First full day Shareholder and Member Disputes in Closely-Held Businesses: Preventing, Managing and Resolving Seminar, Sponsored by Minnesota CLE, January 2021
  • Lessons Learned From Virtual Depositions, MSBA Civil Litigation Section CLE, October 2020
  • What Could Possibly Go Wrong? The Top 10 Ways to Better Manage Conflicts and Litigation Risks Between Executives and Employers, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education - 2020 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, September 2020
  • How to Avoid (or Mitigate) Shareholder Litigation: Lessons Learned from the Lunds Case, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education – The Business Law Institute Program, September 2020
  • LLCs A to Z: Member Rights, Fiduciary Duties, Oppression, Liability, Remedies, and Indemnification, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, February 2020
  • How to Deal with Discovery Bullies, Minnesota CLE, November 2019
  • Prepping Clients and Crystalizing Issues for Resolution of Corporate Divorce & Complex Ownership Disputes through Mediation and Arbitration, 2019 Annual Meeting of the ABA Business Law Section, September 2019
  • How to Avoid (or Mitigate) Shareholder Litigation: Lessons Learned from the Lunds Case, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, August 2019
  • Presentation: Fair Value Litigation: The Battle of the Experts; National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts Minnesota Chapter Meeting, May 2019
  • Presentation: Oppression Liability: Lying, Cheating or Stealing is Not Necessary; 2019 Spring Meeting of the ABA Business Law Section (Presentation to Business Divorce Committee), March 2019
  • Presentation: Minnesota’s New, Uniform LLC Act- Chapter 322C: A Roadmap for Trial Court Judges (presented to Hennepin County District Court Judges); co–presenters Daniel Kleinberger and Adam Nodler, February 7, 2018
  • New LLC Law: Litigation Alert – Spotting and Addressing Liability Issues, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Webcast, January 2018
  • Better Discovery: How to Deal with Discovery Bullies, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, December 2017
  • Representing the Ongoing Business Deskbook Series: The Corporate Divorce – How to Navigate Ownership Disputes in Privately Held Companies, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2017
  • Business Law Series: Flex Your Fiduciary Duties – Options, Opportunities and Decision Points under the New LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2017
  • New MN LLC Act: The Top 10 Key Terms to Include in an Operating Agreement as a Minority Owner, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, May 2016
  • Flex Your fiduciary Duties: Options, Opportunities and Decision Points Under the New LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, May 2016
  • Business Law Series: New MN LLC Act – Rights of Minority Owners, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Panelist, February 2016
  • Better Discovery, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2016
  • The New Minnesota LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, August 2015
  • Rights of Minority Owners under The New Minnesota LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, January 2015
  • Business Law Series: Reducing Litigation Risk for Directors and Officers – Limit It, Insure It, Transfer It, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2014
  • Business Law Series: Don’t Go Away Mad, Just Go Away – Terms to Consider When Negotiating Business Breakup, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2014
  • Lessons Learned from Rucker v. Schmidt, 794 N.W.2d 114 (Minn. 2011): The Duties of a “Quasi- Judicial Officers” a/k/a Attorney, to the Client, Opposing Counsel and the Court, Family Law Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, March 2013
  • Course Co-Chair, Mastering the Deposition Process from Beginning to End, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE, May 2011
  • Presenter: Expanding your Research Horizons: Efficient and Affordable Legal Research, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE, March 2011
  • Shareholder Disputes, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter: The Business from Cradle to Grave Series, November 2010
  • Important Litigation Tools Under Minnesota Law when Defending Directors and Officers Against Claims Alleged By Shareholders or The Company<, 2010 Business Law Institute Presenter
  • Moderator, Introduction of Documentary Evidence at Trial<, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE, May 2010
  • Acquisitions and Mergers: A Litigation Landmine, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, November 2006
Previous Shannon L. Flinn Next Ryan P. Downes
Janel Dressen

CONTACT

[email protected]
612-492-8245

DOWNLOAD V-CARD

PrintLinkedIn
Linkedin
612-492-8245
email
vcard
pdf

Legal
Administrative
Assistant

Geri Wilkie

612-349-6969

email

Linkedin
612-492-8245
email
vcard
pdf

Legal
Administrative
Assistant

Geri Wilkie

612-349-6969

email

Janel M. Dressen

Attorney, Shareholder, CEO, Executive Committee Member

Her clients, co–workers, and colleagues and competitors in the marketplace remark that Janel M. Dressen is a tenacious business litigator who will advocate tirelessly and creatively to resolve her client’s business disputes. Janel prides herself on being the most prepared person in the room, solving problems that lawyers and clients refer to as “the most challenging” and getting to know her clients and their businesses as much as they do. She loves to solve problems and views all problems as solvable with the right person by your side who has the knowledge, dedication and desire.  Janel’s clients will tell you that you can expect to receive laser focus, determination, and sheer excellence when working with her.

 

With over 21 years of experience in representing business owners and their companies, Janel has an impressive list of victories for her clients.  While she represents business owners and businesses in all types of complex business disputes, her sweet spot is shareholder, ownership, and business valuation disputes.  Janel was lead counsel for what has been reported to be the largest Minnesota trial award in a shareholder buyout case in Lund v. Lund in which she obtained over a $45 million buyout award in favor of her client, Kim Lund. In addition, as lead counsel, she obtained a significant victory on behalf of her clients during the COVID–19 pandemic.  She obtained a summary judgment in their favor on breach of fiduciary duty and good faith and fair dealing claims, as well as limited liability company member oppression claims with a fair value buyout from their real estate limited liability companies.  This is believed to be the first reported buyout decision under Minnesota’s Revised Limited Liability Company Act.

 

In addition to her numerous successes on behalf of her clients, Janel is a frequent author and presenter locally and nationally on various business litigation topics, most notably shareholder oppression, fiduciary duties and business divorces.  Janel is a co–author of chapters in the Ongoing Businesses and Minnesota LLCs Deskbooks published by Minnesota CLE, and a co–contributor to the American Bar Association’s Business Divorce Litigation chapter.  She is regularly requested to speak on business litigation topics by local and national organizations, and she has won numerous awards, including being named a Minnesota Attorney of the Year in 2017, and one of the “Top 50 Women: Minnesota Super Lawyers” since 2019. In 2021, Janel was chosen by the firm’s leaders as only the second Chief Executive Officer of Anthony Ostlund, making her the first woman to lead the firm. She has served on the firm’s Executive Committee since 2018.

 

 

                              

 

                   

RESULTS
CREDENTIALS
RECOGNITION
PUBLICATIONS
SPEAKING
Loading...

AO Teams Recognized with Two Attorney of the Year Awards

Anthony Ostlund’s reputation for success in complex cases and commitment to our clients and our community is no better exemplified than by the work

Ostlund, Dressen and Gullickson co-present Shareholder Litigation – Lessons Learned from the Lunds and Koch Cases

Rich Ostlund, Janel Dressen and Randy Gullickson will co-present Shareholder Litigation – Lessons Learned from the Lunds and Koch Cases as part of the

Congratulations to our Power 30 Business Litigation Honorees

Congratulations to Joe Anthony, Janel Dressen and Rich Ostlund who were named to Minnesota Lawyer’s POWER 30 for Business Litigation. The POWER 30 is

Janel Dressen Named in Top 10 Women of Distinction in Law 2022

Anthony Ostlund CEO and Shareholder, Janel M. Dressen, was named among the Top 10 Women of Distinction in Law 2022 in Success Pitchers magazine

Lying, Cheating & Stealing Seminar 2022 is Open for Registration!

Lying, Cheating, and Stealing Seminar 2022: Secrets and Solutions for Handling Messy Business Disputes is open for registration. This one-day in-person seminar brings together

Anthony Ostlund Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023

Anthony Ostlund is pleased to announce that attorneys Joseph Anthony, Janel Dressen, Vincent Louwagie, and Richard Ostlund have been selected by their peers for

Education

J.D., The University of South Dakota School of Law, graduated in top 5%

B.A., with honors, Southwest Minnesota State University, graduated in three years

 

Admissions

State of Minnesota

State of South Dakota

U.S. District of Minnesota

 

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association Member and Business Divorce, ADR and Business Committees Member (2019–present)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council President (2022–2023)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council Vice President (2021–2022)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council Treasurer (2020–2021)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Council Secretary (2019–2020)
  • Minnesota State Bar Association and Co-Author of Civil Litigation Practice Tips (2015–present)
  • Co-Chair, Private Business Governance Committee, Minnesota State Bar Association's Business Law Section (2017–present)
  • Member, Federal Bar Association Member
  • Member, Hennepin County Bar Association Member

 

Community Involvement

  • Community Service Committee MSBA Civil Litigation Council (2020–present)
  • Board Member, Vice President and Secretary, Edina Swim Club (2014–2017)
  • Chair of the Board of Directors, The Academy of Whole Learning (2014–2017)
  • Volunteer, Mary’s Place Legal Advice Clinic Volunteer, Legal Aid Society (2000–2019)

 

 

 

Awards & Honors

  • "Notable Women in Law 2022" by Twin Cities Business Magazine
  • Minnesota Lawyer — The POWER 30: Business Litigation, 2021-2022
  • Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America, 2018-2023
  • “Top 50 Women: Minnesota Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers, 2019–2022
  • “Top 100: Minnesota Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers, 2022
  • The Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Commercial Litigation (2019–2021)
  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • Selected as a Minnesota Lawyer’s “Attorney of the Year,” 2017
  • “Attorney of the Month” in Attorney at Law Magazine, September 2017
  • “Minnesota Super Lawyers” list by Super Lawyers, 2016–2021
  • “Minnesota Rising Stars” list by Super Lawyers, 2004–2015

Publications

  • To Zoom or not to Zoom? Minnesota Trial Lawyers Beware, Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce – Partner Content, July 2022
  • Minnesota Lawyer 1/17/2022 - Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Contingent fee lien doesn't pay.”
  • Featured in Capital Analytics: Spotlight On Interview with Janel Dressen, CEO of Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan P.A., December 2021
  • Better to have an enemy that slaps you in the face than a partner who stabs you in the back, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal – Sponsored Content, October 2021
  • Featured in Minnesota Lawyer's The Power 30, October 2021
  • Ownership Disputes in Privately Held Companies, Minnesota CLE Deskbook Chapter 12, Representing the On-Going Business, First Ed., 2012, including updates in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021
  • Member Rights, Fiduciary Duties, Oppression, Liability, Remedies & Indemnification, Minnesota LLCs Minnesota CLE Deskbook Chapter 6, , First Ed., 2016, including updates in 2019 and 2021
  • Contributing author to Business Divorce Litigation, Chapter 26 of Recent Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, 2020 Edition, published by the American Bar Association
  • 6/5/2020 Minnesota Lawyer – Janel Dressen was interviewed by Todd Nelson on the topic “Breaking the Ice: Crisis management dominates in pandemic.”
  • The Eighth Circuit Further Strengthens the Mandatory Expert Affidavit Requirements In Litigation Against Attorneys, Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce – Partner Content, August 2019
  • Don’t Be The Next Lunds & Byerlys: Lessons learned from the Lunds shareholder Litigation, Bench & Bar of Minnesota, June 2019
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/27/2019 – Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Minnesota Supreme Court declines to review $45 million award in Lund family dispute.”
  • The Use Of A Special Litigation Committee Under The Revised Minnesota LLC Act, Minnesota Lawyer Partner Content, September 2018
  • Minnesota Lawyer 7/24/2018 – Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Supreme Court rejects tossing officials out for closed meetings.”
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/18/2018 - Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Minnesota Supreme Court says Victoria council members can stay despite many Open Meeting Law violations.”
  • Be Careful What You Wish For: The “Power” To Dissociate Under Minnesota's Revised LLC Act, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, June 2018
  • Chanhassen Villager 5/10/2018 — Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Are open meeting law violations enough to force Victoria councilors from office? Minnesota Supreme Court decides.”
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/4/2018 – Janel Dressen was quoted in news article “Victoria open meetings case heading to Minnesota Supreme Court.”
  • Janel Dressen featured in Minnesota Lawyer: Attorneys of the Year; February 2018
  • Stop Delaying: The Need for An Operating Agreement Under the Revised MN LLC Act, republished in The LLC & Partnership Reporter (f/k/a The PUBGRAM) page 48, by the American Bar Association Section of Business Law, October 2017
  • Stop Delaying: The Need for An Operating Agreement Under the Revised MN LLC Act, Minnesota Lawyer – Partner Content, August 2017
  • Stop Lawyering Me, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, June 2017
  • Minnesota court rejects DLOM in major buyout case, BVWire Issue #177-3, June 21, 2017
  • Understanding an Owner's Right to Information and Records in Private Companies, C-Level Magazine, Minnesota Edition, September 2016
  • Structure Matters, Just Ask The Three Little Pigs, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, July 2016
  • Going the Distance: Application of the Business Judgment Rule, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, January 2016
  • LLC Members Beware: Your Statutory Right to Information Is About to Change, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, March 2015
  • Judge Sets $1 Million Bail, Blasts Former Tennis Coach, Star Tribune, December 12, 2014
  • Former Tennis Coach Back in Police Custody, WCCO, December 12, 2014. Read more.
  • Ex Visitation Tennis Coach Won't Stop Violating Restraining Order, MyFox9, December 12, 2014.
  • Should Tom Petters’ Legal Defense Costs Be Paid By the Corporations That He Harmed?, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, January 2014
  • Pitfalls To Avoid In Appointing and Acting as a Special Litigation Committee, Attorney At Law Magazine, Minnesota Edition, October 2013

Speaking Engagements

  • Shareholder Litigation – Lessons Learned from the Lunds and Koch Cases, Key Lessons for Complex Business Transactions, Minnesota CLE, December 2022
  • Bench Trials for the Modern Age Lawyer, Trying a Successful Bench Trial, PowerHouse Civil Trial Institute, November 2022
  • Why It Should (or Should Not) Matter to a LLC Fiduciary if Minnesota or Delaware Law Governs Their Actions (Co-presented with  Wally Hilke, Ballard Spahr), Minnesota LLCs - The Basics and Beyond for Business Layers, Minnesota CLE, October 2022
  • Cheating on Your Spouse Who is Also Your Business Partner, Lying, Cheating & Stealing Seminar 2022, October 2022
  • 7 Litigated Owner Disputes and What the Courts Have Decided, Minnesota CLE, August 2022
  • Knock Down Drag Out Fight: The Anatomy of Business Ownership Disputes, CLE webinar for Quimbee subscribers, July 2022
  • Knowledge is Power: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Private Business Owner, CLE webinar for Quimbee subscribers, June, 2022
  • It’s Time to Separate: Lessons Learned from a Business Divorce Lawyer About How to Separate Without Destroying the Business, Business Planning webinar for Business Docs subscribers and offered live complimentary for Wealth Docx subscribers, July 2022
  • Negotiating the Terms of a 'Business Divorce' Without Losing the Business, Minnesota CLE, 2022 Business Law Institute, May 2022
  • 7 Litigated Owner Disputes and What the Courts Have Decided, Minnesota CLE, 2022 Business Law Institute, May 2022
  • Practical Tips for Post Pandemic Trials, ACTLM 2022 Spring Meeting and CLE, May 2022
  • Rights & Responsibilities of Owners, Family Business Breakfast, University of St. Thomas, February 2022
  • Complex Financial Litigation 2022: Common Issues and Strategies in Business Breakups, Financial Poise and West LegalEdCenter, February 2022
  • Breaking Up is Hard to Do: How to Separate from Your Business Partners Without Destroying your Business, American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education, November 2021
  • Advising Clients in Wind-Downs, Separations and “Business Divorce”:  How to Use ADR and Other Tools to Steer Business Owners Through a Break-up of a Closely-Held Business, ABA Annual Business Law Meeting Showcase Presentation Panel Member, September 2021
  • Member Rights, Fiduciary Duties, Oppression, Liability, Remedies and Indemnification, Minnesota CLE, August 2021
  • Should You Try Your Next Jury State Court Civil Case by Zoom?, MSBA Civil Litigation Section CLE, June 2021
  • Selecting the Right Valuation Expert, Financial Poise Webinars, April 2021
  • Co-Chair, Presenter and Panel Moderator for the First full day Shareholder and Member Disputes in Closely-Held Businesses: Preventing, Managing and Resolving Seminar, Sponsored by Minnesota CLE, January 2021
  • Lessons Learned From Virtual Depositions, MSBA Civil Litigation Section CLE, October 2020
  • What Could Possibly Go Wrong? The Top 10 Ways to Better Manage Conflicts and Litigation Risks Between Executives and Employers, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education - 2020 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute, September 2020
  • How to Avoid (or Mitigate) Shareholder Litigation: Lessons Learned from the Lunds Case, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education – The Business Law Institute Program, September 2020
  • LLCs A to Z: Member Rights, Fiduciary Duties, Oppression, Liability, Remedies, and Indemnification, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, February 2020
  • How to Deal with Discovery Bullies, Minnesota CLE, November 2019
  • Prepping Clients and Crystalizing Issues for Resolution of Corporate Divorce & Complex Ownership Disputes through Mediation and Arbitration, 2019 Annual Meeting of the ABA Business Law Section, September 2019
  • How to Avoid (or Mitigate) Shareholder Litigation: Lessons Learned from the Lunds Case, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, August 2019
  • Presentation: Fair Value Litigation: The Battle of the Experts; National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts Minnesota Chapter Meeting, May 2019
  • Presentation: Oppression Liability: Lying, Cheating or Stealing is Not Necessary; 2019 Spring Meeting of the ABA Business Law Section (Presentation to Business Divorce Committee), March 2019
  • Presentation: Minnesota’s New, Uniform LLC Act- Chapter 322C: A Roadmap for Trial Court Judges (presented to Hennepin County District Court Judges); co–presenters Daniel Kleinberger and Adam Nodler, February 7, 2018
  • New LLC Law: Litigation Alert – Spotting and Addressing Liability Issues, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Webcast, January 2018
  • Better Discovery: How to Deal with Discovery Bullies, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, December 2017
  • Representing the Ongoing Business Deskbook Series: The Corporate Divorce – How to Navigate Ownership Disputes in Privately Held Companies, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2017
  • Business Law Series: Flex Your Fiduciary Duties – Options, Opportunities and Decision Points under the New LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2017
  • New MN LLC Act: The Top 10 Key Terms to Include in an Operating Agreement as a Minority Owner, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, May 2016
  • Flex Your fiduciary Duties: Options, Opportunities and Decision Points Under the New LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, May 2016
  • Business Law Series: New MN LLC Act – Rights of Minority Owners, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Panelist, February 2016
  • Better Discovery, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2016
  • The New Minnesota LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, August 2015
  • Rights of Minority Owners under The New Minnesota LLC Act, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, January 2015
  • Business Law Series: Reducing Litigation Risk for Directors and Officers – Limit It, Insure It, Transfer It, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2014
  • Business Law Series: Don’t Go Away Mad, Just Go Away – Terms to Consider When Negotiating Business Breakup, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, February 2014
  • Lessons Learned from Rucker v. Schmidt, 794 N.W.2d 114 (Minn. 2011): The Duties of a “Quasi- Judicial Officers” a/k/a Attorney, to the Client, Opposing Counsel and the Court, Family Law Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, March 2013
  • Course Co-Chair, Mastering the Deposition Process from Beginning to End, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE, May 2011
  • Presenter: Expanding your Research Horizons: Efficient and Affordable Legal Research, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE, March 2011
  • Shareholder Disputes, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter: The Business from Cradle to Grave Series, November 2010
  • Important Litigation Tools Under Minnesota Law when Defending Directors and Officers Against Claims Alleged By Shareholders or The Company<, 2010 Business Law Institute Presenter
  • Moderator, Introduction of Documentary Evidence at Trial<, Hennepin County Bar Association CLE, May 2010
  • Acquisitions and Mergers: A Litigation Landmine, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education Presenter, November 2006
Previous Shannon L. Flinn Next Ryan P. Downes
Janel Dressen

CONTACT

[email protected]
612-492-8245

DOWNLOAD V-CARD

PrintLinkedIn
AO-logo-initials

90 SOUTH 7TH STREET, SUITE 3600
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402
P 612.349.6969       F 612.349.6996

 

© 2021 ANTHONY OSTLUND LOUWAGIE DRESSEN BOYLAN P.A.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  • 651•312•6500
  • 651•312•6618
  • People
  • Litigation
  • Successes
  • News
  • About
  • Fee Arrangements
  • Careers
  • Contact
Menu
  • People
  • Litigation
  • Successes
  • News
  • About
  • Fee Arrangements
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • PEOPLE
  • LITIGATION
    • APPEALS
    • COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
    • EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION
    • FRAUD AND FIDUCIARY DUTY
    • FINANCIAL LITIGATION
    • OWNER/SHAREHOLDER DISPUTES
    • PLAINTIFF CONTINGENCY CASES
    • PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE
    • REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
    • TRUSTS AND ESTATES LAW
  • SUCCESSES
  • NEWS
  • ABOUT
  • FEE ARRANGEMENTS
Menu
  • PEOPLE
  • LITIGATION
    • APPEALS
    • COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
    • EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION
    • FRAUD AND FIDUCIARY DUTY
    • FINANCIAL LITIGATION
    • OWNER/SHAREHOLDER DISPUTES
    • PLAINTIFF CONTINGENCY CASES
    • PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE
    • REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
    • TRUSTS AND ESTATES LAW
  • SUCCESSES
  • NEWS
  • ABOUT
  • FEE ARRANGEMENTS
search
disclaimer
Linkedin
Join Our Email List

© 2021 ANTHONY OSTLUND LOUWAGIE DRESSEN BOYLAN P.A. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT