The Briefing Room: October 2025
Elevate your legal writing and general practice by exploring the Kanban method. Introduction Legal writing is one of the most time-consuming and mentally demanding parts of modern law practice. Drafting a persuasive motion, composing client communications, or refining internal memoranda all require sustained focus, strategic organization, and frequent revisions. Yet in today’s fast-paced legal environment—where […]
What is going on with Insurance Rates for Minnesota Homeowners?
We have heard the news – insurance is not getting any cheaper. This year, Minnesota homeowners may have insurance premiums increase by 15%.[1] That increase dramatically exceeds inflation.[2] Those on a fixed income may have difficulty keeping pace with rising insurance costs. It is only a matter of time before Minnesotans will feel the impact […]
Six Things to Know About the Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund
Has your home been damaged by a contractor’s faulty work? Did your contractor lie to you or steal money from you? Or did your contractor simply walk off the job? If any of these situations apply to you, you may be entitled to compensation from the Minnesota Contractor Recovery Fund. The Contractor Recovery Fund is […]
The Briefing Room: September 2025
Our Annual Legal Writing Subscription Plan—Now Open for Enrollment We are thrilled to continue building on the excitement from last month’s announcement: our new annual Legal Writing Subscription Plan is officially up and running! This program is designed to give attorneys consistent access to high-level feedback, expert insights, and trusted support from our Legal Writing […]
Conversations to Have with Your Aging Parents
Starting the Conversation So, you want to help your elderly parents set up an estate plan, but you feel unsure about how to start that conversation. You might not even have a clear idea of what to discuss. Below, you’ll find a list of the topics your parents may want to address ahead of time. […]
The Briefing Room: August 2025
Minnesota CLE’s Small and Solo Firm Conference: Innovation Meets Community in Duluth The Minnesota CLE Small and Solo Firm Conference in Duluth on August 4‒5 proved that even in our increasingly digital profession, the most powerful connections happen when legal minds gather in person. This year’s two-day event showcased a perfect blend of cutting-edge innovation […]
Minnesota Supreme Court Affirms Broad Protections for Journalists
The Minnesota Supreme Court recently issued an important decision that strengthens protections for journalists and reinforces the right to gather and report news in our state. In Energy Transfer LP v. Greenpeace International, 23 N.W.3d 554 (Minn. 2025), the Court confirmed that Minnesota’s Free Flow of Information Act (MFFIA) offers broad safeguards to reporters—even in […]
Buyer Beware: The Devastating Consequences of Fraudulent Non-Disclosure in a Minnesota Home Sale
In rural Minnesota, a young couple’s dream of homeownership turned into a nightmare. Our clients, the Buyers, purchased a home only to discover it was contaminated with methamphetamine. They believe the Sellers knew—and failed to disclose this critical fact. Their experience serves as a warning: fraudulent non-disclosure in real estate is both unethical and financially […]
Hellmuth & Johnson’s Kristine Spiegelberg Nelson provides Guidance for HOA Professional Relationship Transitions
Minnesota Community Living features Hellmuth & Johnson attorney Kristine Spiegelberg Nelson as a contributor discussing the challenging process of dissolving professional relationships within homeowner associations. The article addresses the complex task of transitioning away from HOA vendors, attorneys, and management companies. Nelson offers strategic guidance on navigating these challenging conversations with professionalism and diplomacy, emphasizing […]
What Every Buyer Needs to Know About Title Commitments Before Closing
If you’re in the process of buying real estate—whether a home, an investment property, or a commercial space—you already know there’s a lot to keep track of. One critical document that deserves your full attention during the due diligence phase is the title commitment. The title commitment is often issued shortly after you sign the […]