Practical Counsel. Trusted Advocacy. Experienced Representation.

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    Award-Winning Law Firm
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    State & Federal Court Experience
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    Experienced MN Litigators
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    Serving Minnesota Since 2003

Practical Counsel. Trusted Advocacy. Experienced Representation.

People don't call a lawyer because they want more complexity.
They call because they want clarity.

Our job is to recognize the situation, answer your questions honestly, and help you decide on the best path forward.

Burns & Hansen represents clients in matters ranging from everyday legal questions to appeals, litigation, and disputes involving significant business, financial, and personal interests. Our attorneys stay personally involved throughout the process, explaining what's happening, what options are available, and what comes next.

Whether you're responding to an immediate legal issue or looking for guidance before one develops, you'll work with attorneys who take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions.

Though legal issues take many forms, our approach is always the same: evaluate all of your options and find the best path forward to suit your specific needs.

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Appeals

Burns & Hansen has one of the largest and most experienced appellate practices in Minnesota. Our attorneys handle appeals in state and federal courts, helping clients identify legal errors, preserve important rights, and pursue meaningful results after trial. We also assist with post-trial motions and related proceedings, often becoming involved before an appeal is filed.

Business & Corporate Law

Business owners face important legal decisions throughout the life of a company, from day-to-day operations to major transactions and disputes. We advise businesses at every stage of growth, providing legal guidance that reflects the company’s immediate needs, long-term objectives, and the realities of running a business.

Construction & Lien Law

Construction projects involve significant investments, multiple stakeholders, and little room for error when disputes arise. We represent owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and other construction professionals in matters involving contracts, payment disputes, mechanic's liens, defects, and litigation. We help clients resolve disputes efficiently while protecting their legal and financial interests.

Estate Planning & Probate

Estate planning is about making sure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are prepared when important decisions need to be made. Whether you're creating a will, trust, power of attorney, or healthcare directive, or helping administer a loved one's estate, we provide clear guidance and support throughout the process.

Family Law

Family law matters often involve some of the most important personal and financial decisions a person will face. Whether you're dealing with divorce, custody issues, parenting time disputes, support matters, or property division, we help clients see their options, navigate difficult conversations, and work toward real solutions that reflect what's most important to you.

Landlord & Property Management

Owning and managing property comes with legal responsibilities, business considerations, and occasional disputes. If you own or manage property, legal issues can quickly become operational headaches. We help you address lease disputes, evictions, compliance concerns, and other challenges before they become larger problems.

Real Estate Law

Real estate transactions and disputes often involve substantial investments and important business or personal interests. Whether you're buying, selling, developing, or dealing with a property dispute, we'll help explain the issues, evaluate your options, and keep your goals front and center.

How We Help

Though legal issues take many forms, our approach is always the same: evaluate all of your options and find the best path forward to suit your specific needs. Burns & Hansen advises and represents clients across a broad range of legal matters, including:

Appeals

Burns & Hansen has one of the largest and most experienced appellate practices in Minnesota. Our attorneys handle appeals in state and federal courts, helping clients identify legal errors, preserve important rights, and pursue meaningful results after trial. We also assist with post-trial motions and related proceedings, often becoming involved before an appeal is filed.

Business & Corporate Law

Business owners face important legal decisions throughout the life of a company, from day-to-day operations to major transactions and disputes. We advise businesses at every stage of growth, providing legal guidance that reflects the company’s immediate needs, long-term objectives, and the realities of running a business.

Civil Litigation

Our trial attorneys represent plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts, handling business, real estate, construction, family law, probate, employment, and other civil disputes. Whether a matter can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation through trial and appeal, we bring substantial courtroom experience to the case.

Construction & Lien Law

Construction projects involve significant investments, multiple stakeholders, and little room for error when disputes arise. We represent owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and other construction professionals in matters involving contracts, payment disputes, mechanic's liens, defects, and litigation. We help clients resolve disputes efficiently while protecting their legal and financial interests.

Estate Planning & Probate

Estate planning is about making sure your wishes are clearly documented and your loved ones are prepared when important decisions need to be made. Whether you're creating a will, trust, power of attorney, or healthcare directive, or helping administer a loved one's estate, we provide clear guidance and support throughout the process.

Family Law

Family law matters often involve some of the most important personal and financial decisions a person will face. Whether you're dealing with divorce, custody issues, parenting time disputes, support matters, or property division, we help clients see their options, navigate difficult conversations, and work toward real solutions that reflect what's most important to you.

Landlords & Property Management

Owning and managing property comes with legal responsibilities, business considerations, and occasional disputes. If you own or manage property, legal issues can quickly become operational headaches. We help you address lease disputes, evictions, compliance concerns, and other challenges before they become larger problems.

Real Estate Law

Real estate transactions and disputes often involve substantial investments and important business or personal interests. Whether you're buying, selling, developing, or dealing with a property dispute, we'll help explain the issues, evaluate your options, and keep your goals front and center.

Big Enough for Significant Matters.
Small Enough to Know Your Name.

Not every legal matter follows the same path. A disagreement that begins with a phone call may eventually involve extensive records, expert testimony, multiple parties, or appellate review. By the time a dispute reaches the litigation stage, early decisions often have a greater impact than people realize. Understanding your options from the beginning can make a meaningful difference later in the case.

Burns & Hansen regularly handles complex matters that include multiple parties and multiple issues. At Burns & Hansen, you'll work directly with the attorney handling your matter. When questions arise, you'll know who to call. When important decisions need to be made, you'll have access to experienced counsel who knows your situation and can help you evaluate the options in front of you.

We believe you shouldn't have to choose between a firm that's capable of handling significant legal matters and a firm that knows who you are.

Attorneys Patrick C. Burns and Erik F. Hansen
Minnesota Trial Lawyers - Burns & Hansen

At Our Core, We Are Trial Lawyers

Litigation is a significant part of what we do at Burns & Hansen, and that experience shapes how we approach legal work even when no lawsuit has been filed.

When we draft an agreement, advise a business owner, address a real estate issue, or guide a client through an important decision, we understand how those choices may be examined if a dispute develops. That same perspective informs our appellate work, where decisions made in the trial court can shape what happens on appeal.

We don't approach every matter as though it belongs in court. But when we advise you, we do so with an understanding of what can happen if it gets there.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When should I contact a lawyer?

Earlier than most people think. You don't have to wait until you've been sued, served with papers, or reached a crisis point. Many legal issues are easier to address when they're identified early. If you're facing an important decision, dealing with uncertainty, or wondering whether a situation could become a larger problem, it's often worth having a conversation with an attorney.

Can Burns & Hansen help before a dispute turns into a lawsuit?

Yes. Many of the matters we handle never reach a courtroom. Sometimes a well-drafted agreement, a strategic conversation, or early legal guidance can prevent a disagreement from becoming a larger dispute. We regularly help individuals, families, business owners, and property owners evaluate situations before litigation becomes necessary.

Will I work directly with an attorney?

Yes. When you hire Burns & Hansen, you'll work directly with the attorney handling your matter. If you have questions, you'll know who to call. If something changes, you'll hear about it. We believe clear communication and direct access are important parts of good legal representation.

Can Burns & Hansen handle complex litigation and appeals?

Absolutely. Burns & Hansen regularly represents clients in complex litigation and contested matters in both state and federal courts. We also have one of the largest and most experienced appellate practices in Minnesota, handling appeals and post-trial proceedings across a wide range of legal issues. Whether a matter is headed toward trial, already in litigation, or you are considering an appeal, we have the experience to help.

How do I know if Burns & Hansen is the right firm for my situation?

The best way to find out is to have a conversation. Some people contact us because they're facing a dispute. Others need guidance on a business matter, property issue, appeal, family law concern, or estate planning question. We'll take the time to understand what's going on, answer your questions, and help you determine whether we're the right fit for your needs.

Let's Start with a Conversation

One of the most common things we hear is, "I wish I'd called sooner." Even when immediate legal action isn't necessary, an early conversation can help you avoid mistakes that are difficult, or sometimes impossible, to undo later. A conversation with an experienced attorney can demystify your situation and can help you determine what steps make sense moving forward.

Whether you're dealing with a dispute, evaluating an opportunity, or looking for ongoing legal guidance, Burns & Hansen is here to help. Contact Burns & Hansen to speak with an attorney.