Overview

Chris focuses his practice on estate planning, business succession planning, probate, trust administration and related areas of real estate and property law.

He also handles a wide variety of business and tax planning work for clients, including charitable planning and dealing with the special estate planning problems of owners of closely held businesses.

Services

Credentials

Education

  • Valparaiso University, J.D., 1978
  • Concordia College, B.A., 1974, cum laude

Admissions

  • Minnesota, 1978
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 1979
  • U.S. Tax Court, 1989

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 1995-2024; Litigation-Trusts and Estates, 2011-2024
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, 1996-2023
  • AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023
  • Lawyer of the Year in Minneapolis, Best Lawyers, Trusts and Estates, 2013; Litigation-Trusts and Estates, 2019
  • Alumni Achievement Award, Valparaiso University, 2010
  • Eugene P. Daly, Jr. Award, Minnesota State Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section, 2004
  • Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, 1992

Civic & Professional

Professional Activities

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Special Committee to study adoption of Uniform Trust Code in Minnesota, Chairperson, 2010-present
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section, Chairperson, 1998-99; Officer, 1995-2000; Legislation Committee, 1985-present; Chair, 1993-1998
  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Probate and Estate Law Section, Member; Officer, 1990-1998
  • Minnesota American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, State Chair
  • Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, Board of Directors, 2001-2007

Community

  • The Salvation Army Twin Cities Advisory, Board Member, 1998–present; Chair of Programs and Services Committee, Executive Committee, 2006-present
  • National and Regional Advisory Boards, Valparaiso University School of Law, Regional Chair, 2009-2011

News & Insights

Legal Updates

Publications & Presentations

Minnesota Trust Administration Manual: Valuation and Other Issues in Transferring Real Estate, MCLE, 2005; Annual Updates 2007-present

Minnesota Estate Administration—Real Estate, MCLE, 2002; Annual Updates 2007-present

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