Minneapolis, Minnesota · Updated October 2026
The 3 Best Employment Attorneys in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2026)
Fired, harassed, passed over or handed a severance agreement? We compared Minneapolis employee-side employment law firms on experience, Google ratings and what clients say about communication and results. Here are three firms to call.
- ✓Wrongful termination
- ✓Discrimination
- ✓Harassment
- ✓Retaliation
- ✓Severance
- 1. Schaefer Halleen
- 2. Wanta Thome
- 3. HKM Employment Attorneys
- Compare
- Map
- Deadline check
- Guide
- FAQ
- Local guide
At a glance
Minneapolis employment law firms compared
| Firm | Google rating | Reviews | Attorneys named by clients | Known for | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Schaefer Halleen | ★★★★½ 4.7 | 99 | Larry Schaefer, Peter Christian | Landmark harassment class action | Contingency (discrimination) |
| 2Wanta Thome | ★★★★½ 4.7 | 353 | Luke Molvarec | Disability & discrimination | Ask |
| 3HKM Employment Attorneys | ★★★★½ 4.9 | 78 | Amanda Crain, Emma Denny | Plain-language guidance | Ask |
“Ask” means the firm doesn’t publish this on Google. Schaefer Halleen’s fee note is from its website.
Map
Where the firms are
Tap a pin for the address, phone and directions. Switch on agencies, courts and light rail stations.
Pins are approximate; use Directions on each firm card for turn-by-turn navigation.
Ratings and review counts from Google, checked October 14, 2026. Hours can change on holidays; call to confirm.
The list
The 3 best employment attorneys in Minneapolis
1
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Practice areas
A downtown Minneapolis firm that focuses on protecting employee rights, led by founder Lawrence P. Schaefer, who has more than 30 years of advocacy experience. Schaefer and Jean Boler were lead counsel in Jenson v. Eveleth Mines, the first sexual harassment case certified as a class action, later made into the film North Country. The firm handles discrimination, harassment, retaliation and whistleblower claims, wrongful termination, severance and executive contracts, non-competes and wage claims, and defends doctors, nurses and other licensed professionals before their boards. It usually takes discrimination cases on a contingency basis.
What clients praise
- Peter Christian is described as thorough, honest and strategic, with a real grasp of the impact on clients’ careers
- Darren Sharp quickly learned one client’s industry and its regulations
- Larry Schaefer, Tim Christensen and Anne are praised for compassion and for setting clear expectations
Worth knowing
- Confirm whether the first consultation is free; the firm describes it as confidential
- Weekday office hours only
- Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
- Sat–Sun Closed
Why it made the list: Decades of employee-side work, a landmark class action and a wide range of practice areas.
2
Wanta Thome
A downtown Minneapolis employment law firm with the largest Google review base on this page. Reviewers single out a thorough, validating intake process and attorneys who keep fighting through difficult mediations, particularly in disability and discrimination cases.
What clients praise
- Paralegal Amalia González is praised for a thorough intake that captured the nuances of each case
- Luke Molvarec is called a respectful, persistent advocate who secured strong results in mediation
- Clients say they were kept updated as their case progressed
Worth knowing
- Cases go through an intake review before the firm agrees to take them
- Google lists 24-hour availability; confirm office hours for meetings
- Mon–Sun Open 24 hours (per Google)
Why it made the list: Strong review record and a well-regarded intake team.
3
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP
A North Loop employment law firm with a 4.9 rating. Reviewers describe attorneys and paralegals who explain options, risks and outcomes in plain language, stay persistent through long delays and push to maximize recovery. One client was referred through the Volunteer Lawyers Network.
What clients praise
- Amanda Crain and Emma Denny are praised for clear, caring guidance
- Blaine is credited with working tirelessly to maximize a client’s recovery
- Paralegals Megan and Jennifer keep communication open and translate legal language
Worth knowing
- Smaller review base than Wanta Thome
- Google lists 24-hour availability; confirm office hours for meetings
- Mon–Sun Open 24 hours (per Google)
Why it made the list: Top-rated communication and persistence.
Free tool
What kind of workplace problem is it?
Pick the closest match to see the key deadline or first step. This is general information, not legal advice.
Guide
Know your rights at work in Minnesota
1 YR
Deadlines are short
You have one year from the discrimination to file a charge with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. For larger employers, the EEOC deadline in Minnesota is 300 days. Missing a deadline can end a claim, so act early.
NON-COMPETE
Most new non-competes are banned
Minnesota law voids most non-compete agreements signed on or after July 1, 2023, with narrow exceptions such as the sale of a business. Non-solicitation and confidentiality clauses can still apply.
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How lawyers charge
Many employee-side lawyers take discrimination and wrongful termination cases on contingency, meaning they are paid a share of any recovery. Severance reviews and contract work are often billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask for the fee agreement in writing.
FILE
Keep your own records
Save emails, texts, reviews and pay records to a personal device before you leave or lose access, as long as you’re allowed to keep them. Notes made at the time, with dates and witnesses, are valuable evidence.
At your consultation
Questions to ask an employment attorney
0 of 8 asked
Methodology
How we chose these firms
We looked at Minneapolis law firms that represent employees in workplace disputes, comparing experience, practice areas, Google ratings and review volume, and what clients say about communication, compassion and results.
Each firm’s rating, review count and attorneys named by clients are shown so you can compare them yourself.
Ratings, review counts and hours were checked on October 14, 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who are the best employment attorneys in Minneapolis?
Schaefer Halleen, LLC focuses on employee rights and its founder was lead counsel in the landmark Eveleth Mines sexual harassment class action. Wanta Thome has the most Google reviews (4.7 stars from 353), and HKM Employment Attorneys has the highest rating (4.9 stars from 78).
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Minnesota?
You have one year from the discrimination to file a charge with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. For employers with 15 or more employees (20 or more for age), the EEOC deadline in Minnesota is 300 days.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Minnesota?
Most non-compete agreements signed on or after July 1, 2023 are void under Minnesota law, with narrow exceptions. Agreements signed earlier and other restrictive covenants may still apply, so have a lawyer review yours.
Should I sign a severance agreement?
Not before having it reviewed. Severance agreements usually waive your right to sue. Workers 40 and over generally have at least 21 days to consider an agreement that releases age claims and 7 days to revoke after signing.
How much does an employment lawyer cost?
Many employee-side lawyers handle discrimination and wrongful termination cases on contingency, taking a percentage of any recovery. Schaefer Halleen says it usually takes discrimination cases on a contingency basis. Contract and severance reviews may be hourly or flat-fee.
Is Minnesota an at-will employment state?
Yes. Employers can generally end employment for any lawful reason, but not for an illegal one such as discrimination, retaliation or whistleblowing, or in breach of a contract.
Local guide
Minneapolis local guide
Where to file, where cases are heard and how to reach each firm downtown.
What is near each firm
Schaefer Halleen
Downtown East · near the federal courthouse
NEAREST AGENCIES & COURTS
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
300 S 4th St, Minneapolis0.1 mi - Hennepin County Courthouse
300 S 6th St, Minneapolis0.2 mi
NEAREST LIGHT RAIL STATION
Wanta Thome
Downtown · 5th St & Nicollet
NEAREST AGENCIES & COURTS
- EEOC Minneapolis Area Office
330 2nd Ave S, Suite 720, Minneapolis0.1 mi - U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
300 S 4th St, Minneapolis0.2 mi
NEAREST LIGHT RAIL STATION
HKM Employment Attorneys
North Loop
NEAREST AGENCIES & COURTS
- EEOC Minneapolis Area Office
330 2nd Ave S, Suite 720, Minneapolis0.6 mi - U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
300 S 4th St, Minneapolis0.7 mi
NEAREST LIGHT RAIL STATION
Distances are straight-line estimates. Agency hours can change; check before visiting.
Employment agencies & courts
Getting there by light rail
Protecting yourself while you decide
- Don’t resign in anger. Quitting can affect your claim and benefits; get advice first.
- Write it down. Record dates, what was said and who was there.
- Use personal accounts. Don’t rely on work email or devices to talk to a lawyer.
- Keep doing your job. Stay professional so the record stays clean.
- Report internally if safe. Many claims depend on whether the employer was told.
- Mind the calendar. Deadlines start from the date of the event, not when you hire a lawyer.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The order of firms is editorial and is not a ranking of legal ability. Ratings, hours and details were checked on October 14, 2026 and can change, so confirm with each firm.
