Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Counsel for Minnesota Municipalities
Kennedy & Graven has been a trusted legal partner for Minnesota cities, townships, and school districts since 1958. Our firm specializes in local government law, public finance, and development, with a team of over 35 attorneys dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions. We combine decades of experience with advanced technology to deliver efficient representation across municipal law, school law, and township law. Our commitment to public service is reflected in our inclusive workplace culture and annual Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Equity Plan. With a foundation built on integrity and ethical standards, we maintain long-standing client relationships dating back to our founding.Our attorneys are recognized for their expertise in complex legal matters, including eminent domain, litigation, and municipal bonds. We prioritize transparent communication and client education to ensure informed decision-making. As Minnesota's largest firm focused on local government law, we remain dedicated to advancing community interests through proactive legal advocacy. Our legacy of excellence continues through our unwavering dedication to the communities we serve.
Services
Municipal Law
School Law
Township Law
Public Finance
Eminent Domain
Litigation
Municipal Bonds
Real Estate Law
Environmental Law
Housing Law
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in Minnesota local government law
- Our 35-attorney team specializes in municipal, school, and township law
- We maintain long-standing relationships with public clients since 1958
- Our Diversity & Inclusion Plan ensures representative legal representation
- We combine legal expertise with advanced technology for efficient service
Services
Municipal Law
Our municipal law practice provides comprehensive legal guidance to cities and local governments. We handle zoning regulations, land use planning, and ordinance drafting while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws. With decades of experience representing Minnesota municipalities, our attorneys offer strategic counsel on governance issues, contract negotiations, and public policy development. This specialized service ensures local governments operate effectively while protecting community interests.
School Law
Kennedy & Graven's school law attorneys address complex educational institution needs. We provide legal representation for school districts on labor relations, student rights, special education compliance, and facility construction projects. Our team stays current with evolving education regulations to help districts navigate administrative challenges while maintaining focus on educational excellence. This service protects school boards' legal interests while supporting student achievement goals.
Public Finance
Our public finance practice specializes in municipal bond transactions and economic development funding. We assist government entities with bond issuance, tax-exempt financing, and infrastructure project funding while ensuring regulatory compliance. With recognized expertise in Minnesota's financial regulations, our attorneys help communities secure necessary capital for public works projects while protecting taxpayer interests through transparent financial practices.
Township Law
We provide specialized legal counsel to over 350 Minnesota townships on governance matters. Our services include road maintenance regulations, annexation procedures, and land use planning guidance. Attorneys offer practical solutions for township operations while balancing state requirements with local needs. This practice helps townships maintain effective governance structures and implement policies that support rural community development.
Eminent Domain
Our eminent domain practice represents public entities in property acquisition matters. We guide clients through condemnation proceedings while ensuring compliance with constitutional protections. Attorneys handle complex negotiations and litigation for infrastructure projects, balancing government needs with property owner rights. This service helps municipalities implement essential public works while maintaining legal integrity throughout the acquisition process.
People
Robert J. V. Vose
Attorney
Experienced municipal law attorney with decades of experience representing Minnesota cities and townships. Focuses on local governance and land use regulations while maintaining commitment to public service ethics.
Nicholas Smoger
Attorney
Specializes in school law matters with extensive experience advising Minnesota school districts on compliance and administrative issues. Maintains focus on educational policy development and student rights.
Michelle Weinberg
Attorney
Public finance expert with recognized expertise in municipal bonds and economic development funding. Assists government entities with complex financial transactions while ensuring regulatory compliance.
James M. Strommen
Attorney
Eminent domain specialist with extensive experience in property acquisition matters. Represents public entities in condemnation proceedings while balancing constitutional protections for property owners.
Sarah J. Sonsalla
Attorney
Environmental law practitioner focusing on regulatory compliance for local governments. Provides strategic counsel on land use planning and natural resource management issues.
Questions
What areas of law does Kennedy & Graven specialize in?
We specialize in municipal law, school law, township law, public finance, eminent domain, and related litigation for Minnesota public entities.
How long has Kennedy & Graven served Minnesota communities?
Our firm has provided legal counsel to Minnesota cities and school districts since 1958, with continuous service for over 60 years.
What makes Kennedy & Graven unique among law firms?
We are Minnesota's largest law firm focused exclusively on local government law, combining deep public policy understanding with legal expertise.
Does Kennedy & Graven handle municipal bond issues?
Yes, we are recognized leaders in municipal bonds and economic development matters across Minnesota.
