Minneapolis-Saint Paul is a unique legal market, offering diverse opportunities across industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing. The Twin Cities are home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, major law firms, and government entities, creating a robust demand for skilled attorneys. Legal professionals in the region often work on high-profile cases and transactions, with roles available in corporate legal departments, private practice, and public service.
Many top employers value specialized expertise in areas like corporate law, intellectual property, and healthcare compliance, making this a competitive market for ambitious legal professionals. Whether you’re seeking career advancement or a fresh start, Minneapolis-Saint Paul offers a unique blend of professional growth and quality of life.
Biggest Law Firms in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
- Fredrikson & Byron P.A. :Founded in 1948, Fredrikson & Byron is a full-service law firm with approximately 300 attorneys. Based in Minneapolis, the firm is recognized for its expertise in corporate law, healthcare, and intellectual property. Fredrikson & Byron represents a diverse clientele, including multinational corporations, startups, and nonprofit organizations. Known as the “law firm where law and business meet,” it is widely regarded for its innovative and client-focused approach.
- Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP: Established in 2020 through the merger of Faegre Baker Daniels and Drinker Biddle & Reath, Faegre Drinker is an international law firm with over 1,200 attorneys. With a strong presence in Minneapolis, the firm excels in complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory work across industries such as healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. Faegre Drinker’s collaborative culture and global reach make it a top choice for clients navigating multifaceted legal challenges.
- Dorsey & Whitney LLP: Founded in 1912, Dorsey & Whitney has grown to become one of the largest law firms in the region, with more than 500 attorneys. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the firm is renowned for its corporate, banking, and litigation practices. Dorsey & Whitney has represented notable clients such as U.S. Bank and Target Corporation and is recognized for its leadership in pro bono initiatives and diversity efforts.
- Stinson LLP: With roots dating back to 1878, Stinson is a premier law firm with approximately 450 attorneys. The firm provides comprehensive legal services in corporate finance, real estate, and litigation. Stinson’s Minneapolis office serves as a key hub, supporting clients in diverse industries ranging from energy to technology. Known for its client-centered approach, the firm has been consistently recognized for its excellence in legal practice and community involvement.
- Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP: Founded in 1885, Taft Stettinius & Hollister has grown to include over 600 attorneys across the Midwest, including a prominent Minneapolis office. The firm specializes in business law, labor and employment, and litigation. Taft is known for its innovative approach to client service and has earned accolades for its work in corporate governance and complex litigation.
- Robins Kaplan LLP: Established in 1938, Robins Kaplan is a trial-focused law firm with approximately 250 attorneys. Based in Minneapolis, the firm is recognized for its expertise in intellectual property, business litigation, and personal injury law. Robins Kaplan has handled high-profile cases, including multi-million-dollar settlements in class action lawsuits, and is highly regarded for its trial advocacy skills and results-driven approach.
- Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.: Founded in 1979, Winthrop & Weinstine is a Minneapolis-based firm with around 140 attorneys. The firm offers services in corporate law, real estate, and litigation, with a strong focus on building long-term client relationships. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Winthrop & Weinstine has garnered recognition for its work with small businesses and innovative companies.
- Lathrop GPM LLP: Formed in 2020 through the merger of Lathrop Gage and Gray Plant Mooty, Lathrop GPM is a national firm with approximately 400 attorneys. The Minneapolis office is central to the firm’s practice, which includes business transactions, intellectual property, and litigation. Lathrop GPM is highly regarded for its commitment to client service and innovative problem-solving across a variety of industries.
- Maslon LLP: Established in 1956, Maslon is a Minneapolis-based firm with about 100 attorneys. The firm specializes in corporate law, commercial litigation, and estate planning, serving clients in the Twin Cities and beyond. Known for its strong community engagement, Maslon has been recognized for its pro bono efforts and support of local nonprofit organizations.
- Merchant & Gould P.C.: Founded in 1900, Merchant & Gould is a leading intellectual property law firm with approximately 100 attorneys. Based in Minneapolis, the firm provides services in patent prosecution, trademark registration, and IP litigation. Merchant & Gould’s deep expertise in protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights has made it a trusted partner for technology companies, inventors, and creative professionals.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: Atticus Recruiting Inc.
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Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Minneapolis-Saint Paul boasts a diverse and thriving economy, home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and major employers requiring top legal talent. Securing a role at these organizations often requires specialized skills and strategic networking, and partnering with a legal recruiter can enhance your chances of placement. Here are some of the largest companies in the Twin Cities employing lawyers, offering unique opportunities across various industries:
- Target Corporation: Founded in 1902 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Target is a retail giant with over 400,000 employees globally. Its legal department handles corporate governance, intellectual property, and compliance, supporting the company’s innovation in e-commerce and sustainability initiatives. Target’s legal team played a critical role in navigating the company’s high-profile data breach case in 2013.
- UnitedHealth Group: As the world’s largest healthcare company by revenue, UnitedHealth Group employs a significant legal team at its Minnetonka headquarters. Lawyers work on healthcare compliance, regulatory matters, and mergers and acquisitions. Founded in 1977, the company’s legal team contributes to shaping healthcare policies and navigating the complexities of a heavily regulated industry.
- 3M: Known for its innovative products, 3M has been headquartered in Saint Paul since 1902. The company employs attorneys to manage intellectual property, environmental compliance, and product liability issues. 3M’s legal department is vital in defending its patents and navigating significant litigation, including ongoing PFAS-related environmental cases.
- Medtronic: Founded in 1949, Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology with a large legal team based in its Minneapolis headquarters. The company’s attorneys handle regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and healthcare-related litigation, supporting Medtronic’s mission to deliver groundbreaking medical solutions worldwide.
- Best Buy Co., Inc.: Best Buy, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Richfield, is a leading retailer of electronics, appliances, and technology services in North America. The company employs lawyers in areas such as corporate governance, employment law, and compliance. Best Buy’s legal team has been instrumental in addressing antitrust issues, managing data privacy regulations, and supporting the company’s digital transformation as it adapts to the evolving retail landscape.
- U.S. Bank: With roots dating back to 1863, U.S. Bank is one of the largest banks in the U.S. Its legal team, headquartered in Minneapolis, focuses on banking regulations, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. Attorneys at U.S. Bank play a critical role in navigating complex financial transactions and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards.
- Cargill: Founded in 1865, Cargill is a global leader in agriculture and food production, with its headquarters in Wayzata. The company’s legal team works on international trade, environmental law, and contract negotiations. Lawyers at Cargill handle high-profile cases involving global supply chains and sustainability efforts.
- General Mills: Headquartered in Golden Valley, General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, founded in 1866. Its legal department oversees intellectual property, product liability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the company maintains its reputation for quality and innovation in the food industry.
- Boston Scientific: A major employer in the Twin Cities’ healthcare and medical device sector, Boston Scientific employs attorneys in its Maple Grove office. Founded in 1979, the company’s legal team manages intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and litigation related to medical device safety and innovation.
- Ecolab: Founded in 1923, Ecolab is a global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies, headquartered in Saint Paul. Its legal department handles environmental compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property matters. Ecolab’s attorneys play a critical role in supporting the company’s sustainability initiatives and global expansion efforts.
