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, 1995-2025; Litigation - Trusts and Estates, 2011-2025
- Minnesota Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, 1996-2024
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023
- Lawyer of the Year in Minneapolis for Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Best Lawyers, 2019
- Lawyer of the Year in Minneapolis for Trusts and Estates, Best Lawyers, 2013
- 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
News
- Firm News
- Firm News
- Firm News
- Firm News
- Firm News
Legal Updates
- Legal Update
- Legal Update
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