Big-Firm Talent --- Small-Firm Attitude

At Snyder Gislason Frasier LLC, we are a general practice, boutique law firm with a focus on litigation. From handling all phases of litigation in state and federal courts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and across the country, to sitting with clients in conference rooms or at their kitchen tables, we have the legal skill to protect our clients' businesses, families, and property.

At SGF, however, we are more than litigators. We view the practice of law as a set of tools to help our clients prevent, manage and resolve conflict. With more than 20 years of combined experience, our Minneapolis business lawyers can help you find solutions to legal issues in many areas, including:

Whether representing an individual or a family, a Minneapolis start-up or a large Minnesota corporation, we are committed to providing personalized service with excellence at competitive rates. We approach each matter with honesty, hard work and the commitment to using our skills to help you or your business succeed.

Call Snyder Gislason Frasier, LLC today at 612-200-0202, or complete the contact form provided on this site to arrange your initial consultation.

Attorney Profiles

Attorney Chad A. Snyder

For me, it's all about the story.

From childhood, I've always found myself drawn into stories. And not just fiction (though I do enjoy a good movie or comic book), but the stories of the people I know and meet every day. It's probably no surprise, then, that I began my professional career as a newspaper reporter and editor, uncovering and reporting the stories of my community. Nor is it surprising that I moved on to practice law, because my job, at its core, is to understand my clients' stories, and to help other people—judges, juries, opposing parties and their lawyers—understand those stories as well. Fortunately, I find the skills I developed as a reporter—uncovering the truth, telling stories in a way that is compelling and easy to understand—serve me well as a lawyer.

I love the practice of law. I enjoy getting to know my clients, understanding what brought them to my door, and finding a solution to their legal problems. And I deeply appreciate the opportunity to give voice to your story.

Outside the office, my wife and I often see—and sometimes appear in—shows at the many excellent theaters the Twin Cities have to offer. I also watch what some might describe as a ridiculous amount of television, practice jujitsu, try my hand at woodworking when it's warm enough to go out to the garage, and do what I can to keep the weeds from completely taking over the flower beds in my yard.

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota
• U.S. District Court–District of Minnesota
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court–Western District of Wisconsin

Education

• University of Iowa College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1998
  • Graduated with Highest Distinction
  • Order of Coif
  • Recognized by staff of legal clinic for exceptional client representation.
• University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire, Bachelor of Arts, 1993
  • Graduated cum laude with majors in Journalism and Political Science and minors in Economics and Latin American Studies.
  • Served as opinion editor and editor-in-chief of university's weekly newspaper.

Community Involvement

• Children's Law Center of Minnesota, 2000–Present
• Volunteer Lawyers Network, 2000–Present
• Duck Soup Players, 2009–Present
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters, 2003–2005

Attorney Adam P. Gislason

Let's get creative.

I have enjoyed an adventurous professional journey since graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2000, and I draw upon all of my education and experiences to help my clients find the best solution for their legal and business needs. I enjoy working closely with my clients and finding creative solutions to resolve conflict, but I take pride in being a zealous advocate when I feel someone has been wronged.

In many ways, my legal education began long before law school. As a child, my father, Daniel Gislason, would frequently take me to his law office in New Ulm, Minnesota to watch him work. On occasion, my grandfather, Sidney Gislason—who founded the family firm—would also be there, even though he should have been enjoying retirement on a golf course somewhere. That is how I came to love and respect the practice of law: watching my father and grandfather working late, doing something they loved, at a firm they built together. This same sense of teamwork, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence is what I and my partners believe in and what our clients receive at SGF.

Prior to SGF, I worked at one of the nation’s finest litigation firms and represented a wide range of clients in all aspects of litigation in federal and state courts as well as alternative dispute resolution proceedings. While I handle everything from “slip and falls” to subrogation, my litigation practice focuses on insurance and reinsurance coverage, contract and intellectual property disputes, employment discrimination, and commercial transactions. My experience includes bench, jury and private arbitration trials involving multiple parties, dozens of witnesses, and millions of documents, including several high-profile trials arising from the 9/11 terrorist attack.

My transactional practice involves assisting creatives, entrepreneurs, and start-ups form businesses and pursue their commercial aspirations. As a singer-songwriter and frontman/producer for an original, indie rock band, I bring a unique perspective to the negotiation table and can empathize with those who put their hearts and souls into their art and business goals. For more information on how I can help enable you or your business achieve success, please visit our Entertainment Law page.

When I am not in the office or my home recording studio, I enjoy the Minneapolis music scene, theatre, and exploring new restaurants with my wife, Paula, who is teaching me Spanish so that I can impress her Colombian family when we travel to Bogota. We are also MPR addicts, soccer fanatics, and occasionally lose our voices at Vikings, Twins or Gophers games.

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota
• California
• U.S. District Court–District of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court–District of Central California

Education

• University of Minnesota Law School, Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2000
  • MINNESOTA LAW REVIEW, Note & Comment Editor 1999–2000; Staff member 1998–2000
  • Recipient of the 2000 Amos S. & Benedict S. Deinard Award for the Outstanding Note or Comment Authored by Member of the MINNESOTA LAW REVIEW.
  • Commencement Speaker, University of Minnesota Law School Graduation Class of 2000
• Concordia College, Moorehead, MN, Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, 1996
  Psychology and Philosophy (double major)

Community Involvement

• Board member of Rock The Cause—an award-winning Minnesota non-profit organization that is building the next generation of volunteers and raising awareness through music and stewardship (2008–present)
• Honoree award of “Twin Cities 25 Finest” young professionals sponsored by the Minnesota Business Magazine and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2010).
• Volunteer lawyer for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (2010–present)
• Volunteer for The Sanneh Foundation.

Attorney Michael H. Frasier

Working with you, not just for you.

I appeared for my first hearing less than a week after I became licensed, and quickly realized that I love the courtroom. However, most of my efforts are put into writing, where I have discovered that my philosophy background is a valuable asset. “Creative legal solutions”—our motto—means that we focus on the client's desires and how to effectively and efficiently achieve those goals. Potential clients frequently come to me asking that I fulfill a specific task. Often, though, the client's request is not their true desire, but rather what that client believes to be the only means to achieve their goal. I pride myself on taking the time to discover the true desire and explore all options to accomplish it, and I often find a more direct, efficient, and cost-effective means to do so.

Most people only call an attorney when they are on the verge of a lawsuit, or are already embroiled in one. In these situations, my options are limited.Those situations are not completely unavoidable, of course, and I, like my partners, relish a good battle. Whenever possible, I try to emphasize the value of avoiding the problem in the first place and staying out of court.

Within the legal field, my passions include working with small businesses on all their challenges and representing employees in disputes with their employers. I also practice in the family law arena, with an emphasis in child support modifications.

When I am not working, I am often outdoors golfing, watching a Twins game, kayaking, camping, or fly fishing. My wife and I love working in our garden and spoiling our two dogs, Olive and Molly.

Bar Admissions

• Minnesota
• U.S. District Court–District of Minnesota

Education

• University of Minnesota Law School, Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2007
  Dean's list
• Rutgers University School of Law, Camden, NJ, 2005
  Finished in top quartile before transferring to University of Minnesota
• St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, Bachelor of Arts, 2004
  Philosophy major
  3-year member of St. Olaf Band
  Junior Counselor

Professional Memberships

• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Arts & Entertainment Law Section of the MSBA
• Solo Small Firm Section of the MSBA

Community Involvement

• Tubman Volunteer Attorney, 2009–Present