$ 500-600 per hour
Craig William Trepanier
About Craig
Biography
I grew up in the Twin Cities, attended the University of Minnesota Law School and graduated magna cum laude in 1994. Since then, I began practicing law in Minneapolis.
I began my career at Popham Haik Schnobrich & Kaufman Ltd. and later joined Hinshaw & Culbertson, both national law firms.
In December 2001, I formed my own law firm, Trepanier Law Office, in St. Paul, Minnesota. In October 2003, I formed Trepanier & MacGillis P.A. with Jim MacGillis and moved the office to Minneapolis. In November 2013 Jim and I welcomed Bryan R. Battina as a new shareholder and renamed the firm Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A.
My partners and I are proud of the law firm we have built and welcome the opportunity to discuss your legal situation, whether you are corporate in-house counsel, a business owner, within the management group of your company, the HR Director, or a business executive looking for legal advice regarding a business or employment law situation.
We handle all aspects of corporate law, business law, incorporating in Minnesota, LLCs, commercial litigation, business litigation, employment law, employment litigation, shareholder rights litigation, non-compete agreements, trade secrets law, and sales rep law.
Our firm is conveniently located in downtown Minneapolis in the historic Flour Exchange Building adjacent to the federal courthouse, two blocks from the Hennepin County Government Center, and close to many government agencies.
Several parking ramps are within one block and our office has easy access to most freeways (35W, 94, 394).
We serve as local litigation counsel to attorneys outside of the State of Minnesota.
For new clients, we offer an initial two (2) hour consultation for the flat fee of $500. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your legal issue.
Sincerely,
Craig W. Trepanier
Minnesota Corporate Attorney
Minnesota Business Attorney
Minnesota Commercial Litigation Attorney
Minnesota Business Litigation Attorney
Minnesota Shareholder Rights Attorney
Minnesota Employment Attorney
Minnesota Non-compete Attorney
Minnesota Trade Secrets Attorney
Minnesota Sales Representative Lawyer
Minnesota FMLA Attorney
Minnesota Drug Testing Attorney
Minnesota Discrimination Attorney
Minnesota Wrongful Termination Attorney
Minnesota Separation Agreement Attorney
Minnesota Severance Agreement Attorney
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
55%
32 years
Commercial Real Estate
30%
32 years
Business
8%
32 years
Corporate and Incorporation
7%
32 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 31 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A.
8000 Flour Exchange Building, 310 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55415
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Craig William Trepanier's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Employment & Labor
Posted by Paul | May 30, 2012 | Employment & Labor
Choice of law - California versus Minnesota - Pending Lawsuit
I am an independent contractor - commissioned sales rep - and wanted advice about choice of law and where would be the best location to file a lawsuit for unpaid commissions. Craig helped me by analyzing my potential claim and the applicabilty of Minnesota laws to my case. Specifically, he addres...
Posted by barbara | May 13, 2012 | Employment & Labor
a cut above
I am a medical device salesperson in New York facing issues surrounding termination of employment by a Minnesota company, negotiating a severance package, and modifying restrictions under a non-compete agreement. Craig is a true professional with his realistic advise and take charge attitude..
Posted by Chris | April 03, 2012 | Employment & Labor
Calling Craig Trepanier Was A Great Decision
I consider calling Craig Trepanier to represent me to be one of the best decisions I have made. Craig Trepanier and Mike McCain completely immersed themselves in the intricacies of my case and worked tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome. They were sensitive to the fact that I had limited resou...
Posted by Mike | May 28, 2010 | Employment & Labor
Review Craig William Trepanier
As the President of a growing Minnesota-based IT consulting company, I have needed to hire legal counsel from time to time. Craig Trepanier has helped us with a variety of matters involving corporate documents, shareholder buyout agreements, customer agreements, non-compete agreements, and employment...
Posted by John | May 14, 2010 | Employment & Labor
President
As the President of a Minnesota-based IT consulting company, it is has been my pleasure to work with Craig Trepanier on my company's employment law concerns. Craig's guidance and support have been stellar and have kept me from making costly mistakes. I have enjoyed working with Craig over the yea...
Craig William Trepanier's Lawyer Endorsements
"Craig is an outstanding attorney in the board room or the court room. He's the type of attorney you turn to to guide you through difficult times."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Craig for more than 20 years and know that he is one of the brightest and hard working lawyers I have ever met. I will never hesitate to refer a client, friend or family member to him."
"Craig was local counsel for me on several noncompete matters. I cannot say enough positive things about him. He did an outstanding job in every respect, from advice, to drafting, to editing, to strategy. And, he was very efficient and quick to return calls and emails. I will absolutely use him again and recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer in Minnesota."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Trepanier is a well known and respected attorney in Minnesota"
"I've been across the table from Craig several times. I always know that he will have researched his position carefully, that he will advocate forcefully and that he will provide wise and practical counsel to his clients. In addition, he conducts himself with civility and professionalism that commands respect from everyone with whom he interacts. He's a pleasure to work with whether he's with you or against you."
"I have referred start-up clients needing assistance with sales contracts and business development matters to Craig. I have received very positive reviews of his work from those clients. I endorse Craig Trepanier and his firm for business and employment matters."
"Craig and I were opposing counsel in a large and complex commercial litigation matter. The case was hard fought, the clients were entrenched in their positions, but Craig always maintained a professional and calm demeanor that ultimately melted the ice and got the case resolved at the magistrate judge's settlement conference. As the case progressed I grew to appreciate Craig's approach, which I believe may have saved both our clients a small fortune in legal fees."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is knowledgeable, his fees are reasonable. The clients and others I have referred to him have expressed satisfaction with his services."
"Craig and I worked jointly on an issue involving his client who was attempting to become an employee of my client. The issue involved the applicability of a noncompete agreement. Craig expertise was evident and resulted in a favorable outcome for both of our clients. Craig was extremely easy to work with and his diligence in implementing an aggressive strategy yielded the successful result. I have referred, and will continue to refer, clients of mine with employment law issues to Craig for assistance."
"I worked with Craig Trepanier on a business litigation case. He demonstrated the highest degree of attorney professionalism and effective advocacy for his client. He is an excellent litigation attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Craig and I were both formerly partners together at national law firm. Since we left that firm, I have referred multiple clients to Craig in MInnesota who were very satisfied with his ability and the services which he rendered on their behalf."
John Berg
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Danny Schroeder
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Minnesota Super Lawyer (2009-2025), Super Lawyers
2009
Minnesota Super Lawyer (2009-2025), Super Lawyers
2008
Minnesota Rising Star (2000-2008), SuperLawyers
1994
Order of the Coif, Order of the Coif
1991
Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Co-Founder, Shareholder, General Counsel, and Attorney, Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A.
2003 - 2013
Co-Founder, Shareholder, President and Attorney, Trepanier & MacGillis P.A.
2001 - 2003
Founder and Attorney, Trepanier Law Office
1997 - 2001
Associate Attorney, Hinshaw & Culbertson
1994 - 1997
Associate Attorney, Popham Haik Schnobrich & Kaufman
1992 - 1993
Law Clerk, University of Minnesota Hospital Counsel's Office
1992 - 1994
Law Clerk, Grossman & Millard
Associations
2003 - Present
Minnesota Transport Services AssociationCorporate Secretary
1995 - Present
Minnesota Transport Services AssociationAssociate Member
1994 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
Hennepin County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2017
MSBA Labor & Employment Law SectionGoverning Council
2012 - 2013
Hennepin County Bar AssociationCLE Committee Member
2011 - 2012
Manufacturers' Agents National Association (MANA)Associate Member
2000 - 2003
Minnesota Construction Management AssociationAssociate Member
Education
1994
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
Augustana College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1987
Apple Valley High School
High School Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2015
MSBA Solo and Small Firm Section
Clearing the Way to a Happier Practice: What’s Standing in Your Way, and What You Can Do
2015
MoreLaw CLE
How to Protect Your Corporate Assets in the Digital Age
2015
Minnesota Safety & Health Conference
Protecting Your Corporate Assets in the Digital Age
2015
Minnesota Safety & Health Conference
Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2014
Minnesota Safety & Health Conference
Motor Carrier Liability for Trucking Accidents: Avoiding Negligent Entrustment Claims
2014
Minnesota CLE
Working as (or Hiring) a Freelance Attorney
2014
Employment Law 60: The 60 Cases Every Employment Lawyer Must Know Inside and Out
Independent Contractors v. Employees
2014
Business Law Series: Advancing and Protecting Your Business CLE Webinar
How to Protect Your Corporate Assets in the Digital Age through Non-Compete Agreements, Company Policies, and Effective Enforcement Strategies
2013
Minnesota Safety Council
Negligent Entrustment -- The Hidden Fleet
2013
Minnesota Safety & Loss Control Conference
Motor Carrier Liability for Trucking Accidents: Avoiding Negligent Entrustment Claims
2012
Minnesota State Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law
Understanding Minnesota Sales Representative Laws
2011
Minnesota CLE
Understanding Minnesota Sales Representative Laws
2011
Minnesota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
An Overview of Minnesota Laws Covering Sales Representatives
2010
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2010
The Christensen Group
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2009
Ridgeview Business Health - Business Health Institute
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2009
Hennepin County Bar Association Section Meeting
Non-Compete Agreements: Can They Be Assigned Under Minnesota Law?
2006
Boys & Girls Club of America
Top Ten Employer Mistakes: How to Avoid Them and Stay Out of Court
2003
Minnesota Safety Council
Motor Carrier Liability: Avoiding Negligent Entrustment Claims
2003
Minnesota Construction Association
Employment Law Horror Stories
2003
Minnesota Alcohol Traffic Safety Administration (MATSA)
Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2002
Ridgeview Business Health
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2001
Minnesota Association of Occupational Health Nurses
Drug & Alcohol Testing: What Every Occupational Health Nurse Should Know
2001
Human Resource Managers of Cultural Organizations
Avoiding Million Dollar Employment Mistakes
2000
North Dakota Safety Council
Legal Implications of Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2000
Minnesota Safety Council
Untangling the ADA, MHRA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation and Drug and Alcohol Testing Issues
2000
Human Resource Managers of Cultural Organizations
Applying Leave Policies in Light of the ADA, FMLA, and FLSA
2000
Employment Law Institute
Avoiding Million Dollar Mistakes, Employment Law Update 2000: Guiding Employers Through the New Millennium
1999
WestGroup In-House Continuing Legal Education Program
The New Definition of Disability After the October, 1998 Term
1999
South Dakota Safety Council
Legal Implications of Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1999
Minnesota Safety Council and Fairview-University Hospital
Legal Implications of Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1999
Minnesota Safety Council
Untangling the ADA, FMLA, and Drug and Alcohol Testing Issues in the Workplace
1999
Minnesota Safety Council
Legal Implications of Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1999
Minnesota Continuing Legal Education
Electronic Ethics: Professional Responsibility, Confidentiality, and the Attorney-Client Privilege
1999
Medford Area Safety Council
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1998
Trucking Industry Defense Association
Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Testing: What Happened to Sample B?
1998
Public Risk Management Association
Drug and Alcohol Testing
1998
Public Risk Management Association
Drug and Alcohol Testing and the Law
1998
Minnesota Safety Council
Untangling the ADA, MHRA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and Drug and Alcohol Testing Issues
1998
Minnesota Safety Council
Supervisor Liability for Safety and Health Risks
1998
Minnesota Department of Economic Security, Job Service Employer Committee, Fall Conference
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
The Araz Group
Dealing With Employees With Substance Abuse Problems: An Explanation of Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family & Medical Leave Act
1997
The Araz Group
An Explanation of Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family & Medical Leave Act
1997
Southern Motor Carriers
Update on Drug and Alcohol Testing for Motor Carriers
1997
Minnesota Workforce Center
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
Minnesota Transport Services Association, 1997 Annual Convention
Top Ten Employer Mistakes: How to Avoid Employment Litigation
1997
Minnesota Safety Council
Breakfast With the Experts: Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
Minnesota Safety Council
Supervisor Liability for Safety and Health Risks
1997
Minnesota Safety Council
Untangling the ADA, MHRA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation, and Drug and Alcohol Testing Issues
1997
Minnesota Safety Council
Hot Topics Regarding Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
Minnesota Safety Council
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
Minnesota Safety Council
Motor Carrier Liability: Avoiding Negligent Entrustment Claims
1997
Minnesota Project Innovation
Untangling the Intellectual Property Rights of Employers, Employees, Inventors, and Independent Contractors
1997
Minnesota Department of Economic Security
Reducing 5% of Your Payroll Costs Through a Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
1997
Minnesota Department of Economic Security
Drugs in the Workplace: Your Legal Rights as an Employer
1997
Minnesota Construction Management Association
Top Ten Employer Mistakes: How to Avoid Employment Litigation
1997
Medical Educational Services, Inc.
How to Draft a Policy for Your Employee Handbook
1997
Medical Educational Services, Inc.
Employee Drug Testing
1997
American Public Works Association
Workplace Violence: The Problem, Sources of Employer Liability, and Suggestions for Management
1997
American Public Works Association
Substance Abuse in the Workplace
1997
Allina Medical Systems and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
Allied Charities of Minnesota
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1997
Allied Charities of Minnesota
Employee Handbooks: Why Have One
1996
Minnesota Transport Services Association, 1996 Annual Convention
Contracts of Transportation in the Deregulated Industry
1996
Minnesota Society of Association Executives
What Association Executives Need to Know About Drug and Alcohol Use in the Workplace
1996
Minnesota Safety Council
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1996
Minnesota Department of Economic Security
Drugs in the Workplace and Your Rights
1996
Allied Charities of Minnesota
An Ounce of Prevention Beats a Pound of Cure – How to Prevent Employment Problems in Your Gambling Organization
1995
Minnesota Transport Services Association, 1995 Annual Convention
To Test or Not to Test: Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing
1995
Minnesota Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association
Complying With New Federal Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
1995
Eighth Annual Popham Haik Labor and Employment Seminar
Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing
1994
Seventh Annual Popham Haik Labor and Employment Seminar
Bonuses, Partial Days Off, and Other Hot Wage and Hour Topics
Publications
2014
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota's 'Ban the Box' Legislation Goes into Effect
2014
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Department of Transportation Releases Random Testing Rates for 2014
2014
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
FCRA Class Action Lawsuits: What Employers Need to Know
2014
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota's 'Ban the Box' Legislation Causes Confusion
2013
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota House Bill 506 : Banning Non-Compete Agreements
2013
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
How to Collect Unpaid Wages and Commissions in Minnesota
2013
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Six-Year Statute of Limitations Applies to Wrongful Termination Claims Under DATWA
2013
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Non-Compete Litigation Is on the Rise
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota Court of Appeals Analyzes Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination Claims Under DATWA
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Court Dismisses Challenge to Positive Marijuana Drug Test
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Court Limits Aiding and Abetting Claims Under Minnesota Human Rights Act
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota Conciliation Court Jurisdictional Limit Increases to $10,000
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Agreements Not to Contest Unemployment Claims Are Now Unlawful
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Overview of the Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Unpaid Internships Pose Legal Traps for Employers
2012
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Guidelines for Executives to Follow When Departing Their Employer
2010
Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute
Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing
2010
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
2010
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Trade Secret Law: The Inevitable Disclosure Doctrine
2010
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
The Dodd-Frank Act: Expansion of Whistleblower Protections
2009
The Hennepin Lawyer
Non-Compete Agreements: Can They Be Assigned Under Minnesota Law?
2009
Ridgeview Medical Center Navigator
To Test or Not to Test for Drugs and Alcohol?
2009
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Non-Compete Agreements: Are They Assignable Under Minnesota Law?
2007
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Minnesota Supreme Court Allows Employers to Limit Payment of Accrued PTO to Discharged Employees
2003
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Agreements to Agree: Are They Enforceable?
2002
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Seventh Circuit Expands Protection of Confidential Information
2001
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Court Rules That Employer Did Not Regard Plaintiff as 'Disabled' Under ADA Despite Erroneous IME
2001
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
Court Says "Stay Home" to Employees on FMLA Leave Who Cannot Do Their Jobs
2001
Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website
The Women's Restroom Line Just Got Shorter
1997
Employee Relations Law Journal
Untangling the Intellectual Property Rights of Employers, Employees, Inventors, and Independent Contractors"
1996
Courier Magazine
New Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations Take Effect January 1, 1996
1996
The Hennepin Lawyer
It's Not Just for Truckers Anymore: Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing
1996
The Hennepin Lawyer
Update on Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing
1996
Constructive Comment (Associated General Contractors)
Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Now Required
1996
Employee Relations Law Journal
Evolution of the Paperless Office: Legal Issues Arising Out of Technology in the Workplace -- Part II. Electronic Administration of Personnel Records, Benefit Plans, and Direct Payroll Deposit
1996
Specifics Magazine (Construction Specification Institute)
Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing
1995
Employee Relations Law Journal
Evolution of the Paperless Office: Legal Issues Arising Out of Technology in the Workplace -- Part I. E-Mail and Voicemail Systems
1995
Minnesota Employment Laws and Regulations (Minnesota Chamber Business Services, 1st Edition
Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
1993
Minnesota Law Review
Trading Places: Employer Strategies to Avoid Mandatory Awards of Interest, Liquidated Damages, and Attorney's Fees Under the MPPAA
Languages
English
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