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Barbara J Gislason

Family Attorney at Fridley, MN

4.4   19 reviews
  • Licensed for 42 years
    State MN
    Acquired 1980
    Status
    Authorized to Practice No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Barbara

Learn Barbara’s areas of practice.

Personal Interests:

  • Animals
  • Neuroscience
  • Shakespeare Book Club
  • Harvard Book Club
  • Kick-Boxing and Tai Chi
  • International Travel to Algeria, Amsterdam, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Peoples Republic of China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Galapagos, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, and Thailand

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Law Office of Barbara J. Gislason
7362 University Avenue NE
Suite 120
Fridley, MN, 55432

Reviews

4.4 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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16%
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Breaking bread
Barbara provided a swift yet professional service, also very communicative and open.
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A client of Ms. Gislason
I hired Ms. Gislason for two different cases and I have been extremely impressed by her professionalism. Ms. Gislason is someone who is compassionate, truth seeker, passionate, diligent and extremely resourceful! She is a women that understands what you are looking to accomplish and she is going to go above and beyond for you as your lawyer! If you are serious about hiring someone that will step up to the fullest and get the results that you are looking for Ms. Gislason is YOUR NEXT LAWYER! Hiring her the first time was the best decision I made and the second time I retained her as my lawyer was the second best decision I made. I hired her for my divorce and an order of protection. Ms. Gislason will advocate for you and get you results!
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Posted by Patrick | August 24, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Sound Advice
I was in need of sound advice regarding pet custody of two dogs. Ms. Gislason provided clear, concise suggestions as to how to go about the process. She requested a great deal of background information before doing so in order to arrive at a pair of options and their likely odds of success. I was extremely encouraged by the facts she relayed regarding pet custody, which in and of itself was very helpful! I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney to pursue the custody of their pets.
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Posted by Elizabeth | July 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experienced an caring lawyer
I'm so glad to have found such a competent and professional lawyer. Barbara helped me through a most challenging and difficult situation. Her years of experience make her uniquely qualified to navigate the legal process. She has won many awards including Minnesota Top 40 Family Law Attorneys and Minnesota Super Lawyer. She answered my questions quickly. When finances became tight during Covid-19, she was understanding and able to streamline wherever possible without compromising results. Her legal assistant, Stephanie is also fabulous!
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Posted by Arlene | March 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Barbara J. Gislason
I first met Barbara J. Gislason over 15 years ago. She was referred to me because I needed representation for intellectual property involving educational curricula that I had written. She was my attorney through the process of drawing up a licensing agreement and through the negotiation of the license. She represented me professionally and we ended up with a contract that was favorable to both parties. I found her to be timely in her responses to me and professional through the entire process. I was satisfied with her handling of the contract and related issues. She represented me well. She knows the law and the process for writing a favorable and agreeable license agreement.
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Posted by Sheryar | March 1, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consultation on Animal Rights
I consulted Barbara on the issue of animal law. She impressed me with her understanding and legal acumen on the issue. During our discussions, she explained the rich and diverse relationship people have developed with the animals around and propagated a humane approach to my concerns on animal rights. She is the person to be approached for animal law.
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Posted by Jon | February 26, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce made easier
Needless to say, a divorce is not an easy process to handle by yourself. Ms. Gislason helped me throughout this process with outstanding results and I would not wish the situation on any couple out there. But if it has to be let Barbara make it as easy and painless as possible!
Posted by Kenneth | February 24, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Planning
Very thorough and professional service. Made me feel valued as a customer. Took the time to explain many of the legal details of planning an estate that I was unfamiliar with and ensured accuracy through every step of the process. I feel comfortable now that I have all details covered when the time comes necessary for my estate to be managed when I pass.
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Posted by Sandra | February 20, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The advice I needed
It was my good fortune to find Barbara Gislason to help me through some very formidable situations. As a professional photographer, I found myself stumbling over several legal problems concerning copyright and publishing. Barbara knew exactly how I should continue with my project and her vast expertise on the subject I’m sure kept me from facing any legal difficulties. I am forever grateful for her advice.
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Posted by Claire | February 18, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
A Knowledgeable, Supportive Attorney
Numerous times, I have had occasion to consult with Barbara Gislason regarding legal matters including family law and animal law. Barbara has always been very responsive, knowledgeable on the legal aspects of the subject, and provided excellent information and guidance. I have had opportunities to recommended Barbara. They have appreciated her knowledge, positive representation, and support in the situation. I highly recommend Barbara Gislason.
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Posted by James | March 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An passionate lawyer with plenty of experience.
Barbara will protect you and your brand. She has a process which she uses to get the right information to win the case. She took a special case for us and her professionalism and expertise shined. I will recommend Barbara to anyone that needs someone who is experienced on how to win and cares. The whole time, she was concerned for us and was a great support.
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Posted by Paul | July 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Law and Great Attorney
Ms. Barbara J. Gislason represented me in a divorce that was emotionally difficult and intellectually challenging. She supported me and helped me achieve a good and fair result. Through the divorce process, I discovered Ms. Gislason to be very knowledgeable about all aspects of law, efficient, strong-willed, and foremost, compassionate! In addition, Ms Gislason has a great, friendly, and proactive support staff! I will definitely recommend Ms. Gislason to my friends and family.
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Posted by Robin | November 9, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great family law assistance
I met with Barbara Gislason on a family law matter. She was very helpful and knowledgeable about the issues and understood the situation and problems involved. She discussed the options in a way that helped me make the necessary decisions. She handled everything in a very professional way while also being supportive and making me feel comfortable at a difficult time. I truly appreciate having her assistance as my lawyer. Robin
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Posted by Elizabeth | October 24, 2014
Great Family Lawyer
Barbara was very knowledgeable and extremely easy to work with. She addressed the issues with patience and understanding while I was going through one of the most difficult times of my life. My ex husband was trying to win custody of our son when he turned 12, up until that point I had full custody. She interviewed people that had knowledge of the situation. Barbara presented all the facts to the judge and helped me retain custody of my child. I appreciate all she did for me and will never forget it. I even recommended that a friend use her when he needed a Family lawyer and she helped him too.
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Posted by Kathy | August 8, 2013
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
Barb helped me through a very painful divorce.. She realizes that every case is different and was very forthcoming in letting me know what she needed from me in order to keep the expenses to a minimum. She realized that I needed to think ahead towards my retirement and secured an agreement with my ex..The housing market was in the tank and yet we still were able to come up with a solution that I feel was very fair and we both are ending up with a resonable amount of money from the sale . The divorce was finalized in a short time and didnt drag out forever like with a few people that i know..(that also helps in keep the cost down). All in all, it all went pretty smoothly and she was very responsive in getting back to me and keeping me informed on what was happening.. No nonsense and explained things well . nothing else to say except ..Thank you Barb.
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Posted by Jim | March 4, 2013
Thank you Barb
Hi Barb, This is not really a review. It is more of a thank you. I just wanted to thank you again for taking care of me, while you were also handling my divorce. I will always remember the emotional support and protection you gave to me all the way through the divorce process. Thank you again, Jim Heaney
Posted by Grant | August 23, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Arrogant, Bad Listener, Negligent, Reckless...Awful
It has been over two years since we hired Barbara. I still get upset when I am reminded of her. In 2016, we had a pet-related issue that needed legal representation. At that time, Barbara was the only Minnesota animal law attorney we could find. We initially met with her for a long and very expensive consultation at a cost of $350. A majority of the consultation was Barbara interrupting our story, bragging about a book she was writing and talking about matters unrelated to our immediate concerns. We were distraught and desperate at the time and foolishly, still pursued her representation mostly due to a shortage of animal law attorneys. While building our case, she had a lot of unnecessary banter with the city and us, often bragging about herself, and sometimes double-billing because she did not listen to instruction the first time. I want to clarify that BARBARA IS A HORRIBLE LISTENER AND LACKS SELF-AWARENESS. She never seemed to care about the details of the case we expressed to her and took direction poorly. However, we were always billed promptly for her time. We kept hoping that despite all of the concerns we had about her, that her performance at the hearing would make it all worth it. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The morning of our hearing, she asked me and another supportive witness to bring copies of evidence we had already given to her because she did not have it. Imagine hearing this from your attorney on the morning of your hearing. Barbara ultimately did not address all of our concerns at the hearing and oftentimes appeared to be "winging it." She also admitted to us that she was unprepared because she expected a settlement. Again, imagine hearing this from your attorney on the day of your case. I was so disappointed by her arrogance, unpreparedness, negligence, poor representation and failure to listen and understand our case. I subsequently asked her for a full-refund, which she declined in a difficult-to-follow, 4-page diatribe letter (please refer to her response to reviews for color). I also contacted the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board regarding her conduct. Unfortunately, they do not handle fee disputes, attorney negligence, poor quality representation or malpractice and deferred me to the civil courts. The bottom line based on my experience, I strongly DO NOT recommend Barbara and her services. She lacks self-awareness and oftentimes seems unable to listen to her clients' concerns and needs, and her behavior and conduct should not be accepted nor tolerated by anyone.
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Response from Barbara Gislason August 24, 2018
Lawyers cannot solve every problem that people have, and it is not uncommon for someone to blame the lawyer when they are unsatisfied with a result. Since the complainant did not describe the nature of the representation, it would be contrary to my duty of confidentiality to articulate a very different point of view. Usually, when someone is very angry, there is some degree of truth in the complaint, and accordingly, I will endeavor to be a better lawyer and a better person. We can all benefit from constructive criticism.
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Posted by Lois | May 16, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
SCAM< DO NOT USE!!
I went in for a consultation - which should have been a warning right off the bat, because she charges $200 (discounted rate) for 60 minutes. She first has you fill out a form that asks for personal information, including your Social Security Number. She gave me a second form 10 minutes later, and right when we were about to go into her office. The form was an agreement of the "consult fee", and she has you sign it before she'll sit down to discuss anything. We then sat down, and she immediately explained how she conducts her meetings. i was not allowed to ask questions, or even tell her why I was there. Again - this is signs a client needs to pay attention to. I was paying her for her time - yet, she wouldn't let me talk. She presceded to ask me questions about my childhood. Mind it I'm almost 60. I tried to question her why that matters since my case was to do about a vet's misdiagnois, and how should I handle addressing the situation. So asking me about my growing up - and in details.....how many siblings, what was the family situation like - did we have any animals. What training did they have; how long did they live; who were the primary caregivers of the pets? Everytime I'd jump in to get to the issue at hand - she would tell me to be quiet and "follow her". After at least 45 minutes later, she informed me that she was doing this as a way to find out if I was credible; and then told me I was. She would talk about her writing books, and situations she's encountered - as examples. Our conversation was going no where and when I finally got her to stop the nonscence - she told me that its been 1.5 hours (must have had the clock behind me on the wall), and that I owed her $350. She got up and presented me with the signed form stating I agreed to pay and as she headed for the doorway to block me from leaving - she asked for my credit card. I didn't feel I could get around her and reluctantly gave her my credit card but told her that an hour of the time was wasted on sizing me up. She got an attitude and asked me if I was critizing her. She was definitely a nut case; and I would warn anyone - everyone do not use this attorney. My gut feeling of her asking for my SS#, and a $200 fee for consultation should have had me say Hell NO, but I had wanted someone to talk to that dealt with animal rights and she is posted as such. No reviews out there to steer you away.........So - this is the steer away sign. Go the other way!
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Response from Barbara Gislason June 22, 2017
It would be inappropriate for me to describe my impressions of my 90-minute meeting with the complainant. Accordingly, the unique challenges of meeting with anyone who has a complaint or concern about a veterinarian will be discussed in general terms. Many who have a complaint or concern about a veterinarian arrive at a lawyer’s office very upset. If there was a dire development or outcome, the individual may have the view that the veterinarian did too little, or too much. They may have a fee dispute with the veterinarian, too. It is customary for a lawyer or veterinarian to obtain an identifier from a prospective client. A lawyer wants an identifier in order to avoid a conflict of interest. The lawyer may be presented with voluminous records and written materials, including difficult to read veterinary records. The individual may want the lawyer to both remember all the facts sometimes loudly and quickly presented, as well as thoroughly read and understand the records. A lawyer may need to help the client get out of crisis mode. Getting onto another topic, even briefly, can help the person be able to efficiently and cost effectively participate in a review of what happened and to participate in a decision making process. One method that works is getting a brief history. Another is engaging in light conversation. A grieving individual may be uncomfortable when asked questions designed to assess whether anyone, other than the veterinarian, contributed to the animal’s injury or death. Perhaps there was a delay in obtaining treatment or a failure to follow the veterinarian’s recommended treatment plan. With fatalities, many times, multiple veterinarians were involved, often at different locations. Some come to share their story and be listened to. Others want to know if the veterinarian is liable (based upon professional duty owed, breach of duty owed, and injury causation), and if so, what the current status of the law is on damages. Others want letters written on their behalf, mediation explored, or lawsuits commenced. When an individual seeks to have their veterinary fees reduced, sometimes, this is a principled position and sometimes, perhaps not. The lawyer may evaluate what kind of witness the individual would make, what information would come out in the discovery process, and if litigation commences, whether the plaintiff could economically meet the burden of proof for liability. Legal fees, expert fees, and court costs may also be discussed. Good lawyers will not take a case unless they believe the claim is meritorious. A lawyer’s willingness to take a case or even write a letter may be impacted by whether they perceive the individual to be a truth teller. While sympathizing with a client who is suffering, the lawyer should give an honest opinion. These are difficult conversations for lawyers to have with people. While many appreciate a lawyer’s honesty and candor, others do not. For those who do not, they should get a second opinion.
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Posted by Brice | September 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Unbelievably bad
I hired Barbara about 10 years ago for a situation, and I had to hire an attorney for a somewhat similar situation of late, and it reminded me of just how bad of a job she did for me. She did not listen, and kept interrupting me as I tried to tell her my story, which she needed to know in order to represent me. Then, in court, without my prior approval, she stipulated to the matter that I had hired her to beat, even though the plaintiff had no evidence, and was not able to make their case. When I asked her why she did that, she said that it was a part of "a larger legal strategy." I had not been apprised of this earlier, nor did I approve of it. She then asked for more money for a retainer. I later realized that this was all that she was about: finding creative ways to bill me more money. One very annoying thing was she kept losing information that I had given her, or so she claimed, and she called me multiple times, leaving me voice mails telling me that she had misplaced information that I had given her, and she needed me to fax it to her again. I was billed for those phone calls, and for the receipt of my faxes. It was like she did not care for client information, losing it (or so she claimed), however, the client is going to be billed for her mistake. In the end, despite her "services" I managed to work things out with the other person. She actually resisted that. Then she sent me a large bill asking for more money beyond the retainer that I had paid her. I complained, and eventually she agreed to drop that, and seek no more money. I should have continued my complaint, and asked for a refund of what I had paid her, but perhaps I just wanted to be done with it. When I contrast her "services" with the exceptional service that I received recently, I decided that I needed to post this review. My experience is that Ms. Gislason is NOT a good listener, seems to almost be contemptuous of her clients, and is about finding ways to increase the size of your bill, NOT about trying to represent you zealously. I was sucked in by her claims of being named a "Super Lawyer," as well as some other claims like that, however, her representation of me created far more problems for me, cost me much more money than was reasonable - I ended up paying her around $4,000.00 for her "services" that made matters significantly more difficult for me - especially given how poor of a job she did for me, and left me believing that I would have been far better off representing myself than I was with hiring Barbara. My recommendation is that you stay far, far away from Ms. Gislason. That being said, I can give you the name of an amazing attorney in the Atlanta, GA area, and another great one in Ashland, WI.
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Response from Barbara Gislason September 20, 2016
Brice, I regret that I disappointed you in 2006 and wish you all the best. Barbara
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 275-300 per hour
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Law Office of Barbara J. Gislason
  • 1985 - Present
  • Program Professor
  • University of Science and Technology of China
  • 2013 - 2016
  • Arbitrator/Referee Panel
  • Hennepin County District Court
  • 1987 - 2007
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Minneapolis College of Art and Design
  • 1985 - 1990
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Hamline University School of Law
  • 1983 - 2004
  • Associate
  • Babcock, Locher, Neilson & Mannella
  • 1980 - 1985
View all work experience

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law (now known as Mitchell Hamline College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1980
  • Carleton College
  • BA
  • 1974
  • Edina High School
  • 1970

Legal Cases

  • Is It Legal: Who Gets the Pets When a Couple Splits Up?

Associations

  • Union Internationale des Avocats Juriste International
  • Deputy Chief Editor
  • 2019 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association, Intellectual Property Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association, International Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Animal Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Art and Entertainment Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • A+ Rating and Accredited
  • Better Business Bureau
  • 2020
  • Monique Raynaud-Contamine Scientific Award
  • Union Internationale des Avocats
  • 2018
  • Fellow
  • American Bar Foundation
  • 2018
  • Outstanding State Chair Award
  • American Bar Foundation
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2007
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2006
  • Leading American Attorney
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • N/A
  • Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • N/A
  • TIPS Outstanding Recognition Award
  • American Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Law Student Division Regional Award
  • American Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Two MSBA Exceptional Leadership/Outstanding Achievement Awards
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • N/A
  • Three ABA-TIPS Innovation Awards
  • American Bar Association
  • N/A
View all awards

Publications

  • American Bar Association International Animal Law Committee Newsletter
  • Pet Custody is the Next Big Wave
  • 2020
  • Union Internationale des Avocats 63rd Congress
  • Health Science, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Legal Frameworks: What is the Future?
  • 2019
  • Juriste International
  • Health Science, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Legal Frameworks: What is the Future? Part I
  • 2019
  • Union Internationale des Avocats 62nd Congress
  • Gene Editing, Portable Toilets, and World Security: Target and Off-Target Consequences
  • 2018
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Dog Bites and Other Animal Liability Matters
  • 2018
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Animal Custody/Ownership Disputes
  • 2018
  • Minnesota CLE
  • Pet Custody Issues in Divorce Cases
  • 2018
  • Union Internationale des Avocats Juriste International
  • Pet Law and Custody
  • 2018
  • Minnesota CLE
  • Animal Law Series: Animal Cruelty - Old and New Perspectives
  • 2017
  • Union Internationale des Avocats 61st Congress
  • The Shark, Artificial Intelligence, and the Deep Blue Sea: The Unfolding of Legal Quandaries
  • 2017
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Pet Custody Disputes: The Replevin Action
  • 2017
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Torts, the Family Dog, and Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium
  • 2017
  • Minnesota State Bar Association Probate and Trust Section and Animal Law Section
  • Leaving Your Pets in Good Hands: How to Successfully Draft a Pet Trust
  • 2017
  • Union Internationale des Avocats Seminar in Hefei, China
  • Animal Sentience and Welfare: A 21st Century Perspective
  • 2016
  • Union Internationale des Avocats 60th Congress
  • 3D Printing Neurons: A Party in the Brain and Neurosecurity: Cyborgs and Where Is My Mind?
  • 2016
  • American Bar Association International Law Section Spring Meeting
  • Influencing Young Minds Through Cognitive Enhancement: The Power, the Glory, and the Loss of Self
  • 2016
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • 63rd Congress
  • Health Science, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Legal Frameworks: What is the Future?
  • 2019
  • 62nd Congress
  • Gene Editing, Portable Toilets, and World Security: Target and Off-Target Consequences
  • 2018
  • Webcast
  • Dog Bites and Other Animal Liability Matters
  • 2018
  • Webcast
  • Animal Custody/Ownership Disputes
  • 2018
  • CLE
  • Pet Custody Issues in Divorce Cases
  • 2018
  • Webcast
  • Animal Law Series: Animal Cruelty - Old and New Perspectives
  • 2017
  • 61st Congress
  • The Shark, Artificial Intelligence, and the Deep Blue Sea: The Unfolding of Legal Quandaries
  • 2017
  • Webcast
  • Pet Custody Disputes: The Replevin Action
  • 2017
  • Webcast
  • Torts, the Family Dog, and Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium
  • 2017
  • CLE
  • Leaving Your Pets in Good Hands: How to Successfully Draft a Pet Trust
  • 2017
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (2)
Endorse Barbara
Family Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Barbara Gislason professionally since approximately 1980. I discuss legal issues with her from time to time for our mutual professional development. I see her in court zealously defending clients. She is a very experienced and dedicated lawyer. She cares about her clients and knows the law to advance their points of view. She is in a leadership position in the American Bar Association as well, which is an unusual honor. I would not hesitate to recommend Ms. Gislason to a client. - Carol Grant, Kurzman Grant Law Office. Minneapolis, MN"
Family Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Barbara is smart, knows the law and does her homework."
Personal injury Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Social Security & Disability

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Fridley Family Lawyer Barbara J Gislason
Barbara J Gislason
Family Attorney
Fridley, MN
Licensed for 42 years