Category: News & Events

Starry, Starry Night Gala: September 21, 2013

August 21, 2013  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Stable Pathways, a program that provides horse-assisted activities for people living with cognitive and physical challenges, is hosting a benefit gala for fundraising. BGS’ Legal Administrative Assistant Sarah Thies is on the Board of Directors and helped organize the event. Barna, Guzy & Steffen is also a sponsor of the event. The fundraiser will take place Saturday, September 21st, 2013 beginning at 6:30 with Cocktails. Food, a program demonstration, and dancing with live music will follow. This is a western themed event so the suggested dress is Cowboy Casual – Rhinestones Optional! Tickets to the event are $35 with proceeds going to promote Stable Pathways’ missions. Stable Pathways is located at Bunker Park Stables in Coon Rapids. It provides equine-assisted activities for people living with physical and cognitive challenges under the careful direction of either a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Instructor or a Minnesota licensed Occupational Therapist. Sarah says that therapeutic horseback riding helps riders “organize” body and brain. The horse’s gait is most similar to a human gait so riding provides a connection to a natural rhythmic movement from the horse that stimulated the rider’s body and brain. Riders at Stable Pathways have experienced positive changes in a variety of ways such as steadier balance, improved core strength,…

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Barna, Guzy & Steffen Announces Addition of New Shareholders

August 1, 2013  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

The Shareholders of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. announce that Timothy D. Erb, Tammy J. Schemmel and Adriel B. Villarreal have been named Shareholders.  Tim is a 2001 cum laude graduate of Hamline University School of Law.  He began his career at BGS in 2004 as an associate in the Real Estate department.  Tim concentrates his practice in both commercial and residential real estate including acquisitions, sales, leasing, development and title law. His practice also includes providing counsel to developers and associations regarding formation and operation of common interest communities (condominiums, townhomes/planned communities, mixed-use and master associations). In addition to being named Shareholder, Tim was recently recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in the area of Real Estate. Tammy graduated magna cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in 2004.  Prior to joining BGS, she served as a law clerk for United States Magistrate Judge Janie S. Mayeron of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.  Tammy practices in all areas of Commercial Litigation, including shareholder disputes, securities fraud, estate litigation, employment defense, real estate, contract litigation and appellate matters. Tammy is active in the Federal Bar Association and currently serves as Communications Committee Co-Chair.  Adriel graduated from University of St. Thomas Law School in 2006. He…

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What The Law Says About Miniature Horses as Service Animals

July 17, 2013  |  Joan M. Quade

By Joan Quade and Jennifer Wendt Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd Service dogs in our society have become commonplace. Being a nation of pet owners and dog lovers, most people are not surprised that dogs can provide assistance to their owners. But one may be surprised to hear that miniature horses are now being trained and used to assist those with disabilities. [maxbutton id=”1″ ] Yes, miniature horses. They are about the size of a large dog and are extremely cute. Horses are intelligent and have a long history with humans. While we have all seen service dogs, many of us have not seen miniature horses yet. We are all accustomed to seeing dogs in stores, schools, restaurants and even airports. Service animals provide the means for greater independence to individuals with visual difficulties, hearing impairments, or other disabilities. Some service dogs learn to turn off lights, pick up objects, open doors, and can even warn their owner of an impending seizure or a danger in the streets. Service dogs have changed the lives of many disabled individuals. There is, however, a high cost to training service dogs and they have a shorter lifespan than horses. This is one of the reasons cited for training horses as service animals. Even though the horses…

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