Joan M. Quade Appointed Chair of 21st District Ethics Committee

November 16, 2015  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

The Minnesota State Supreme Court has appointed BGS Shareholder Joan M. Quade as Chair of the 21st District Ethics Committee for a term of 6 years. As Chair, Joan will oversee the 21st District Ethics Committee’s purpose to investigate and make recommendations to the Office of Lawyers’ Professional Responsibility in cases that involve the lawyers’ code of ethics and attorney’s pledge to adhere. Joan is a BGS Board Member and the Practice Group leader for the Business Litigation and Employment law groups. Her areas of practice focus on Commercial Litigation and include everything from Business Disputes to Constructions Defects and Toxic Mold cases.

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Driving in the Snow-We all Know it's Coming

November 12, 2015  |  Adriel B. Villarreal

When the weather turns colder,  Twin Citians know that eventually we will get hit with snow.  While many of us prefer the warmer weather, it’s always a good idea to review winter driving tips to avoid accidents and injuries. I found a comprehensive list of winter driving tips that give a great review for all us Minnesota winter drivers young and old. 1. Carry emergency clothing in the car. A stocking cap, snow boots, mittens, a pair of coveralls, and a blaze orange vest so you will be seen if you have to walk. 2. If you get stuck, kitty litter is a good way to get traction under your wheels. Carry the litter in a couple of gallon plastic milk jugs. Sand and dirt are ok too, but they freeze solid if any moisture collects on them. Some people carry metal treads, but you have to stop and go back for them. Some carry a few evergreen branches. 3. When driving on ice, always try to drive with 2 tires on the right shoulder of the road. It is usually graveled, and provides better traction than the smooth streets or highways. This won’t work if there is snow. 4. Plan your route to avoid stop signs and lights on the top of…

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Fall in Galina, Illinois

October 27, 2015  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

BGS Labor and Employment shareholder Scott Lepak spent Sunday, October 25 in Galina, Illinois as an instructor for the National Public Employers Labor Relations Association at its Labor Relations Academy. Participants in this Academy are working toward becoming Certified Labor Relations Professionals. Scott is a regular instructor for this program and is happy to share his 25+ years of experience as a chief labor negotiator with up and coming labor negotiators. Participants always get a kick out of the fact that Scott started doing labor negotiations when people would smoke at the negotiations table and shout at each other (well actually there still is some shouting once in a while in negotiations). Scott says that this academy is one of his favorites because fall colors in Galina are spectacular and Galina is a great place to spend time in all of the local establishments. BGS is particularly happy to have had Scott at this conference because he brought back Apple Cider donuts.

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