General Corporate & Business

Experienced Entrepreneurs.
Knowledgeable Attorneys.

We work with organizations of all sizes from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, across all industries, helping them devise strategies and solve problems.

Download PDF

General Corporate & Business

Whether you are dreaming of starting or purchasing a business, or if you are an owner, officer, or manager of a mature business that is continuing the next stage of its journey, you need attorneys with practical business experience, an understanding of the challenges your unique business faces, and the knowledge and agility to find practical legal solutions. FMJ is the right firm to meet these needs, and we are committed to providing sophisticated legal service at a compelling value.

We work with organizations of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, across all industries, and we help clients devise strategies and solve problems. Our Corporate and Business attorneys are strategic problem-solvers who are dedicated to helping businesses get to where they want to be.

Here is a list of some of the services FMJ can provide:

  • Business Advising and Strategy Considerations
  • Business Entity/Structures of All Kinds
    • Including Partnerships, Closely-Held Companies, Public Companies, and Anything in Between
  • Business Startups
  • Contract Review
  • Contract Structuring and Drafting
  • Corporate and Board Structuring
  • Corporate Recordkeeping
  • Corporate Succession Planning
  • Corporate Transparency Act
  • Due Diligence
  • Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)
  • Financing
  • Government and Regulatory Compliance
  • HR & Employment Law
  • Leasing
  • Lending Considerations
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Negotiations
  • Operating Agreements
  • Operational Agreements
  • Partnership Agreements
  • Supply Chain
  • Training
  • Vendor Agreements

FMJ is a truly collaborative firm, and we work to ensure that the right team member works on each element of a deal. For example, if a client is buying or selling a business, we may work with attorneys in our Mergers & Acquisitions on portions of the deal, and we may bring in our Real Estate group if there are buildings or land involved. In addition, if the deal involves employment elements, our HR & Employment team can help identify and address issues that may arise in that space. And our Trusts & Estates Group is well suited to help with succession planning. We also have specific practice groups to help in specialized areas such as Manufacturing or Sports & Entertainment.

Our collaborative approach ensures that each client receives top-level service in each applicable area, and it helps to increase efficiency because our team members are working within their field of knowledge. We are also the right size to ensure that your business will receive attentive, responsive service in sophisticated legal matters, while still providing a value proposition that larger firms cannot match. We hope you will reach out to learn more about how FMJ Law can tap into the power of the big and the spirit of the small to help your business thrive.

        

General Corporate & Business Team

Robert R. Fafinski, Jr.
Bob has been practicing law for over 30 years in the areas of corporate law, corporate finance, aviation, equipment leasing, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and succession planning. Prior to founding Fafinski Mark & Johnson, he served as chair of the Business Law Department and on the management committee of one of Minnesota’s largest law firms.
Robert R. Fafinski, Jr.
Founder, Shareholder
Heidi A. Carpenter
Heidi Carpenter is a commercial, business, and mergers and acquisitions attorney, and she is the CEO of FMJ. She advises middle-market companies, business owners, and investors on M&A transactions, corporate governance, and business law matters throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Heidi A. Carpenter
Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder
David M. Ness
David Ness is the Chair of FMJ's Trusts & Estates Practice Group, and he works with individuals and organizations in all aspects of estate planning, charitable planned giving, succession planning, and estate administration.
David M. Ness
Shareholder
Jared D. Peterson
Jared Peterson brings experience, knowledge, and insight to the full spectrum of legal issues facing businesses today. Born and raised in New Ulm, Minnesota, Jared has been a trusted legal advisor for cooperatives and other agribusinesses throughout his career.
Jared D. Peterson
Shareholder
Paul R. Shneider
Paul works out of our New Ulm office. He has a diverse practice and a wide range of experience, assisting clients with corporate and business, real estate, and banking matters. Paul also works with nonprofit, manufacturing, transportation, and sports and entertainment clients.
Paul R. Shneider
Shareholder
Ernest (Pat) Shriver
In the area of intellectual property, Pat assists clients with trademark and copyright registration and compliance, trademark and copyright licensing, dispute resolution and pre-dispute counseling, Internet law and domain name issues, and trade secret issues.
Ernest (Pat) Shriver
Shareholder
Robert R. Fafinski III
Rob represents companies and investors in entity selection and formation, corporate governance and succession planning, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. Rob also works in FMJ’s Real Estate practice group.
Robert R. Fafinski III
Shareholder
Robert J. Tunheim
Rob Tunheim is a corporate, business, and aviation attorney at FMJ. He works with clients throughout Minnesota and across the country, and he advises a wide variety of businesses, aircraft owners, aircraft operators, entrepreneurs, and investors on corporate matters, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and related commercial legal issues.
Robert J. Tunheim
Associate
Kristina M. Keppeler
Kristina treats each client relationship with the synergy needed in a partnership. She invests time to learn from and listen to her clients, communicate openly, and proactively and efficiently meet the needs of her clients.
Kristina M. Keppeler
Associate
Nathan R. Snyder
Nate represents corporate, business, sports and entertainment, and manufacturing clients, and he helps them identify and navigate any legal issues that may arise, including business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, trademark and copyright, real estate technology, and more.
Nathan R. Snyder
Shareholder
Jennifer L. Anderson
Jenny is part of the General Corporate & Business and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups at FMJ, where she represents companies and investors in entity selection and formation, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters.
Jennifer L. Anderson
Associate
V. John Ella
John Ella practices in all aspects of commercial litigation, employment law, and business law, and he has extensive knowledge and experience in all of these areas. John is a prolific writer and a thought leader in these areas, and he is a Qualified Neutral under Minnesota Rule 114.
V. John Ella
Shareholder
Molly L. Amt
With extensive experience in corporate, business, and nonprofit matters, Molly manages a wide range of projects, from transformative financings and acquisitions to ongoing corporate governance and all manner of commercial contracts.
Molly L. Amt
Associate
Cortney M. Hinkemeyer
Cortney works with individuals and businesses in a variety of business, corporate, M&A, nonprofit, and real estate matters. She grew up in a small family business and understands the value of hard work and dedication to achieving a common goal.
Cortney M. Hinkemeyer
Associate
Bradley R. Hutter
Brad focuses his practice on litigation arising out of complex commercial transactions, fiduciary relationships, and business insolvencies. He has represented clients in a wide variety of areas ranging from banking and real estate to aviation, construction, probate and trust, and government agency actions.
Bradley R. Hutter
Shareholder
Brittany A. Kennedy
Britt Kennedy represents clients in a broad range of commercial and real estate matters, with a particular focus on real estate-related business acquisitions, commercial property matters, and renewable energy projects.
Brittany A. Kennedy
Associate
Elaine K. Mikel-Mulder
Elaine focuses on estate planning, business succession planning, trust administration, probate and estate administration, and advising closely held and family-owned businesses. Elaine creates practical legal strategies that protect assets, preserve wealth, and support long-term business and family goals.
Elaine K. Mikel-Mulder
Associate
Kristi Stierns
Kristi Stierns is a Paralegal in the Corporate & Business Practice Groups. Kristi supports these teams in all aspects of their practice.
Kristi Stierns
Paralegal
Erick D. Kriewaldt
Erick works with athletes, agents, and other industry and support network members on NIL, sponsorships, and a variety of sports-related business matters. He also assists businesses and individuals with a range of corporate, commercial real estate, manufacturing, and trademark matters.
Erick D. Kriewaldt
Associate
Benjamin B. Werner
Ben Werner is an attorney in the Aviation, Mergers and Acquisitions, and General Corporate and Business Practice Groups. He advises businesses, aviation organizations, and their owners on the full range of corporate and aviation matters, from entity formation and governance to commercial contracts, M&A, and ongoing operations.
Benjamin B. Werner
Associate
Frank J. Weiss IV
Frankie practices in the M&A, General Corporate & Business, and Manufacturing Practice Groups at FMJ. He works with business owners, first-time buyers, and growing companies on acquisitions, sales, and other strategic transactions, including Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) deals.
Frank J. Weiss IV
Associate

General Corporate & Business Resources

November 2026

FMJ Welcomes Corporate, Business, and M&A Attorney Frank Weiss

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is happy to welcome attorney Frank (Frankie) Weiss IV to the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions, General Corporate & Business, and... Read more

November 2026

FMJ Welcomes Business, M&A, and Aviation Attorney Ben Werner

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is pleased to welcome attorney Ben Werner to the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate & Business Practice Groups! Ben... Read more

November 2026

FMJ Named to 9 Best Law Firms Lists for 2027!

Including 7 Tier 1 rankings! Thank you for your continued support. Read more

November 2026

FMJ Law Welcomes Sports, Business, and Manufacturing Attorney Erick Kriewaldt

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is pleased to welcome Attorney Erick Kriewaldt to the firm’s General Corporate & Business Practice Groups, where he will focus... Read more

September 2026

When is Commuting Time Compensable (or Not)? DOL Issues Two Opinions.

Are voluntary midday commutes compensable for non-exempt employees? Generally no... Read more

September 2026

Minnesota Mechanic’s Liens: What You Need to Know

Ryan Dreyer and Zack Hennen analyze best practices for Mechanic's Liens in Minnesota. Read more

August 2026

FMJ Receives Multiple Legal 500 Rankings!

FMJ's rankings include Corporate, Commercial, M&A, Commercial Disputes (Litigation), and Real Estate Law. Read more

August 2026

17 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the New Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists

Congratulations! Read more

July 2026

Is Your Employee Handbook Keeping Up with Minnesota Employment Laws and the Realities of Today’s Workplace?

If your handbook feel like a throwback, it might be time for a review. Read more

July 2026

14 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists!

Congratulations to these attorneys, and thank you for another excellent year! Read more

July 2026

24 Fafinski Mark & Johnson Attorneys Included on Minnesota Monthly’s 2026 Top Lawyers List!

24 attorneys are listed across 13 different practice areas. Read more

June 2026

FMJ’s Corporate Closings – 2026 Updates

Check out some examples of the great work the Corporate and Business Practice Groups have been doing so far in 2026. Read more

June 2026

FMJ Selected Again as One of Minnesota’s Best Women-Led Law Firms

This recognition highlights FMJ's strong leadership, legal excellence, and commitment to supporting and advancing women in the legal profession and business community. Read more

June 2026

Employer Faces Liability Under Minnesota’s Drug Testing Law (DATWA) After a Different Employer’s Drug Test

Employers face potential liability when terminating employees based on drug testing information, even when the employer did not administer the test. Read more

June 2026

FMJ is Proud to be a Star Tribune Top Workplace!

FMJ is one of just nine law firms to make the list across all industries and employers in Minnesota. Read more

More Resources

Other Practice Areas

Agriculture

Agriculture

Our Agriculture group has legal experience in all aspects of agribusiness, including general corporate and transactional matters, farm succession planning, and litigation. Our attorneys also represent many types of cooperatives and independent elevators, including grain, feed, chemical, and fuel.
Read More
Appellate

Appellate

Our Appellate group has years of experience in assessing, briefing, and arguing appeals at all levels of courts throughout the United States. We have the ability to synthesize and analyze the record and the law, as well as narrow the case focus to those issues most likely to bring client benefit and appellate success.
Read More
Aviation

Aviation

FMJ is recognized nationally and internationally for its ability to serve aviation sector clients in Litigation, Corporate, M&A, Real Estate, and Employment matters. Aviation Law requires an understanding of the industry, its specific rules and regulations, and all of the factors that make legal service in aviation a unique challenge. Our aviation attorneys understand how to navigate these challenges.
Read More
Banking & Financial Institutions

Banking & Financial Institutions

Our Banking & Financial Institution team includes lending attorneys, bankruptcy attorneys, corporate attorneys, commercial and special asset attorneys, and attorneys with experience serving on bank loan committees, boards of directors of banks, and bank holding companies.
Read More
Bankruptcy, Receivership, and Insolvency

Bankruptcy, Receivership, and Insolvency

FMJ Law's attorneys represent creditors, receivers, and other parties in all aspects of bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, and workouts in Minnesota and across the country.
Read More
Competition & Trade

Competition & Trade

We work with clients daily to help them better compete in their marketplace, whether that be local, national, global, or virtual. Our goal is to understand our clients’ businesses and challenges and help them navigate the business and legal obstacles to success.
Read More
Defamation and Reputation Protection

Defamation and Reputation Protection

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is a leader in helping businesses to protect their reputations and navigate defamation claims, including both libel and slander.
Read More
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is a thought leader working on the cutting edge of ETA. We value the flexibility and opportunity that ETA transactions provide for our clients, and our team has the capacity and depth of knowledge to handle issues that arise while keeping the the deal moving toward closing.
Read More
Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate

Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate

Our Trusts & Estates group provides estate planning, estate administration, business and unique asset succession planning, estate controversy assistance and related services to individuals, closely-held businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and corporate fiduciaries. We are always accepting new clients and offer complimentary 30-minute initial consultations and flat-fee estate planning to fit every budget.
Read More
Government and Agency Practice

Government and Agency Practice

Fafinski Mark & Johnson represents businesses, organizations, professionals, and individuals in disputes involving government agencies and administrative bodies. Our attorneys help clients navigate investigations and enforcement actions, respond to agency decisions, pursue administrative remedies, deal with licensing issues, and challenge government action when necessary.
Read More
HR & Employment

HR & Employment

Our HR & Employment attorneys guide our clients through the complexities of employment procedures and policies, employee benefits, hiring and termination practices, and compliance with ever-changing employment laws. We combine our knowledge of the law with specifics of our clients’ businesses to produce optimal outcomes.
Read More
Insurance

Insurance

FMJ’s Insurance group represents commercial and nonprofit insurers, and the team serves as outside general counsel to fraternal insurance companies. We advise insurance companies on all aspects of corporate, nonprofit, and insurance law.
Read More
Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property

Our Intellectual Property attorneys assist with trademark and copyright registration, compliance and licensing, dispute resolution, and pre-dispute counseling. We also have the technical, business, and legal acumen necessary to provide counsel on various intellectual property matters.
Read More
Litigation

Litigation

From local courtrooms to the United States Supreme Court, our Litigation group has a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients in a wide variety of legal disputes. We specialize in commercial, general, employment, shareholder, insurance defense, product liability, aviation, transportation, real estate, and appellate litigation.
Read More
Manufacturing

Manufacturing

FMJ’s Manufacturing attorneys have been holistically representing manufacturers for two decades. From R&D, through supply chain, operations, distribution, and sale channels, we know your challenges. We have a history of efficiently solving our clients’ legal issues in every phase of manufacturing.
Read More
Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers & Acquisitions

Our Mergers & Acquisitions team has handled deals collectively worth billions of dollars. With experience representing buyers, sellers and investors, we have the capacity and depth of knowledge to understand the issues that arise during the course of a transaction and offer solutions to ensure your deal moves forward and closes.
Read More
Nonprofit & Philanthropic

Nonprofit & Philanthropic

FMJ’s Nonprofit & Philanthropic group is passionate about assisting philanthropies and nonprofit organizations in carrying out their meaningful missions, paired with their extensive experience in an array of areas, makes the firm an ideal fit to help nonprofit and philanthropic organizations face the many nuances of nonprofit law.
Read More
Products Liability

Products Liability

With their expansive product knowledge and extensive experience, FMJ’s Products Liability group is able to handle cases effectively, efficiently, and with their clients' interests always at the forefront. The group has served as regional and national counsel to multi-level international Fortune 500 companies in 30 states for over 40 years.
Read More
Real Estate

Real Estate

Our Real Estate team has the experience and practical business knowledge necessary to navigate, negotiate, and manage the nuanced elements of real estate transactions, whether you are a business that has ongoing commercial purchase and sale or lease transactions, you are an experienced investor, or you are investing in real estate for the first time.
Read More
Sports & Entertainment

Sports & Entertainment

FMJ’s attorneys provide the wide range of legal services that sports and entertainment organizations need to succeed. We understand that cost-effectiveness matters, so we deliver real value without sacrificing the quality of our advice and representation. Our team works efficiently to solve legal challenges, allowing clients to concentrate on what matters most: their craft, their content, and their game.
Read More
View All Practice Areas

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.