Paul's Bio

Paul Shneider is a Shareholder in FMJ’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group, General Corporate & Business Practice Group, and he is the head of FMJ’s Real Estate Practice Group.

Paul advises closely-held businesses and tax-exempt organizations in various matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, entity formation and capitalization, governance, lending, contract negotiation, divestitures, succession planning, and other corporate matters.  He acts as outside general counsel to clients across many industries, including manufacturing and construction, and partners with other FMJ attorneys in intellectual property, employment, and litigation matters.

Paul has a diverse commercial real estate practice representing clients in purchase and sale transactions, development and financing transactions, leasing matters, and easement issues.  He represents developers, contractors, subcontractors, real estate investors, and owner-occupiers of real estate.  He regularly advises and negotiates complex transactions and credit facilities.

In addition, Paul represents banks and financial institutions in various matters including documenting financing and credit facilities, negotiating workout agreements, participating in farmer-lender mediation, and resolving troubled loans.

Before joining FMJ, Paul was a partner at a mid-sized law firm in Mankato. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota where he developed extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofits by serving as a research assistant to corporate law Professor John H. Matheson and volunteering with LegalCORPS, an organization offering pro bono business legal assistance.

 

Gustavus Adolphus College, cum laude (BA)
University of Minnesota Law School, magna cum laude (JD)
Managing Editor, Minnesota Law Review

Minnesota
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota

  • 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
  • Selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers (Every Year Since 2020)
  • President’s Award from the Minnesota River Builders Association (2021)
  • Associate Member of the Year from the Minnesota River Builders Association (2015, 2019)

  • Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Board Member
  • Minnesota River Builders Association, Member and Former President
  • LegalCORPS, Volunteer
  • Sixth District Bar Association, Former President (2016 to 2017)
  • Gustavus Adolphus College Alumni Mentorship Program, Former Alumni Committee Member
  • Greater Mankato Area United Way, Former Community Impact Team Member
  • Greater Mankato Growth, Leadership Institute (2014 to 2015)

“I recognize that clients do not generally call me when an issue is black and white. There are always different shades of gray and the details matter. I strive to add value to my clients’ businesses so that they can make informed decisions and get their deals done.”

Paul lives in Mankato, MN and appreciates being part of the community. He enjoys running, watching college football, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

News About Paul

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April 2026

Navigating Environmental Permitting in Minnesota: Understanding the Regulatory Landscape (Part 1 of 3)

Whether developing a new site or expanding an existing one, identifying applicable permitting requirements early can help avoid delays, added costs, and regulatory complications. Read more

August 2025

18 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the 2026 Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Read more

June 2025

FMJ Selected for Multiple 2025 Chambers and Partners Rankings!

FMJ is ranked on the USA-Minnesota Corporate/M&A list and the USA-Nationwide Aviation Transactions list! Read more

March 2025

Corporate Closings!

Spring 2025 Read more

February 2025

Paul Shneider Elected as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

Paul is proud to give back to a place that he and his family enjoy visiting. Read more

August 2024

16 FMJ Attorneys Recognized on the 2025 Best Lawyers Lists!

Please click here to learn more about this honor. Read more

June 2024

Chambers and Partners Selects FMJ for Multiple 2024 Rankings!

FMJ is excited to announce its 2024 Chambers rankings for Corporate/M&A and Aviation! Read more

April 2024

Corporate Closings – Spring 2024

2024 First Quarter Transactions. Read more

November 2023

Q3 Transactions – Corporate and M&A

2023 Third Quarter Closings! Read more

August 2023

14 FMJ Attorneys Named to the 2024 Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists!

We are proud to announce that 14 of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2024 editions of Best Lawyers in America® and Best... Read more

August 2023

Q2 Transactions – Corporate and M&A

FMJ recently closed a very busy second quarter for 2023! Here are a sample of our transactions from Q2. Read more

July 2023

16 FMJ Attorneys Named to the 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists!

We are proud to announce that 16 of our attorneys have been named to the 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists! Congratulations... Read more

June 2023

Chambers USA Selects FMJ for 2023 Corporate/M&A Ranking in Minnesota!

We are excited to announce that Chambers and Partners, a leading guide for identifying the top attorneys and law firms, has selected Fafinski Mark... Read more