Finance
Gislason & Hunter represents numerous financial institutions with sophisticated counsel and experienced representation across the spectrum. Thoroughly familiar with financial economic conditions and the ever-evolving regulatory environment, our finance and banking attorneys provide legal guidance, practical solutions and litigation services.
Our accomplished attorneys bring substantial expertise to the Finance industry to deliver the very best in service and results.
Attorneys
Cases & Clients
Workplace Investigations
Brittany King-Asamoa has valued experience performing workplace investigations regarding reports of discrimination, sexual harassment, and general non-compliance with employment laws. She takes great pride in performing these investigations with an eye toward counseling employers and management about compliance issues, as well assisting employers in identifying problem areas and solutions.
Employment Administrative Proceedings
Brittany King-Asamoa is experienced with the administrative proceedings involving an employment charge filed with the EEOC and Minnesota Department of Human Rights. She has assisted in the defending against charges and represented employers in EEOC conciliation proceedings, as well as respond to requests for information during EEOC investigations.
Contested LLC Non-Judicial Dissolution
In mid-2017, Chris Bowler assisted one of two 50-50 limited liability company owners in the non-judicial dissolution of the LLC. Although the dissolution process was highly contested, Chris was successful in negotiating the terms of the dissolution on behalf of his client without a need to seek judicial intervention. Aside from this particular dispute, Chris also assists various types of business entities (such as corporations, LLCs, and partnerships) in various corporate governance matters.
Lending Litigation
In 2017 Cory Genelin concluded multiyear litigation on behalf of a farm lender over a $3.125M agricultural loan assigned from another bank. The debtors defaulted and then denied any liability to the lender. (One of the debtors even denied the lender existed!) Prior to litigation, the debtors had liquidated collateral, and mingled assets with another operation. A farm visit to inspect collateral turned violent and law enforcement was called.
The debtors alleged the entire panoply of spurious counterclaims including FDCPA violations, Minnesota Farm Lender Act violations, fraud and theft.
After discovery, depositions and motion practice Cory got the debtors to reverse course, admit liability, and give up on their counter claims. They executed a confession of judgement and eventually paid off the debt in full including interest, penalties, and attorney fees.
See Sherburne County File No. 71-CV-16-1448
U.S. Bank Nat’l Ass’n as Trustee v. Lamb, et. al.
U.S. Bank Nat’l Ass’n as Trustee v. Lamb, et. al.; Iowa Supreme Court Case No. 14-1536 David Nelmark served as lead counsel, drafted appellate brief, and presented the oral argument in a case of first impression with significant impact on the banking and real estate industries. 874 N.W.2d 112 (Iowa 2016)
Presents on Employment Law Developments
Brittany King-Asamoa routinely monitors employment law developments and trends to keep employers apprised of compliance issues. She frequently presents and writes articles about employment law matters including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, #MeToo, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and other laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Department of Labor.
Successful Verdict for Secured Lender
In 2021, Jennifer Lurken obtained a trial verdict of $2.4 million for a secured farm lender, which was the full amount owed. The debtors defaulted and then denied liability to the lenders. The debtors denied the loaned funds had been received by the debtors. The debtors also defended the action by bringing counterclaims against the lender for breach of fiduciary duty, failure to supervise, and respondent superior. Prior to the trial, Jennifer obtained summary judgment on all three of debtors’ counterclaims. Thus focusing the trial on the lender’s claims.
Hemp and Marijuana Law
Rhett Schwichtenberg is Gislason & Hunter’s cannabis expert. Rhett is active in the hemp and overarching cannabis industry. He followed federal legislation leading up to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing industrial hemp and continues to track legislation impacting the industry. Rhett is passionate about advising growers, processors, cannabis-related businesses, and financial institutions. His ag background and experience with the agribusiness lifecycle enable him to assist cannabis-related businesses from the initial planning phase and formation to succession. Rhett has advised multiple banking and lending institutions on navigating the current regulatory landscape. Rhett pairs his business and legal acumen with first-hand experience, farming 143 acres of hemp with his father on their family’s century farm. These skills have made Rhett a serious practitioner in the hemp and marijuana industry. Rhett is a member of the Minnesota Hemp Association.
Performs Audits for Exempt and Non-Exempt Employment Status Identification
Proper identification of an employee’s entitlement to overtime pay or exemption from overtime laws is vital for employers. The ramifications for erroneously identifying an employee as exempt from overtime can be disastrous. Brittany King-Asamoa has performed position audits for multiple companies to assist employers with finding the proper identification of individuals exempt from overtime pay under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act.
$1 Million AR Collection
David Kim represented a client in a $1 million AR collection matter in Vietnam.
Litigation of Preference and Fraudulent Transfer Avoidance Claims
In 2016, Jennifer Lurken successfully defended her client against avoidance actions in excess of $20 million. The client had loaned $20 million to the bankrupt debtor and the bankruptcy trustee was attempting to undue the transaction and recover not just the principal paid to the client but the interest as well. Prior to trial, as a result of Jennifer’s legal research and investigation skills, she was able to obtain a favorable settlement for the client. Jennifer routinely represents banks and other lenders in pursuing and defending fraudulent transfer claims.
Representation for Banks
Represented multiple banks in branch acquisitions, capital transactions and bank holding company governance and regulatory matters.
Commercial and Agricultural Collection Actions
Chris Bowler has assisted in the collection of secured and unsecured commercial and agricultural debts ranging in value from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Chris’ collections experience includes pre-litigation case assessments; foreclosures by advertisement; drafting complaints and commencing lawsuits; early motions, such as replevin and foreclosure motions; discovery matters, including written discovery, depositions, and discovery motions; dispositive motions; and post-judgment collection efforts.
$80 Million Asset Acquisition
David Kim represented a client in an $80 million asset acquisition in conjunction with the competitive bidding process, leading the initial negotiations with the seller and seller's investment bankers and attorneys, drafting the Letter of Intent and performing due diligence in three states in the U.S. and advising the client in conjunction with a Section 363 Sale proceeding.
$300 Million Loan Refinancing
In early 2017, Chris Bowler assisted in a loan refinancing project that resulted in a $300 million syndicate loan. Chris’ involvement in the refinancing project included drafting multiple promissory notes, perfecting security interests in multiple states, and verifying the enforceability of mortgages and collateral assignments filed on over 50 different parcels of real property.
Tax Exempt Status
David Kim represented a client in an IRS action challenging the tax-exempt status on the client's $9 million IDRB issued to finance a production facility.
Employment Policies, Agreements and Employee Handbooks
Experienced and passionate about assisting employers and their human resources professionals craft employment policies designed to comply with the law as well as practically address and minimize workplace issues. Brittany King-Asamoa also has experience drafting agreements that best fit the needs of employers including, but not limited to, non-competes, independent contractor, non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements and assignments of intellectual property rights.
Pundt v. Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., et. al.
Pundt v. Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc., et. al.; Northern District of Iowa, Case No. 10-cv-159 David Nelmark deposed the plaintiff who had asserted claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and drafted the briefs leading to summary judgment for his client. 2012 WL 2312074 (N.D. Iowa June 18, 2012).
Implementation of a Complex Bankruptcy Reorganization Plan
Following a lengthy and at times contentious bankruptcy process, the Bankruptcy Court approved a reorganization plan negotiated between the debtors and the bank. In implementing the plan, the parties disagreed as to how much money the Bank was entitled to under the terms of the Plan resulting in litigation in state court, where the district court judge initially sided with the debtors. On appeal, Dean Zimmerli and Dustan Cross provided extensive and compelling arguments concerning the correct interpretation of the plan and calculation of the funds owed to the bank, and the Court of Appeals reversed. As a result of the Court of Appeals’ decision in favor the bank, the total amount recovered by the bank under that provision of the plan doubled from what was initially ordered by the district court. Farmers State Bank of Trimont v. Rabbe, No. A19-0707, 2019 WL 7287075 (Minn. Ct. App. Dec. 30, 2019)
Dispute Over Ownership of Real Property
In 2014, Jennifer Lurken successfully tried a dispute over ownership in the Bankruptcy Court. Jennifer’s client was claiming ownership in real property based upon a signed deed from the debtor’s father. The debtor’s father claimed he had not executed the deed and therefore, he was the rightful owner of the real estate. The Bankruptcy Court ruled the deed was in fact signed by the debtor’s father. Therefore, the real property was the debtor’s asset and could be liquidated for the benefit of the unsecured creditors.
Appealing Awards of Unemployment Compensation
Brittany King-Asamoa has successfully represented numerous employers in evidentiary hearings challenging eligibility determinations for unemployment compensation.
$330 Million Debt Financing
David Kim represented a client in conjunction with $330 million debt financing.
Succession Planning
Led design and implementation of succession planning for third and fourth generation family owned holding company engaged in real estate, beverage distribution, banking and insurance industries.
$13.5 Million Hog Facility Acquisition
In late 2018 and early 2019, Chris Bowler guided an agricultural producer through a transaction in which it acquired four hog facilities. The project involved attention to multiple unique aspects of the transaction, including real estate issues and interests, inventory and equipment purchases and related operational agreements.
Commercial and Agricultural Loan and Collection Actions
Jeff Braegelmann is the chair of the Gislason & Hunter Banking Practice Group and has assisted lenders in the collection of secured and unsecured commercial and agricultural debts. His experience spans the collection process and includes Farmer Lender Mediation, pre-litigation case assessments, foreclosures by action and advertisement, replevins and other prejudgment motions, collection of judgments and bankruptcy proceedings. He is successful in negotiating workouts and defending lender liability claims. Jeff also assists lenders in preparing loan agreements, notes and mortgages, perfecting liens on collateral and all other aspects of proper loan documentation and execution.
Ownership of Source Code
David Kim represented a group of banks and financial organizations in a dispute on the ownership of the source code used to build their financial transaction platforms online.
Lending Disputes
Rhett Schwichtenberg has represented financial institutions in successfully obtaining money and replevin judgments against debtors in default.
Lender Paid in Full
In 2019, Jennifer Lurken successfully obtained full payment of over $3 million for a farm lender. Jennifer successfully negotiated an agreement whereby the debtor would sell agricultural land and equipment in an orderly manner and pay off the debt. The debtor upheld his agreement and paid the debt.
$100 Million Commodity Futures Claims
David Kim represented clients in commodity futures claims over $100 million in conjunction with MF Global bankruptcy.
Appointment as a Receiver
In 2012, Jennifer Lurken was appointed as the receiver to manage a hotel. The hotel owner was in default on its secured loan. The secured creditor desired the hotel to be sold as a going concern in an effort to maximize value for purposes of a sale. Jennifer installed new management over the hotel, decreased the deficit the hotel was operating under and sold the hotel, allowing the secured creditor to recover more than it would have recovered in a liquidation.
Representation of Secured Creditor in Bankruptcy Proceeding
In 2017, Jennifer Lurken represented a bank with a blanket security interest in all of the borrower’s equipment and other personal property and real estate. After the debtor filed bankruptcy, Jennifer obtained relief from the automatic stay. Jennifer then used her negotiation skills to obtain an agreement from the bankruptcy trustee and the debtor for the turnover of the equipment and real estate via deeds in lieu of foreclosure. Jennifer has represented lenders in cases involving foreclosure, secured interests, priority disputes, tax liens and loan defaults.
Lender Liability
Advised a client as to potential lender liability for foreclosing on environmentally hazardous properties.
Collection Cases Involving Counterclaims
Represented banks in collection cases involving counterclaims claiming oral modifications of credit agreements, defamation, interference with contractual relationships, interference with business contractual relationships, lender liability, principal liability, negligence, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, deceptive trade practices and accounting. Negotiated numerous workouts and forbearance agreements in connection with loans involving real estate, manufacturing, service, distribution, retail and franchise interests.
Disputed Claims to Collateral
In 2017, Dean Zimmerli represented a bank with a blanket security interest in all the borrower’s equipment other personal property. After the borrower’s business failed, the client realized many pieces of equipment has been hidden and given to a family member of the borrower. Dean was successful in obtaining a temporary injunction from the court against the family member prohibiting the family member from transferring or selling the collateral, and eventually the collateral was all reclaimed by the bank. Prior to a jury trial on the outstanding issues in the case, legal research by Dean concerning security interests and ownership questions led to a favorable settlement for the bank. Dean has represented banks and other lenders in numerous cases involving foreclosure, security interests, bankruptcies, priority disputes, and loan defaults.