We are an employment and consumer protection law firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Recognized for our expertise and results, our consumer and employment attorneys are specialists, Super Lawyers and leaders in the legal community. We are dedicated advocates and work tirelessly to secure justice and striking outcomes for our clients.
Employment Law
Does a Whistleblower Have Protections Against Retaliation?
October 31, 2019 – In recent developments regarding the whistleblower complaint by an anonymous CIA officer against actions by President Donald Trump, a common concern has arisen around whistleblower protections. Is the whistleblower in this case in danger of retaliation? What protections does the whistleblower have related to privacy and anonymity? How does this case compare to protections for whistleblowers under Minnesota law?
Massie Presents on Marijuana in the Workplace to MSBA
September 19, 2019 – Firm attorney Dustin Massie will present to members of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section on September 25, 2019.
Wage Theft: How Are You Protected?
August 27, 2019 – Each year, nearly 40,000 Minnesotans lose about $12 million in unpaid wages. Oftentimes, this wage theft occurs in the form of unpaid overtime, withholding paychecks and misclassifying workers as independent contractors. With newly enacted and strengthened laws in place, more employers will be held accountable.
Class Actions
BTJW Files Employment Class Action Against Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing, Medical Cannabis
November 14, 2019 – Medical exceptions for medical cannabis use in Minnesota and nationwide have given employees more rights and leverage in the area of drug testing and job protection. Currently, our firm is pursuing a class action lawsuit on behalf of job applicants and employees of the Mayo Clinic who were subjected to the Clinic’s unlawful medical cannabis and drug testing policies and practices.
Bus Driver? Class Action Investigation into Violations of Wage and Employment Rights
May 30, 2019 – We are investigating school and public transportation bus companies for potential wage and hour violations, including, but not limited to, a failure to pay overtime wages to bus drivers for pre- or post-shift work.
Victory for Flowers Foods Distributors in Vermont and New England States
May 21, 2019 – Last week, a Vermont federal court granted class certification for distributors of Flowers Foods, CK Sales, and Lepage Bakeries in Vermont and several New England states. This is fourth straight class certification win for distributor-drivers represented by Baillon Thome Jozwiak and Wanta LLP, who serve as Lead Class Counsel.
Firm News
Baillon Joins Panel on Mediating Sexual Harassment Claims; Nelson Schaffer Presents on Employee Discipline & Discharge
October 22, 2019 – Over the next week, firm partners Frances Baillon and Kaarin Nelson Schaffer will present at separate CLEs on important issues in employment law. On October 25th, Frances Baillon joins an esteemed panel of practitioners at the 22nd Annual Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute. On October 28th, Kaarin Nelson Schaffer will present to employment litigators and HR professions at a conference on the “How-To’s” for investigating and addressing workplace performance and conduct.
BTJW Trial Victory: Whistleblower Wins Against Dakota County
October 11, 2019 - A Dakota County jury returned a verdict in favor of a former Dakota County Jail employee, who was forced to resign after she reported an inappropriate relationship between a counselor and a patient. The verdict was read on October 10, 2019. The jury awarded the plaintiff, Brooke Johnson, over $200,000 in damages, including wage and benefit loss and emotional distress damages.
Two Summary Judgment Wins for BTJW Clients
September 9, 2019 – Attorneys Dustin Massie, Cassie Navarro and Kaarin Nelson Schaffer scored victories for their clients by defeating summary judgement motions in two cases.