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
401(k) Fees Too High? Your Employer May Not Be Doing Its Due Diligence
November 9, 2018 – For many of us, employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans are the cornerstone of our financial security in retirement. However, excessive fees can eat into our hard-earned savings and leave us questioning whether our employer is managing the plan properly and operating in our best interest.
EEOC Reports Increased Sex Harassment Charges, Lawsuits in FY 2018
October 11, 2018 – Last week, the EEOC released its preliminary findings on sexual harassment claims for fiscal year 2018, reporting a 12% jump in charges filed with the agency compared with 2017, as well as a staggering 50% increase in lawsuits filed on behalf of employees by the agency.
BTJW is Honored to Support Cancer Legal Care
September 27, 2018 – Baillon Thome Jozwiak & Wanta LLP is proud to support the great work of Cancer Legal Care and sponsor its 2018 Legal Care Affair. This fundraiser is the largest fundraising event for CLC with proceeds going directly to the legal programs and services CLC provides to Minnesotans affected by cancer.
Class Actions
Homeowner? Class Investigation for Failed Interest Payments by Mortgage Lenders
November 2, 2018 – We are seeking to speak with homeowners whose mortgage lenders have failed to pay money into their escrow accounts. Mortgage lenders in several states, including Minnesota, must comply with laws that require them to pay interest on money held in escrow accounts.
Pest Control Independent Contractor Investigation
We are seeking to speak with individuals who are considered pest control independent contractors for pest control companies. It is our understanding that these individuals may in fact be employees, not “independent contractors” and, therefore, misclassified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Wanta Authors Law Review Article on Class Action Fees
May 1, 2018 – Last month, firm partner Shawn Wanta was published in the Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Law Review. In his article, “How Do Lawyers Get Paid by a Class of Plaintiffs When There is No Fee Shifting Statute?,” Wanta examined how courts are given broad discretion under FRCP Rule 23(h) to determine reasonable attorney fee awards in class action litigation.
Firm News
Kaarin Nelson Schaffer Authors Article on Assessing the Employment Law Case
December 4, 2018 – Kaarin Nelson Schaffer was published in the Fall 2018 issue of Minnesota Trial magazine. In her article, “Should You Take an Employment Case?,” Kaarin offers guidance to attorneys who may not typically practice employment law but are interested in trying to take on an employment case.
Massie and Thome To Present at 2018 Human Rights Symposium
November 29, 2018 – Firm attorneys Dustin Massie and Joni Thome will present at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ 2018 Human Rights Symposium to be held on December 4-5, 2018, on the University of Minnesota’s campus.
Wanta Interviewed by KARE 11 News on Legality of Political Texts
October 26, 2018 – This week, firm partner Shawn Wanta was interviewed by KARE 11 News on the legality of political text messages. In general, campaigns may send text messages, but they must adhere to the legal requirements outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.