Daniel J. Van Loh

Attorney

Minneapolis

612-672-3626

dvanloh@messerlikramer.com
Profile Publications Professional & Community Honors & Distinctions
Profile

Dan finds purpose as an advocate and advisor where he is a guide to his clients through the legal, emotional and financial complexities of family transition, and where he helps families avoid, minimize and resolve conflict innate to family transition. Dan’s goal is for his clients to know that he and staff understand whatever uncertainties and emotional turmoil his clients are experiencing and to then provide a thoughtful case plan to address these concerns.

Dan also excels at being a strong advocate in both negotiations and the courtroom with his 25+ years of experience representing clients in all areas of family law. He is a skilled negotiator in mediation and a thoughtful and determined advocate in the courtroom.

Dan is in high demand for his broad Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice, including private mediation (custody, divorce, child support, third-party custody, parenting time, grandparent visitation, property division, spousal maintenance), Child Inclusive Mediation; Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE), Custody/Parenting Time Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE/CPENE); Parenting Time Expeditor (PTE), Parenting Consultant (PC); Moderated Settlement Conferences (MSC); Personal Property Arbitration; Special Master; Special Magistrate. Dan currently serves on the Minnesota Supreme Court ADR Ethics Board.

Dan graduated with honors from Pillsbury College in Owatonna, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science degree and double major in Biblical Studies and Business Administration and was recognized for his leadership and achievements by being named to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” He earned his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in 1999. Dan has been recognized by his peers as a Super Lawyer® and as one of the Best Lawyers in America®. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).

Practice Areas

Divorce & Family Law Child Custody Divorce Family Formation Family Law Appeals Juvenile & Child Protection Mediation & Collaborative Law

Education

  • William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, J.D., 1999

  • Pillsbury College, Owatonna, Minnesota, B.S., 1994, summa cum laude

Publications

Presentations

  • Moderator/Presenter—”The Dreaded ADR Complaint,” ADR Institute, Minnesota CLE, October 31, 2025.
  • Moderator/Presenter—”ADR Ethical Pitfalls and Best Practices,” Minnesota CL., April 24, 2025,
  • Panelist, Special Issues Panel in Social Early Neutral Evaluation, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), March 15, 2024.
  • Moderator/Trainer, Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) – Certified Skills Training, Powerhouse Mediation, November 8-9, 2023.
  • Presenter, “ENE Best Practices,” Early Neutral Evaluation Provider’s Update, 10th Judicial District, April 22, 2022
  • Lecturer, “Understanding the Big Picture: Custody is Telling a Story,” University of St. Thomas Law School, January 10, 2020.
  • Presenter, “Stepping Into The Story: Understanding the Vulnerability of Parents In an Early Neutral Evaluation and Providing Dignity with Evaluative Feedback,” Early Neutral Evaluation Provider’s Update, 10th Judicial District, February 8, 2019.
  • Presenter, “Family Crisis in the Church, Hope in the Storm; How to Support and Lead Families Navigating the Waters of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse,” Travers Counseling & Consulting, September 22, 2018.
  • Presenter, “ADR Best Practices: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” Divorce Camp, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), October 5, 2017.
  • Presenter, Transforming Your Family Law Practice Through Technology, Minnesota State Bar Association, December 6, 2017.
  • Presenter, “Answers to 20 Difficult Questions in Minnesota Family Law,” “10 Tips for Divorce Trials,” and “10 Tips for Getting Paid in Family Law Cases.” 40 Practical Tips for Handling Minnesota Divorces, Minnesota CLE, July 25, 2016
  • Presenter, “Common Ethical Traps for the Family Law Attorney,” 37th Annual Family Law Institute, Minnesota CLE, March 29-30, 2016.
  • Presenter, “Determining Child Development and Tax Issues in the Typical Divorce,” 37th Annual Family Law Institute, Minnesota CLE, March 29-30, 2016
  • Presenter, Tax Issues with a Typical Divorce, Handling Your First Divorce Case,  Minnesota CLE, May 14, 2015.
  • Presenter, “Common Ethical Traps for the Family Law Attorney,” Handling Your First Divorce Case,  Minnesota CLE, May 14, 2015.
  • Presenter, “You Can’t Tell Me What to Do!”—Decision Making Strategies for Family Court ADR Professionals,” 34th Annual Family Law Institute, Minnesota CLE, March 24-15, 2013.
  • Presenter, “Hanging Your Chingle—Where Should I Practice?”, How to Start and Build a Law Practice, Minnesota CLE, September 11, 2012.
  • Presenter, “How to Win Temporary Motions,” 33rd Annual Family Law Institute, Minnesota CLE, March 14, 2012
  • Presenter, “Hanging Your Shingle–Using Glue or Velcro: Officing Options,” How to Start and Build a Successful Law Practice, Minnesota CLE, March 20, 2012
  • Presenter, “How to Start a Law Firm: Important First Steps,” The New Lawyer Experience, Minnesota CLE, January 19, 2012
  • Presenter, “Privacy and Boundary Issues for Medical and Mental Health Information of Children,” Minnesota CLE, November 7, 2011
  • “Hanging Your Shingle—Using Glue or Velcro: Officing Options,” How to Start and Build a Law Practice, Minnesota CLE, February 11, 2011.
  • Presenter, “How to Start a Law Firm: First Steps,” New Lawyer Experience, Minnesota CLE, January 26, 2011.
  • Panelist, “Collecting Fees from Clients,” Ethics, Your Money Or Your License, Minnesota CLE, January 24, 2011.
  • Panelist, “Challenges in Starting Your Own Firm and How to Overcome Them,” How to Start & Build a Successful Law Practice, Minnesota CLE, February 18, 2010.
  • Panelist, “Quick Answers to the Legal Questions that Friends, Relatives and Stranges Will Ask You at Cocktail Parties,” The New Lawyer Experience, Minnesota CLE, January 14, 2010.
  • Presenter, “How to Start a Law Firm: First Steps,” New Lawyer Experience, Minnesota CLE, January 8-9, 2009.
  • Presenter, “How to Start a Law Firm: First Steps,” New Lawyer Experience, Minnesota CLE, January 8, 2007.
  • Presenter, “When a Quasi-Civil Proceeding Becomes Criminal,” Ramsey County Bar Association, October 25, 2006.

Trainings

  • Leadership Development Through Family Systems, Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, October 28-30, 2024; February 24-26, 2025; May 12-14, 2025.
  • Certificate: Dale Carnegie Course, Dale Carnegie & Associates, Lansing, Michigan, May 2, 2023
  • Parenting Time Expediting & Parenting Consulting Training, The Mediation Cener, November 8, 2019.
  • Certified Civil Arbitration Skills Training, Minnesota CLE, November 17, 2017.
  • Family Early Case Management and Early Neutral Evaluation Training – Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Training, Minnesota Judicial Branch, June 23, 2010.
  • Family Early Case Management and Early Neutral Evaluation Training – Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) Training, Minnesota Judicial Brance, September 15-16, 2008.
  • 40 Hour Family Mediation Skills Training, Mediation Center for Dispute Resolution, In Affiliation with Hamline University Law and Graduate School, April 2-6, 2007.
  • The Reconciler Practicum, Peacemaker Ministries, April 23-24, 2004
Professional & Community

Admissions

  • Minnesota

Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
  • Christian Legal Society

Certifications

  • Rule 114 Qualified Family Law Neutral
  • State of Minnesota Social Early Neutral Evaluation (SENE) Roster
  • State of Minnesota Financial Early Neutral Evaluation (FENE) Roster
  • Moderated Settlement Conference Roster
  • Civil Arbitration Certification

Community Involvement

  • Elder Board Member, Calvary Church, Roseville/White Bear Township, Minnesota (2012-2018)

  • Renovation Church (congregational), Member

  • Former Adjunct Faculty Mentor, University of St. Thomas School of Law (2012 – 2018)

  • Former Adjunct Trial Skills Professor, William Mitchell College of Law

  • Ramsey County Volunteer Mediation Program, 2011

  • Hennepin County Limited Scope Representation Program, 2010
  • Mill City Running Race Team (2024-25)
  • Distance Runner (Notable Race Finishes: Twin Cities Marathon (2024); Twin Cities 10 Mile (2025); Mankato Marathon (2023); Mankato Half-Marathon (2021, 2022, 2024); Gary Bjorkland Half-Marathon (2025) City of Lakes Half-Marathon (2018, 2024, 2025); Medtronic Get In Gear Half Marathon (2024 & 2025); Stillwater Run Series Gopher-Badger Half-Marathon (2017, 2023, 2024); Goldy’s 10 Mile (2024 & 2025); Bear Water Run 20 Mile (2023).
Honors & Distinctions
  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2013-Present.
  • Selected to Super Lawyers: 2015-2025
  • Selected to Rising Stars: 2005, 2008, 2011-2012
  • Selected to Best Lawyers in America, 2024-Present.
  • Who’s Who in American Colleges & Universities, Pillsbury College, 1994