Kristy A. Fahland

Attorney

Minneapolis

612-672-3795

kfahland@messerlikramer.com

Assistant: Tara Leupke

612-672-3613

Profile

Kristy Fahland is an accomplished litigator and employment counselor in Messerli Kramer’s Business Litigation group. She focuses her practice on assisting business owners in the areas of employment law, construction law, contract disputes, and related matters. Kristy represents clients in state and federal courts, including appellate and arbitration proceedings, assisting them through all stages of litigation, acting as a trusted advocate and keeping in mind their business needs and goals. She works closely with clients to identify risks before matters reach the litigation stage to avoid disputes. Whether inside or outside of the courtroom, Kristy’s objective is a successful outcome for her clients.

Kristy also serves a number of clients as a skilled employment counselor, drawing on her litigation experience and knowledge to help guide employers’ policies and procedures to prevent future disputes. Working with business owners, human resources personnel or other employer representatives, Kristy helps clients identify and manage employee related concerns including non-compete and other employment agreements; compliance with FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act; employee policies and handbooks; internal investigations and employee complaints including discrimination and harassment; employment contract and payment disputes; employment terminations; and best practices for hiring and throughout the employment relationship.

Representative Experience
  • Represented property management company in successful defense at trial against invasion of privacy claims made by tenant.

  • Initiated legal action, drafted and successfully argued motion resulting in judgment in client’s favor on disputed loan and personal guarantees.

  • Represented residential contractor in opposition of wrongful denial of insurance coverage, resulting in acceptance of coverage and defense obligations on the part of the insurer.

  • Represented general contractor in negotiating beneficial mediated settlement agreement in multi-party mechanic’s lien and construction defect litigation.

  • Represented client in responding to Charge of Discrimination filed with the EEOC resulting in a finding of no cause by the EEOC, and no adverse action against the client.

  • Represented financial institution in successful defense against claims of participation in illegal foreclosure re-conveyance.

  • Represented insurance client in arbitration dispute regarding compensation claim of independent agent.

  • Represented equipment leasing company in bringing replevin action and ultimate judgment against lessor.

Publications & Presentations

Publications

Presentations

  • Presenter, “Employment Law in and around Drug Testing in the Workplace” – Association of Women Contractors (AWC), March 28, 2018
  • Presenter, “The #metoo Movement: Impact on Employers in 2018” – Messerli Kramer, February 22, 2018
  • Presenter, “Employee Handbook 101” – Association of Women Contractors (AWC), July 27, 2016

Professional & Community

Admissions 

  • Minnesota

  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Associations 

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Employment Law Section, Member

  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Member

  • Association of Women Contractors, Member