Law firms in Minneapolis are helping lawyers, staff navigate unrest
Demonstrators hold signs during a protest outside the office of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, on Jan. 26, 2026, in Minneapolis. (Photo by Adam Gray/The Associated Press)
Amid the ongoing unrest over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence in Minneapolis, several Am Law 200 law firms with offices in the city are prioritizing the well-being of their lawyers and staff, providing remote work arrangements, and facilitating opportunities to get involved.
“Like most of Minnesota, our firm is very focused on the situation playing out on the streets of our communities,” Peter Nelson, a managing partner at Dorsey & Whitney, told Law.com.
Nelson said the firm has encouraged lawyers and staff to work remotely if it “increases their sense of safety” and provided counseling to those affected by recent events, including the killing of local residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE authorities.
Nelson also told Law.com that Dorsey & Whitney is “endeavoring to accommodate those who need some time away from work” and “pursuing pro bono opportunities.”
Peter Michaud, the chair of Ballard Spahr who is based in Minneapolis, said his firm is allowing lawyers and staff who are concerned with working in downtown Minneapolis to modify their hours or be remote, Law.com reports. The firm has also modified billable hour requirements for certain attorneys who have been affected.
Fredrikson & Byron, in addition to offering flexible work arrangements and providing resources to staff and their families, is assisting clients and legal organizations in their response to recent ICE activities, Law.com reports. According to the firm, this includes “assistance in the context of unlawful detentions, denial of access to counsel, and other efforts to help protect the rights of our clients and support our communities.”
“At times like these, lawyers play a particularly important role in the administration of justice,” the firm said in a statement provided to Law.com. “As a leader in the Twin Cities legal community, we take this role seriously.”
See also:
ABA President Michelle Behnke releases statement on Minneapolis shootings
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