LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. is proud of its long history, rich with political involvement and community service. Our commitment to the clients and communities we serve is not only a fundamental Firm value; it is the foundation of the Firm's long-term success. From small communities such as Sunfish Lake and Buffalo Lake, to the first-ring suburbs of South St. Paul and West St. Paul, and the growing communities of Inver Grove Heights and Mahtomedi, the Firm serves its municipal clients with expertise and pride. In addition, the Firm's municipal attorneys share the knowledge acquired through their work as city attorneys with our individual and business clients when they need assistance in maneuvering through the often complex administrative processes of governmental agencies, political subdivisions, and local decision-making bodies.

Municipalities and Governmental Entities ~ LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. has served as the City Attorneys for the cities of South St. Paul (since 1957); Inver Grove Heights (since the l970s); Sunfish Lake (since 1988); West St. Paul (since 1995); Buffalo Lake (since 1996); and Mahtomedi (since 2000). Each of the communities the Firm represents brings its own set of unique issues and challenges. These matters are handled on a daily basis by the attorneys in the Firm's Municipal and Governmental Law Practice Group. Accordingly, our municipal attorneys stay abreast of the latest changes in law and approaches to management of a city government. In addition, by working with a number of municipalities, we are able to share the collective knowledge and experience attained with each municipal client.

The types of matters handled on a regular basis by the attorneys in our Municipal and Governmental Law Practice Group include, but are not limited to: open meeting laws, Minnesota Government Data Practices Act questions, zoning, eminent domain, public contracting, bonding, environmental issues, real estate acquisitions, city charters, election laws, tax increment financing, ordinance drafting, land use matters, special assessments, licensing, employment and labor issues, code violations, capital improvement projects, joint powers agreements, economic development authorities, forfeitures, and city planning matters.

Due to our depth and understanding of governmental law, the Firm frequently serves as special counsel for other municipalities when conflicts arise or when our specialized experience is desired by other communities. The cities for which we have served as special counsel include Afton, Apple Valley, Farmington, Hastings, Mendota Heights, Waseca, and White Bear Lake.

Individual members of the Firm’s Municipal and Governmental Law Practice Group are recognized for their expertise by Leading American Attorneys, a publication that selects fewer than six percent of the state’s attorneys for inclusion. In addition, because of their knowledge and esteemed reputation, many of the Firm’s municipal attorneys serve as regular lecturers and speakers at statewide conferences and educational seminars, including the Newly-Elected Officials Conferences and the Minnesota Association of City Attorneys (MACA) City Attorney Updates.

Criminal Prosecution ~ As the City Attorneys for South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and Sunfish Lake, a number of our attorneys serve as prosecutors in the enforcement of petty, misdemeanor, and gross misdemeanor offenses. The Firm's Prosecution Department ensures that each criminal matter is handled professionally, fairly, and in compliance with the law enforcement goals of our municipal clients. We value the cities we represent, and we work to ensure those cities are safe for the citizens who reside in them.

Individual and Business Clients ~ The Firm's governmental law practice is not limited to representation of municipalities. A large part of our practice is dedicated to the representation of private clients (including individuals, businesses, real estate developers, and contractors) in matters involving municipalities or governmental agencies. These matters include, but are not limited to eminent domain and condemnation, code violations, zoning, permits, assessment appeals, variances, platting and subdivisions, licensing, special assessments, real estate title issues, boundary disputes, land use, and real estate development. We find that our private clients benefit from the vast knowledge and experience we obtain by representing municipalities and governmental agencies.

When faced with the daunting task of negotiating through a government approval process or appearing before a governmental body, you need experienced counsel on your side to work through the process effectively and successfully. Because we represent numerous municipalities and appear before local governments on a routine basis, we know how to get your matter accomplished through even the most complicated political process. We understand how to communicate and work with city staff, planners, engineers, planning commissions, and city councils to get you the results you desire.

Let the experience and expertise of LeVander, Gillen & Miller, P.A. work for you. If you are selecting an attorney to represent your city or are looking for an attorney to represent you in a matter pending before a governmental body, we have the knowledge and skill you need on your side.