Barna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD. Announces New Shareholder
July 24, 2026 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD. is pleased to announce that Ashley Kemplin-Gamm was voted in as a Shareholder of the firm. Ashley joined Barna, Guzy & Steffen in 2022 and has established a thriving real estate practice representing clients in a wide range of complex commercial transactions nationwide. She has extensive experience handling development projects, purchases and sales, leasing, land use, subdivision and platting, and title review. Ashley received her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2012. Prior to joining BGS, Ashley worked in the commercial title industry as a commercial closer and underwriter which provided her with a solid foundation in the legal and practical aspects of commercial real estate transactions. Professional and community involvement is a priority with Ashley as an active member of organizations including Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate/Realtors, Retail Real Estate Network Minnesota, and Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women. Ashley is a graduate of University of Michigan and roots for the Wolverines, “Go Blue.” She also enjoys traveling, concerts, and time at the family lake home in Minnesota. The firm would like to congratulate Ashley on her accomplishments and commitment to the mission of providing clients with legal service with trust, dedication, and professionalism. BGS believes these ingredients are the essence of integrity, and it…
Read MoreEssential Legal Documents for Every College-Bound Graduate
July 6, 2026 | Bobbi Hermanson-Albers
As students graduate from high school and look toward college, work opportunities, or travel plans, parents may already be helping them check off boxes on their preparation lists: furniture, bedding, textbooks, and laptops. But there are two crucial items that rarely make the list: a health care directive and a power of attorney. Every high school grad should have these essential legal documents prepared. At Barna, Guzy & Steffen, we often work with families navigating major life transitions. One of the most significant transitions is when a child turns 18. While they may still feel like your baby, the law views them as legal adults. This legal shift has major implications, particularly in an emergency. Here is what every Minnesota parent and graduate needs to know about the two essential legal documents they should put in place before the graduate heads out on their own. Why Being “Mom and Dad” Is No Longer Enough The moment your child turns 18, they gain the legal right to privacy regarding their medical, financial, and educational records. Because of strict federal laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), medical professionals are legally prohibited from sharing health information with you—even if you are paying for their health insurance or college tuition. If your child…
Read MoreMay Is National Elder Law Month
May 12, 2026 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
It’s National Elder Law Month. Elder law and special needs law are specialized areas of legal practice that focus on the unique needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities, while also providing support and guidance for their families. Our department at Barna, Guzy & Steffen, represents clients in simple to complex elder law and special needs planning matters. Our elder law and special needs attorneys provide counsel and advocacy on a variety of issues including, but not limited to, estate planning, asset protection or preservation, long-term care planning, guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, and special needs planning. Hiring an elder law and special needs attorney provides a holistic approach to planning for your future and legacy. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) campaign for 2026 National Elder Law Month is Protecting Rights, Fighting Scams. NAELA cites the Federal Trade Commission annual report to Congress, which showed an increase in the number of older adults reporting losses in an aggregate amount of $2.4 billion in 2024. Scams targeting older adults are becoming more sophisticated and even more harmful. Now is a great time to review your plan or connect with an elder law and special needs attorney to put a plan in place.
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