Category: Attorney News
Honoring James H. Wills
July 30, 2026 | Carole Clark Isakson
Barna, Guzy & Steffen is sad to announce the passing of former MTA board member and highly respected transportation attorney James H. Wills on July 23, 2026. For more than 45 years, Jim practiced exclusively in the areas of transportation, taxation, and corporate law, most recently with the law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen Ltd. Prior to entering private practice Jim worked in management of and as general counsel for two major trucking companies. Jim was a CPA, chemist and attorney admitted to the patent bar. Not that he ever bragged about any of that, that wasn’t his style. Jim will be remembered not only for his brilliance, but for his kindness, sense of adventure, and love for his family. Jim and his wife Peggy are parents to two adult daughters and have a son-in-law and four grand kids of all ages. Jim was a hardworking and devoted attorney who rarely slowed down. When he did take time away from work, he found great enjoyment in golfing, fishing, hunting, skiing, traveling and competing in dog shows. Whether outdoors enjoying nature or spending time with family, Jim appreciated life’s simple pleasures. While Jim retired from Barna, Guzy & Steffen Ltd last year, and from the practice of law, his influence on the transportation…
Read MoreBarna, 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 MoreShareholders at Barna, Guzy & Steffen Elect New President and Rename Chair of the Board at Annual Meeting
February 12, 2026 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
The law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen held its annual meeting on January 17, 2026, in Coon Rapids, MN. The meeting included a gathering of the firm’s Board of Directors, a State of the Firm address given by William Huefner, and elections to the Board of Directors. After serving as President of the firm for 11 years, William Huefner did not seek another term. The Shareholders at Barna, Guzy & Steffen elected Thomas Wentzell as firm President. William Huefner was re-appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Tom is a shareholder who focuses his practice on commercial real estate. He originally joined the firm as a law clerk in 2012, while attending University of St. Thomas School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in October of 2013 and practiced at another medium-sized firm in the Twin Cities before returning to BGS in December of 2014. He focuses his practice on real estate development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, and real estate finance. Tom was named a Minnesota Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2022 and 2023, and is a Board-Certified Real Property Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. The firm would like to congratulate Tom on his accomplishments and his commitment to the firm’s mission of providing clients legal services…
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