Category: Attorney News

BGS Transportation Lawyers at 2026 MTA Convention

August 19, 2026  |  Carole Clark Isakson

As it does every year, the transportation department from BGS attended the annual Minnesota Trucking Association conference. This year’s conference was well attended and took place at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. Attorneys Carole Clark Isakson, Jacob W. LeVahn, Adam J. Revoir, and paralegal Rachel Schwankl participated as speakers and attendees of the conference, which featured social and networking events and many educational sessions on topics concerning trucking companies. Freight theft and business identity theft are of particular concern. BGS is a sponsor of the conference, and is one of the few MN firms with a focus on trucking and a dedicated transportation department.  In actuality it could easily be said that every attorney at BGS supports the trucking industry as all of our expertise is available to our clients. We have attorneys who can assist in  transportation matters of course, but also employment, litigation, contracts, acquisitions, business purchases, business succession planning, commercial real estate and more.  If you have a transportation legal need, please contact us today!

Read More

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 More

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 More