Category: BGS News & Events
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 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…
Read MoreBarna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD Receives State Breastfeeding-Friendly Recognition
November 26, 2025 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Barna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD has been named a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its contributions to the health of parents and their babies. MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding families by creating a workplace lactation support program. Barna, Guzy & Steffen completed an office remodel in January 2025, and with that created a Wellness Room that provides a welcoming and comfortable space for nursing mothers. Employees have access to all the necessary storage and cleansing equipment needed for the process. Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the first formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow. MDH recognizes organizations that have taken a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates and meet Healthy People 2030 goals. The designation acknowledges Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees. The designation is achieved by adopting a written policy and educating staff about it; ensuring adequate break time for breastfeeding employees; providing a clean, private place to pump breast milk; and demonstrating a strong commitment to…
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