Category: BGS in the Community

Starry, Starry Night Gala: September 21, 2013

August 21, 2013  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Stable Pathways, a program that provides horse-assisted activities for people living with cognitive and physical challenges, is hosting a benefit gala for fundraising. BGS’ Legal Administrative Assistant Sarah Thies is on the Board of Directors and helped organize the event. Barna, Guzy & Steffen is also a sponsor of the event. The fundraiser will take place Saturday, September 21st, 2013 beginning at 6:30 with Cocktails. Food, a program demonstration, and dancing with live music will follow. This is a western themed event so the suggested dress is Cowboy Casual – Rhinestones Optional! Tickets to the event are $35 with proceeds going to promote Stable Pathways’ missions. Stable Pathways is located at Bunker Park Stables in Coon Rapids. It provides equine-assisted activities for people living with physical and cognitive challenges under the careful direction of either a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Instructor or a Minnesota licensed Occupational Therapist. Sarah says that therapeutic horseback riding helps riders “organize” body and brain. The horse’s gait is most similar to a human gait so riding provides a connection to a natural rhythmic movement from the horse that stimulated the rider’s body and brain. Riders at Stable Pathways have experienced positive changes in a variety of ways such as steadier balance, improved core strength,…

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BGS Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 9, 2013  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Barna, Guzy and Steffen would like to congratulate their attorneys named to the 2013 Minnesota Super Lawyers lists. This year, the law firm had five Super Lawyers and two Rising Stars named to the lists. The attorneys named Super Lawyers were: John T. Buchman/Personal Injury Michael F. Hurley/Banking Jeffrey S. Johnson/Real Estate Thomas P. Malone/Business Litigation Steven G. Thorson/Real Estate And the Rising Stars: Angela M. Woessner/Real Estate Timothy D. Erb/Real Estate These attorneys will appear in the Minnesota Super Lawyers Magazine to be published in August 2013 and distributed to attorneys in Minnesota and the ABA-accredited law school libraries. In addition, selected attorneys will also appear in the August 2013 issue of Mpls./St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business. Super Lawyers are chosen using peer nominations and evaluations which are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The firm recognizes that it is an honor to have attorneys named Super Lawyers/Rising Stars. This acknowledgement reinforces their continuing mission to be recognized as the best and most innovative law firm in their market.

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Employee Spotlight: Eny Maldonado-Johnson, Paralegal

June 26, 2013  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

BGS Criminal/Personal Injury Paralegal Eny Maldonado Johnson joined the firm in 2008 as part of a firm wide effort to increase our abilities to serve our greater community. She speaks fluent English and Spanish and offers translation skills within our firm, particularly within our Personal Injury and Criminal law practice areas. Eny moved to the United States from Ecuador and now makes her home with her family in Andover, Minnesota. She graduated from North Hennepin Community College in the Spring of 2009 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She offers Spanish/English translation services to all BGS areas of practice, however, she works most closely with Criminal/Personal Injury Attorney Adriel Villarreal who is also fluent in both English and Spanish. We asked Eny to write for our community blog page and she submitted this piece about the importance of volunteerism. Why Volunteer? by Eny Maldonado-Johnson There are many answers to the question, “why is volunteering important?” Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change lives, including your own. Even though this is not something you will get paid for, the benefits can actually be greater than money. It is an important way to create a healthy community. During times of disaster, people need help; if you are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the news…

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