Dan Leland

Partner

P: (612) 339-7898 | E: dan@lelandconners.com

My name is Dan Leland.  I began working in the area of employment law in 2006, as a law clerk while I studied at the University of Minnesota law school.  I was admitted to practice in the State of Minnesota in 2008 and in Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota in 2009.  From 2012 to the present I have been named as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers, a peer designation awarded to no more than 2.5% of lawyers practicing in the state. Information about the Super Lawyers selection process can be found here.

But that's me on paper; a brief synopsis that doesn't actually summarize my experience, my skills, or my passions.

I like what I do.  And I think that I am quite good at it.

Most often, I represent ordinary folks in legal situations that they never wanted to be in, and never thought they would be in.  For most of my clients, it is a unique, frightening, and probably once-in-a-lifetime experience.  And while it may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them, it is what I do on a daily basis.  My job is to counsel people in times of crisis, and to fight for their rights through the legal system.

And that is what matters to me.  I care about making personal connections with each and every one of my clients.  I care about helping good folks through tough times.  I think life is too short to do something that isn't gratifying, and that isn't striving to make a positive difference in other peoples' lives. 

I did my undergraduate studies (B.S.) at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  At Northwestern I was a participant in a 12-student, 2-year competitive admission creative writing program.  I was trained as a screenwriter.  But what I learned over time is that my true passion is telling real peoples' stories.  And that is what I strive to do in my law practice: to tell real peoples' stories in a compelling way to courts and juries.

Any attorney can cite the law or make rote arguments before the Court.  But I focus my practice on knowing my clients and telling their stories.  A good lawyer is a good story teller.  A good lawyer doesn't just know the facts of their client's case and the applicable law.  Instead, a good lawyer knows how to weave the facts and law together to create a factually and legally compelling story.  That is how I was trained, and that is what I bring to my practice.

If you have a legal matter that you would like to discuss with an attorney, I encourage you to contact us. 

Ryan Conners

Partner

P: (612) 339-1515 | E: ryan@lelandconners.com

I believe that following the standard, routine legal avenues can often be wrong. No two persons’ legal issues are the same, and rarely do issues fit neatly within a predetermined path to a successful outcome. Therefore, I feel it is important to consider challenging the status quo if doing so will vindicate your rights.

As a Founding Partner of Leland Conners, PLC, I practice law on behalf of individuals and small businesses because I know how daunting societal pressures and our legal system can be, and I know individual people and small businesses are most in need of support. Rest assured, my representation of clients reflects not only the core beliefs behind my practice, but also my life experiences and understanding of how the world operates outside of the law. I have assisted clients with an array of employment and business matters, including full-on litigation, negotiating settlements, handling transactions, and drafting contracts. I spend a great deal of my time in the courtroom, and I feel at home navigating the legal system in the trenches.

I want my potential clients to know what to expect when working with me. I take an honest, straightforward approach to working with my clients, and act as a strong advocate throughout the entire legal process. Client service is of the utmost importance.

Your situation is unique, and the benefit to working with Leland Conners is that you will work with me directly. I take a multi-pronged approach to developing effective legal strategies that work for my clients’ unique needs. I will always consider several approaches to your problem, and together we will choose the optimal route. My clients value and appreciate this approach to handling legal issues.

Education:
University of Minnesota Law School, Juris Doctor
University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government

Professional Associations:
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Labor and Employment Law Section, Minnesota State Bar Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
National Employment Lawyers Association, MN Chapter
Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association

Court Admissions:
Minnesota Supreme Court
United States District Court—District of Minnesota

United States District Court—Eastern District of Wisconsin

Melanie Hensold

Senior paralegal

P: (612) 339-3100 | E: melanie@lelandconners.com

Melanie is a senior paralegal at the Leland Conners firm. Melanie has worked many years as a paralegal at law firms practicing in the area of employment law and previously worked as a High School English teacher. Melanie assists the firm from initial client investigations through trial, is responsible for drafting legal documents and working with clients, and is a trusted member of the team.

Contact Our Firm

Please contact us to schedule your first appointment, either online or by calling 612-255-2255.