ACCIDENTS AND PERSONAL INJURY, MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION,
CRIMINAL DEFENSE, DIVORCE AND ADOPTION, EMPLOYMENT LAW


Mr. Dolan was admitted to practice in 1983. He is a certified civil trial specialist and a qualified neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice. Mr. Dolan has significant criminal and civil litigation experience. He is currently City Attorney for 7 municipalities, has served as a special prosecutor, State and County Public Defender and Assistant County Attorney.

Mr. Dolan also has a significant family law practice, including dissolution, adoption and alternate dispute resolution. Mr. Dolan serves as a mediator in family law matters at least 50 times each year, either through Court direction or as chosen by the parties.

In addition to family law mediation, Mr. Dolan serves as a mediator, arbitrator and special master in many other civil areas, including employment law, personal injury litigation, general business litigation and no-fault arbitration. Mr. Dolan has taught Continuing Legal Education courses on alternate dispute resolution and has created a number of ADR documents which are in wide use.

Mr. Dolan serves as an adjudicare attorney for Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota and is a past recipient of their Advocacy Achievement Award.

In addition, Mr. Dolan has been recognized as a Leading Minnesota Attorney by the Leading Attorney Network, Inc. Fewer than 8% of all attorneys in Minnesota have been recognized as Leading Minnesota Attorneys. Mr. Dolan has been recognized in the areas of alternate dispute resolution, family law and criminal law. Mr. Dolan has received a “A” rating by Martindale Hubbell Law Directories. This rating is reserved for attorneys demonstrating very high or preeminent legal ability. Mr. Dolan has also been recognized by Law and Politics magazine as a “Super Lawyer.” As with other members of this firm, Mr. Dolan believes that effective representation is built upon a reputation of hard work, zealous advocacy and a willingness to try cases.
Education
JD 1983 cum laude, Hamline University;
BA 1980 cum laude, Hamline University (Pi Gamma Mu; Department of Honors Philosophy).
Employment History
Partner 1987-present, Thornton, Reif, Dolan, Bowen & Klecker, P.A.;
Assistant Public Defender, Douglas County, Minnesota 1986-1990;
Assistant Douglas County Attorney 1984-1986.
Representative Clients
Mr. Dolan represents individuals involved in criminal matters and family law matters, wrongfully injured persons and government officials. Mr. Dolan also represents individual businesses, including service organizations in connection with employment matters. He also serves as a neutral in many types of cases, including family law, personal injury litigation, no-fault arbitration, general business litigation and employment law. Most of his ADR practice occurs as a result of being chosen by parties to serve as a neutral. Mr. Dolan also receives frequent appointments by the District Court to serve in the capacity of a mediator or arbitrator.
Admitted
1983 Minnesota;
1986 U.S. Dist. Ct. (MN).
Professional Associations
Douglas County Bar Assn. 1983-present (President 1995-1996; Treas. 1994-1995);
CLE Coordinator 1995-1999;
Seventh Judicial Bar Assn. 1983-present;
Minnesota State Bar Assn. 1983-present;
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota 1986-Present.
Community Involvement
Douglas County Developmental Achievement Center 1994-2000 (Treasurer, President);
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish Council (past President);
St. Mary’s Building Committee;
St. Mary’s Catholic Finance Committee;
Alexandria Area Soccer Association (Club Administrator);
Sports Coach.
[ Michael J. Dolan ] [ Thomas J. Reif ] [ Lisa J. Bowen ] [ Thomas P. Klecker ]