About Us

Thornton, Dolan, Bowen, Klecker & Burkhammer, P.A., has been providing legal services to Northwest Minnesota since 1914.

  • 1914

    After studying the law under Knute Nelson, Ralph S. Thornton, also known as "Bulldog Thornton" (1892 - 1960), opened his law office in Alexandria. 

  • 1949

    Ralph was joined in practice by his son, Joseph G. Thornton (1923-1996). "Gentleman Joe," as he was known, was a vital and active part of the firm until his death in 1996.

  • 1970

    Robert M. Hegg joined Keith L. Wallace in the practice of law. In 1973 Thomas J. Reif joined them to form Wallace, Hegg & Reif. Keith died in 1974. Shortly thereafter, Joe, Bob and Tom merged to form Thornton, Hegg & Reif.

  • 1986

    Michael J. Dolan joined the firm and became a partner.

  • 1996

    Lisa J. Bowen joined the practice. She became a partner in 1999.

  • 2002

    Robert M. Hegg retired.

  • 2004

    Thomas P. Klecker joined the firm. He became a partner in 2011.

  • 2013

    Thomas Reif retired. 

  • 2015

    Tom Reif died. Megan Burkhammer joined the firm. She became a partner in 2018 and the firm took on its current name.

Lisa Bowen has been named a SuperLawyer and recognized as a Minnesota Top Women Attorney. Thornton, Dolan, Bowen, Klecker & Burkhammer, P.A. is an “A”-rated law firm by Martindale Hubbell Law Directories. Mike Dolan has been named both an "A" rated lawyer and a Minnesota Super Lawyer. Our firm was chosen as a Leading Minnesota Firm by American Research Corporation. In both 2017 and 2018, we were voted “Best of the Lakes Area” in the Echo Press newspaper’s Reader’s Choice poll.

Past Partners

Ralph S. Thornton

Joseph G. Thornton

Robert M. Hegg

Thomas J. Reif

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