Michael J. Dolan

Mr. Dolan was admitted to practice in 1983.  He was Assistant Douglas County Attorney until joining the firm in 1986.  Mr. Dolan is a Board Certified Civil Senior Specialist and a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice.  He has a significant civil and family law practice, which includes serving as an Appellate Family Law Mediator at the appointment of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  Mr. Dolan provides mediation services well over 50 times per year, either through Court appointment or as chosen by the parties, in all civil areas.

In addition to his mediation and family law practice, Mr. Dolan has served as City Attorney for seven municipalities, served as a Special Prosecutor, and as a Public Defender.

Mr. Dolan has appeared regularly before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, arguing significant appellate cases, including: In Re Rapp, 621 N.W.2d 781 (Minn. Ct. App. 2006), Toby’s of Alexandria v. Douglas County, 545 N.W.2d 54 (Minn. Ct. App. 1996), and Dorman v. Steffen, 666 N.W.2d 409 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003). 

Mr. Dolan has taught Continuing Legal Education courses regarding alternate dispute resolution (ADR), and has created a number of ADR documents which are in wide use.

Education

Juris Doctorate 1983, Hamline University, cum laude;
Bachelor of Arts 1980, Hamline University, cum laude;
Departmental Honors in Philosophy, Pi Gamma Mu.

Employment History

Partner at Thornton, Dolan, Bowen, Klecker & Burkhammer, P.A., 1986 to the present.
Assistant Public Defender (Douglas County), 1986-1990.
Assistant Douglas County Attorney, 1984-1986.

Professional Associations

Douglas County Bar Association, 1984-present (President 1995-1996, Treasurer 1994-1995);
Seventh Judicial District Bar Association, 1984-present;
Minnesota State Bar Association, 1984-present;
Adjudicare Attorney – Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota, 1986-present (past Advocacy Achievement Award winner)