Cities and townships handle a variety of legal matters every day. Here’s a general look at the issues local governments commonly face—and how attorneys help.
When most people think about local government, they think about city councils, snowplows, or zoning meetings—not lawyers. But legal support is a regular part of running any city, county, or township. From drafting local ordinances to reviewing contracts and keeping meetings compliant with state laws, municipal leaders deal with legal matters more often than you might expect.
Here’s a general look at some of the legal issues that commonly come up in local government—and how legal counsel helps keep things running smoothly.
Zoning and Land Use Questions
Deciding how land can be used is one of the most important responsibilities a local government has. Whether it’s approving a building permit, reviewing a zoning change, or handling a variance request, there are legal standards that need to be followed. Legal counsel is often involved to help interpret zoning codes and ensure procedures are handled properly.
Writing Local Ordinances and Resolutions
From short-term rental rules to noise regulations, local governments pass ordinances and resolutions to address community needs. Drafting these laws in a way that’s clear, enforceable, and legally sound is important—and that’s where legal review often comes in. Attorneys help make sure what’s passed on paper can hold up in practice.
Public Meetings and Open Government
Local governments are required to operate with transparency, which means following Minnesota’s open meeting laws and data practices rules. Legal counsel often helps elected officials understand these requirements—like when a closed session is allowed or how public data requests should be handled—so that public trust is maintained and procedures are followed correctly.
Reviewing Contracts and Agreements
Cities and counties work with contractors, vendors, developers, and service providers all the time. Whether it’s a road repair contract or a professional services agreement, legal counsel is often involved to make sure the terms are clear and the municipality’s interests are protected.
Employment and HR-Related Matters
Just like private businesses, local governments have employees—and with that comes employment law issues. Legal teams may review hiring procedures, workplace policies, or union-related documents to help make sure everything is consistent with labor regulations.
Handling Disputes or Legal Claims
Sometimes disagreements arise—over property lines, contracts, or public decisions. When that happens, attorneys help municipalities navigate the process, respond to claims, or represent them in court if needed.
Final Thoughts
Local governments juggle a lot, and legal support is a steady part of their day-to-day work. From zoning questions to meeting compliance and everything in between, having legal guidance helps communities stay on course and make confident decisions.
If you’re curious about how legal counsel typically supports cities, townships, and counties in Minnesota, the team at Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson, P.A. is happy to provide general information.
Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Sam is thrilled to return to Central Minnesota after passing the bar exam in 2024. Sam's diverse experience spans roles with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office (Civil Division), a Nebraska lobbying firm, Hudl, and the University of Nebraska Civil Clinic. Through these positions, he gained valuable exposure to various areas of law, including civil litigation, policy advocacy, and client counseling. Early in his legal career, Sam is eager to leverage his skills and experiences to deliver effective and personalized legal solutions for BSKK’s clients.
Areas of Practice:
- Business Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Property Law & Real Estate
- Contract Disputes
- Personal Injury
- Probate/Trust Disputes
- Landlord/Tenant
- Family Law
Education:
- University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska, 2024, J.D.
- Concentration in Real Estate and Business Transactions
- North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 2019, B.S.
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Majors: Political Science and Management Communication
Bar Admissions:
- Minnesota 2024
Professional Memberships:
- Minnesota State Bar Association
David V. Hurt is a seasoned litigator who has been advocating for individuals, families, and businesses across Minnesota since 2012. His practice is rooted in a practical, results-driven approach that blends strategic litigation with thoughtful dispute resolution. David's clients trust him to navigate complex legal issues with clarity, efficiency, and unwavering commitment.
He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable John G. Melbye in the Ninth Judicial District of Minnesota, where he gained invaluable perspective on trial practice and judicial reasoning. Since then, he has built a diverse portfolio of experience at firms in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania—litigating matters ranging from corporate and construction disputes to aviation claims.
David’s practice spans a wide range of civil matters, including business formation and litigation, real estate and land use disputes, probate and trust litigation, and family law. He is particularly experienced in resolving high-conflict disputes and routinely employs alternative dispute resolution strategies to secure favorable outcomes for his clients while minimizing cost and disruption.
Areas of Practice:
Education:
Bar Admissions:
Professional Affiliations:
Virginia "Ginny" Knudson represents individuals and businesses in various areas of law, including, estate planning and probate, business and corporate, real estate, and governmental relations. Ginny provides mediation services in divorce and custody, especially for business owners and high wage-earners, as well as for real estate, probate and business disputes. Ginny has been selected as a top attorney by Minnesota Super Lawyer Magazine from for 13 years.
Areas of Practice:
– Estate planning
– Business and corporate
– Real estate and landlord representation
– Probate disputes, guardianships and conservatorships
– Municipal and governmental relations
-- Mediation
Education:
– University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1994, J.D.
– Honors: Cum Laude
– University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1991, B.A.
– Honors: Summa Cum Laude
– Honors: Aquinas Scholar
– Major: Economics, Spanish, Minor: Business
Bar Admissions:
– Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1996
Professional Memberships:
– St. Francis Church Finance Council, 2004–present, Chair and Trustee
- Essentia-St. Joseph's Medical Center, Directors Council, 2020-present
- Lakes Area Music Festival Board, Board Member 2022-present
– Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, 2016-2022, Board Member and Chair
– Mount Ski Gull, Board Member, 2014-2019
– Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615
– Zonta International, 1999–2018
– Jaycees, Brainerd, 1998–1999
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 2000–2001, President
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 1999–2000, Vice-President
Patrick has been practicing law since 1980, dedicating over 90% of his career to representing personal injury victims and their families, as well as handling a wide range of civil litigation matters. He is a Certified Trial Specialist recognized by the Minnesota Bar Association and was named a leading American attorney in personal injury law by the American Research Corporation. His professional excellence also earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics, placing him among the top six percent of attorneys in Minnesota.
Pat is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after 40+ years of practice. We thank Pat for his years of dedication to the firm and his service to the Brainerd Lakes Area. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to justice, compassion for clients, and significant contributions to the legal profession.
Areas of Practice (during his active years):
Plaintiff’s Personal Injury
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Construction Litigation
Contract Litigation
Mediation and Arbitration
Education:
– University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, ND – J.D., 1980
- Honors: Graduate of the Year, Bruce Inn
- North Dakota Law Review, 1979–1980
– Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – B.A., 1974
- Major: Business Administration / Hospital Administration
Bar Admissions:
Minnesota, 1980
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1981
Professional Memberships:
American Bar Association, Member
Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Minnesota Association for Justice, Member
Crow Wing-Aitkin County Bar Association, Past President
Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
Brainerd Jaycees, Past President (1981–1982)
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615, Past Exalted Ruler
P.O.R.T. Group Home, Past Member, Board of Directors
