Joseph W. Lawver

Attorney

Minneapolis

612-672-3698

jlawver@messerlikramer.com

Assistant: Dawn Solfield

612-672-3619

Profile

Joseph Lawver focuses his practice on business services and business litigation, concentrating on helping financial institutions in secured transactions and equipment leasing. His work includes preparation, due diligence and negotiation of transactional agreements that are part of these companies’ businesses as well as the enforcement mechanisms that become necessary when an agreement does not proceed as planned. These mechanisms include collections, workouts, replevins, and bankruptcy procedures.

Joe also provides general counsel to his clients, including contract negotiations and formation, employment law matters, and financial matters. His clients include banks, equipment-leasing companies, property managers, closely held corporations, limited liability corporations, and partnerships.

The nature of his clients’ work is such that disputes can occur in locales throughout the country. Joe has a network of attorneys and legal support specialists across the U.S. who can provide assistance in resolving those out-of-state disputes.

Representative Experience
  • Represented national equipment lessor in multi-jurisdictional replevin of transportation equipment.

  • Represented manufacturer in acquisition of competing millwork operations in bankruptcy.

  • Represented Lender to protect its interest in Chapter 12 Bankruptcy proceeding.

  • Represented secured lenders in all aspects of Chapter 11 proceedings, including cash collateral usage, valuation hearing, plan objections and negotiations of consensual plans.

  • Represented creditors to obtain nondischargeability orders in fraud, out of trust sale and misrepresentation cases.

  • Represented numerous equipment lessors in breach of contract and replevin actions.

  • Represents leaders in all aspects of secured transactions including asset based lending, floor planning, and equipment leasing.

Professional & Community

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Associations

  • American Bar Association, Member
  • Hennepin County Bar Association, Member
  • American Bankruptcy Institute, Member
  • Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, Member
  • Lease Enforcement Attorney Network, Member
  • Minnesota State Court, Member
  • Montana State Court, Member
  • National Equipment Finance Association, Member
  • Turnaround Management Association, Member