Jacob R. Grassel

Business Law, Real Estate, Land Use and Government Relations

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craig howse

Craig Howse practices primarily in the areas of Business Law and Estate Planning.

Craig has represented and counseled numerous family businesses in both their business and commercial matters as well in their business succession planning. He appreciates and enjoys the dynamics of business, and particularly the multi-generational aspects of family business. His background and experience gives him the ability to weave both business and estate planning into workable solutions for his client to preserve the family business and family relationships while minimizing or eliminating the estate tax consequences of succession planning.

Craig has also worked on numerous commercial transactions ranging from the acquisition of downtown office buildings, hotels and development properties. His background in accounting provides him a strong perspective on finance and business and is a unique advantage to clients. Craig has also represented many non-profit organizations in organizational and transactional matters. He understands the integration of mission and operation and enjoys furthering the objectives of ministries through legal counsel.

Areas of practice include:

• Business Law
• Commercial Transactions and Acquisitions of Real Estate and Businesses
• Financing, Sales and Acquisitions
• Estate planning/Succession planning
• Estate Planning techniques
• Estate Preservation
• Estate Administration

Bar Admissions:
Minnesota

Education:
William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1990, J.D., Honors; cum laude
Northwestern College, 1986, B.S. Accounting, Honors; cum laude

jeffrEy c. thompson

Jeff Thompson primarily represents clients in family law matters and in civil and real estate litigation. Jeff is a family law mediator, listed on the Minnesota State Neutral Roster, having become a qualified neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice for Family Law Matters. Jeff has also advised and provided representation for contractors, small business owners and other individuals in a variety of litigation, contract and related matters and in estate planning.

Prior to the start of Howse & Thompson, P.A., in 2002, Jeff was an associate with Vest & Howse, P.A., in Brooklyn Center, and worked for the City of St. Paul, Minnesota, as a criminal prosecutor. Jeff is a graduate of Northwestern College (1988) and the William Mitchell College of Law (1992). He is licensed to practice in the Courts of both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Jeff lives in Big Lake, Minnesota, He has 3 children who are active in basketball, volleyball, and fast-pitch softball.

Areas of practice include:

• Family law
• Mediation
• Litigation
• Contracts
• Real Estate
• Estate planning

Bar Admissions:
Minnesota
Wisconsin

Education:
William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1992, J.D.
Northwesten College, 1988, B.S. Accounting

Jacob R. Grassel

Jake Grassel focuses his practice on business law, real estate, land use and government relations.

Prior to joining Howse & Thompson, PA., Jake worked for both a small start-up business and in the legal department of a Fortune 500 company. Having spent time working in the business community allows Jake the ability to more fully understand the needs of his client. Recognizing that every business and individual has unique needs and goals, Jake works with his clients to carry-out their objectives through a personalized approach. Having grown up in a family of entrepreneurs, Jake cherishes the ability to help clients chart a court to achieve their dreams and help them navigate the many legal obstacles in their path.

Having worked and built relationships with government officials and civic leaders, Jake helps clients navigate the legislative process when the need arises.

Jake and his wife live in Minnetonka and in his spare time, he enjoys golfing, playing hockey, and hunting.

Areas of practice include:

• Business Law
• Real Estate
• Land Use
• Government Relations
• Civil Litigation
• Estate Planning

Bar Admissions:
Minnesota
North Dakota
U.S. District Court District of Minnesota

Education:
University of St. Thomas School of Law, J.D., 2009
Bethel University, 2005, B.A. Business

• Estate Planning
• Corporate/Business
• Real Estate

• Family
• Mediation
• Civil Litigation