team-member

Stephen Hance

Wayzata, MN

Licensed for 25 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Business

Language

English

About

Steve represents and advises clients that are dealing with business, real estate disputes and family law concerns.  He appreciates the financial realities of conflict, and makes every effort to find a creative solution that makes sense.  When there are no choices though, his experience and record of success pays dividends.  Steve has represented clients ranging from individual entrepreneurs to fortune 100 companies, appearing in numerous federal and state trials. When it makes sense to resolve dispute, Steve finds a solution. When it does not, he has the confidence, skill and resolve to take it to trial, where he almost always prevails.   Steve also routinely assists clients in transactions involving the purchase or sale of businesses and/or real estate.  He has saved his clients millions recognizing potential tax issues, finding additional value in their business transactions or simply helping them avoid unnecessary liabilities.A 1996 honors graduate from William Mitchell College of Law, Steve is a member in good standing with the Minnesota State Bar Association; Ramsey County Bar Association; Hennepin County Bar Association; Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association. He is very active in the Rotary Organization, having served as a Board Member, Committee Chair, Treasurer and District Committee Chair. Steve has served as a Board Member for the St. Paul/Nagasaki Sister City Organization, the Como Park Lantern Lighting Festival and as President and Board Member for the Bloomington Sister City Organization (Izumi Japan). Steve was raised in Minnesota and now lives in Minneapolis. He is married with one child.  He spent two years living in Tokyo, Japan where he learned to speak conversational Japanese. He is an avid competitive pool player, second degree black belt in tae kwon do, avid downhill skiier and fisherman, among other things.

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Business

Real Estate

Language

English

Contact

Hance Law Firm, Ltd.155 Lake Street EastWayzata, MN, 55391155 Lake Street EastWayzata, MN, 55391

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
June 13, 2013

The majority partner in my business attempted to shut me out of the business. After my first vacation in four years, I came back to a locked office door and a response that our relationship "needed to change." I told my business partner that changing the locks on the door meant that we had no relationship. Steve made sure to understand the intricacies of my case, and felt confident that we had a strong case as a trial date was set. The other side suggested mediation, which we did, and we settled before trial. I've heard that it's a good settlement if both sides are unhappy, but I think I was more happy than the other side -- so I think I came out a little ahead. Overall, I'm very happy with how Steve handled my case and would use him again in a heartbeat.

Joe
May 8, 2013

My company has worked with Stephen for nearly a decade. His expertise in business law is exceptional. We have utilized Stephen for both business litigation and contractual agreements. In both areas he has proven to be an invaluable resource.

Mark Ebbenga
May 7, 2013

It is simple, when dealing with lawyers over the past 20 years, it is hard to find one that can explain what and why we handle customers a certain way. As a business man you may get hard headed like I am, and want to do things that would not do well for yourself in business if take certain actions. Steve is able to negotiate and or guide me to do what will be in the best interest of my company, without causing a lot of litigation. Long and short, in all the time I have been in business Steve has been the most responsive and helpful attorney I have ever had. Easy to talk with, good to explain, and great guidance with our legal/business strategy.

anonymous
June 13, 2013

The majority partner in my business attempted to shut me out of the business. After my first vacation in four years, I came back to a locked office door and a response that our relationship "needed to change." I told my business partner that changing the locks on the door meant that we had no relationship. Steve made sure to understand the intricacies of my case, and felt confident that we had a strong case as a trial date was set. The other side suggested mediation, which we did, and we settled before trial. I've heard that it's a good settlement if both sides are unhappy, but I think I was more happy than the other side -- so I think I came out a little ahead. Overall, I'm very happy with how Steve handled my case and would use him again in a heartbeat.

Joe
May 8, 2013

My company has worked with Stephen for nearly a decade. His expertise in business law is exceptional. We have utilized Stephen for both business litigation and contractual agreements. In both areas he has proven to be an invaluable resource.

Mark Ebbenga
May 7, 2013

It is simple, when dealing with lawyers over the past 20 years, it is hard to find one that can explain what and why we handle customers a certain way. As a business man you may get hard headed like I am, and want to do things that would not do well for yourself in business if take certain actions. Steve is able to negotiate and or guide me to do what will be in the best interest of my company, without causing a lot of litigation. Long and short, in all the time I have been in business Steve has been the most responsive and helpful attorney I have ever had. Easy to talk with, good to explain, and great guidance with our legal/business strategy.

anonymous
June 13, 2013

The majority partner in my business attempted to shut me out of the business. After my first vacation in four years, I came back to a locked office door and a response that our relationship "needed to change." I told my business partner that changing the locks on the door meant that we had no relationship. Steve made sure to understand the intricacies of my case, and felt confident that we had a strong case as a trial date was set. The other side suggested mediation, which we did, and we settled before trial. I've heard that it's a good settlement if both sides are unhappy, but I think I was more happy than the other side -- so I think I came out a little ahead. Overall, I'm very happy with how Steve handled my case and would use him again in a heartbeat.

Joe
May 8, 2013

My company has worked with Stephen for nearly a decade. His expertise in business law is exceptional. We have utilized Stephen for both business litigation and contractual agreements. In both areas he has proven to be an invaluable resource.

Mark Ebbenga
May 7, 2013

It is simple, when dealing with lawyers over the past 20 years, it is hard to find one that can explain what and why we handle customers a certain way. As a business man you may get hard headed like I am, and want to do things that would not do well for yourself in business if take certain actions. Steve is able to negotiate and or guide me to do what will be in the best interest of my company, without causing a lot of litigation. Long and short, in all the time I have been in business Steve has been the most responsive and helpful attorney I have ever had. Easy to talk with, good to explain, and great guidance with our legal/business strategy.