Ryan Trucke is a partner in the firm. Ryan is known for his practical and client service-oriented approach. He has a very broad practice that includes both transactional work and litigation. Ryan’s experience with real estate law includes representation of financial institutions, private lenders, developers, contractors, owners/managers, title insurers, and a variety of other real estate related businesses. Ryan also has extensive business law experience, providing counsel to many growing, privately held corporations and limited liability companies while helping them to avoid or overcome impediments to lasting success. Ryan’s experience allows him to assist in efficiently resolving disputes both large and small while counseling clients about measures they can take to avoid litigation. His common sense approach and attention to detail help simplify complicated transactions. Ryan’s clients value his responsiveness, attention to detail and ability to efficiently move matters toward a satisfactory conclusion.

Direct: 763-222-2504
Fax: 763-222-2501
Email: rtrucke@brutlaw.com

Matt is a partner at the firm with over a decade of legal experience.  Matt is originally from Hillsboro, North Dakota, but had connections to the Twin Cities that drew him to the area. While in law school, Matt served on the Executive Board for the Valparaiso University Law Review and clerked for United States Magistrate Judge Christopher Nuechterlein. Prior to joining the firm in 2007, Matt served a one year clerkship for the Honorable Carol Ronning Kapsner at the North Dakota Supreme Court. Matt’s practice includes both real estate transactions and business litigation. The majority of his clients are connected to the concentrations in construction, real estate, and manufacturing. Matt often takes an “outside general counsel” approach with his clients. He provides his clients with a single point of contact and accountability for their projects on all their legal needs. In his free time, he golfs as much as Minnesota weather permits, reads, and spends time with his family and friends. He has four daughters and lives with his wife in Medina, Minnesota who is a physical therapist.

Direct: 763-222-2507
Fax: 763-222-2501
Email: mdoherty@brutlaw.com

Working with entrepreneurs and closely held business owners is a genuinely rewarding part of my career. I’m deeply passionate about assisting them through the intricate processes of buying, selling, and merging businesses. There’s a unique challenge in balancing the operational demands and the strategic growth of a business, and I thrive on partnering with my clients to navigate these complexities. I often collaborate closely with my clients’ existing CPAs and other advisors, bringing my tax and financial expertise to the table. This comprehensive approach allows me to be an integral part of the acquisition or merger process, from initial planning and valuation to contract negotiations, due diligence, and through to the closing.

My journey into this field was inspired by my early experiences in community development in Venezuela. These experiences taught me the value of hands-on involvement and innovative solutions. Today, I continue to channel these values in my work with the Minnesota non-profit Mano-a-Mano, where I contribute to building essential community infrastructure in rural Bolivia. Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my family, exploring the beauty of Minnesota’s trails and wilderness on my bike, and connecting people to their communities. For me, being a lawyer isn’t just about legal expertise; it’s about being a trusted advisor and partner to my clients, helping them focus on what they do best – running their business.

Direct: 763-222-2508
Fax: 763-222-2501
Email: MHartranft@brutlaw.com

Alex is an attorney who joined the firm in 2023. While attending Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Alex was a law clerk for both Beisel & Dunlevy, P.A. and Schmidt and Salita Law Team. Additionally, he interned for Regis Corporation’s Commercial Real Estate department. Prior to law school, Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Cornell College, where he also captained the baseball team.

Currently, Alex’s practice is primarily focused on business and real estate litigation. Committed to providing valuable, timely, and effective solutions, he prioritizes meeting all his clients’ needs.

Outside work, Alex enjoys playing pickleball and basketball, supporting Minnesota sports teams, and coaching JV baseball for St. Louis Park High School.

Direct: 763-222-2503
Fax: 763-222-2501
Email: aschwartz@brutlaw.com

With over two decades of legal, regulatory and financial services expertise, Craig is a seasoned counselor and advisor that has worked on all sides of the desk including business leader, corporate operations, general counsel, and as a federal regulator. This experience gives Craig a unique perspective on the challenges facing organizations today and able to provide sound, practical advice to stakeholders across your company. In addition to vast knowledge of banking related legal matters, Craig is well versed in risk management and change management issues facing a broad range of industries.

Along with assisting small business owners, Craig has held positions as in-house counsel for one of the country’s largest super regional banks, as well as General Counsel for a multi-state community bank which completed three acquisitions and tripled in size during his tenure. He is also a commissioned Federal Reserve Bank Examiner. Craig served as counsel for a bank trade association, providing support to hundreds of member banks around Minnesota on a variety of issues.

Craig is active in his community. He serves as adjunct faculty at the University of St Thomas School of Law. Craig enjoys instructing other lawyers at Minnesota CLE events. Craig volunteers his time as a board member at LDA Minnesota, a 50+ year old non-profit focused on educational opportunities for students with learning disabilities across the state. Craig and his family make their home in Medina, MN. He is actively involved in volunteer youth sports coaching with his three boys.

Direct: 763-222-2502
Fax: 763-222-2501
Email: Cfoss@brutlaw.com

Mike Brutlag practiced with the firm for over thirty-five years and retired in June 2021.

Direct: 763-222-2503
Fax: 763-222-2501
Email: mbrutlag@brutlaw.com