John A. Klassen

Focusing his practice on employment and civil rights law matters, John A. Klassen is the founder of his eponymous law firm. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he provides representation to clients throughout the state. Admitted to practice in Minnesota since 1994, Mr. Klassen is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.

In his employment law practice, Mr. Klassen furnishes advice and counsel to current, former and prospective employees in a variety of matters. Many of his cases have involved claims of discrimination that are prohibited by several federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Mr. Klassen has also represented victims of workplace sexual harassment and wage and hour violations, and he has worked with whistleblowers as well as with people who have been wrongfully terminated or who have been retaliated against in other ways. He also reviews noncompete and severance agreements, and he has handled employment contract disputes. Mr. Klassen received widespread press coverage when he prevailed in trials in 2006 and 2007 that involved sexual harassment and retaliation on the part of the Minneapolis Fire Department and its fire chief.

Mr. Klassen's civil rights practice has involved his representation of victims of police misconduct in cases involving unlawful strip searches, false arrest, unjustified shootings, illegal searches and seizures, and excessive force. His successful track record in all of his professional endeavors has earned him an "Excellent" peer-review rating through Avvo. After receiving a Bachelor of Laws from what was then known as the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law, he enrolled at Seattle University School of Law, and he was awarded his Juris Doctor in 1993.