Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce it has established a presence in St. Cloud, Minnesota, welcoming three new partners, Brian Schoenborn, Alex Schoephoerster, and Rob Schumann, and one new of counsel attorney, Jessica Brigman, to the firm’s Corporate and Business Transactions practice group.
The attorneys each bring a robust book of business to Spencer Fane and have cultivated broad practices which focus on all aspects of business structuring and associated transactions critical to operational success. Cumulatively, their essential client work spans dozens of diverse industries in which they advise individuals and families, startup ventures, private companies, and large corporate entities.
The four attorneys have established strong reputations for providing diligent counsel within all phases of the business life cycle, including formation, reorganization, sales and acquisitions, and succession planning. All maintain notable track records of optimal outcomes.
“Our new St. Cloud group’s combined depth and agility will yield impactful contributions and leverage insight within our strong, cross-office Corporate and Business Transactions practice,” said Randi Winter, Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in Minneapolis. “Their tremendous reputations and established practices in St. Cloud amplify the firm’s presence in Minnesota and deepen its growing geographic footprint. We are excited to welcome an accomplished group that is in alignment with not only our intentional expansion efforts but also our vigorous, client-centric practices and core values.”
ABOUT THE ATTORNEYS
Brian J. Schoenborn, Partner
With fine-tuned legal and business acumen cultivated over three decades, Brian effectively identifies problems and opportunities at the many intersections of business law and estate planning. In addition to counseling families and private businesses, he has notably been an owner and board member of software technology ventures, real estate development companies, community banks, and sports and entertainment entities. He also boasts a distinguished reputation in the niche area of sports business law and facility development. Brian graduated with his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from St. Cloud University before earning his Juris Doctor cum laude at the University of Minnesota Law School.
Alex R. Schoephoerster, Partner
Alex’s corporate and transactional representation spans a wide variety of business needs such as financing and capital fundraising, corporate governance and buy-sell agreements, real estate issues and transactions, attracting and retaining key employees, selling a business and acquiring new businesses, and business succession planning and exit strategies. He maintains a markedly diverse client roster and has become a renowned leader in the bitcoin and blockchain industry. Alex regularly advises both emerging and established businesses, seamlessly tapping into both potential business challenges and clients’ greater visions. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Saint John’s University, he earned his Juris Doctor cum laude at the University of Minnesota Law School.
Robert L. Schumann, Partner
Adeptly shifting between small transactions and complex, multimillion-dollar deals, Robert has advised family businesses as well as large corporate entities on mergers and acquisitions and related matters. More broadly, he offers strategic, comprehensive solutions for a wide variety of needs critical to operational success at all stages of the business life cycle. His practice spans several diverse industries, including auto, truck, and RV dealerships; ag and implement dealerships; construction and real estate development companies; and enterprises in the sports and entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and professional service industries. Robert completed his undergraduate degree magna cum laude at St. Cloud State University before earning his Juris Doctor cum laude at the University of Minnesota Law School.
Jessica M. S. Brigman, Of Counsel
Jessica advises clients on all aspects of business structuring and maintenance, from commercial contract formation – including employment agreements, master sales agreements, and service agreements – to ongoing growth strategies and long-term compliance. Her wholistic practice also encompasses trust and estate planning with a particular focus on asset preservation within multigenerational family businesses and a concentration on family farms. She previously served as in-house counsel to a large technology company, experience which contributes to her high adaptability amid complex matters and shifting priorities. Building on that experience, she is a Certified Information Privacy Professional/U.S. through the International Association of Privacy Professionals and advises clients with an online presence. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Hamline University, Jessica earned her Juris Doctor cum laude at Western Michigan University, Thomas Cooley School of Law.
