Minneapolis employment lawyer

If you were fired, harassed, underpaid, or pushed out at a job in the Minneapolis metro area, we can help. Our Minneapolis office serves employees across Minnesota on state and federal employment law matters.

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Our Minnesota office

Conference room in the Wanta Thome Minneapolis office
Fifth Street Towers in downtown Minneapolis
100 S 5th St, Suite 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 252-3570

Floor 1 · Fifth Street Towers

Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm

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Minnesota employment law

Minnesota employees have protections under both federal and state law. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) covers discrimination in the workplace on grounds broader than federal law. The Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave law, which took effect in January 2026, gives most workers paid leave for their own serious health conditions or to care for family members. Minnesota also has strong protections for whistleblowers under the Minnesota Whistleblower Act, and its wage and hour laws include provisions that go beyond the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Not sure which laws apply to your situation?
That’s what we figure out with you.

Wanta Thome partners and legal team standing together outdoors

The team

Meet the full team
Shawn Wanta, Founding Partner at Wanta Thome

Shawn Wanta

Founding Partner

Recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Civil Plaintiff and Top 10 Wage and Hour attorneys, a determined litigator fighting for workers in class and collective actions.

Admitted in MN · IL

Joni Thome, Founding Partner at Wanta Thome

Joni Thome

Founding Partner

Drawing on 25 years of representing professionals and managers, a steady advocate for employees facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace.

Admitted in MN

Kate Long, Attorney at Wanta Thome

Kate Long

Attorney

Drawing on deep empathy from her time as a registered nurse, a fierce litigator committed to helping dedicated employees reclaim their power and find true justice on the job.

Admitted in MN

Isaiah Kelly standing with attorney Joni Thome

“Joni and her team are who you want to represent you! She kept me informed and in the loop throughout the whole process while working hard. Joni is warm and makes sure her clients are cared for. She helped me heal and close a chapter of my life so I can continue moving forward strong knowing that my voice matters and will be heard! Thank you so much for all of your dedication and care!”

Isaiah Kelly

Tacora Franklin-Lee

Wanta Thorne was just what I and my family needed. There were patient, knowledgeable and great at explaining things in a easy to understand manor. I appreciate the responsiveness of all involved and I'm very satisfied their services.

Alexander Hartigan

Joni and her team are exceptional! I felt heard during the entire process, and that was extremely important to me as I was going through this difficult, and confusing period in my life. The communication is superb, and Joni will do everything possible to fight for you in your case. If you want an empathetic team that will go the extra mile for you in your employment matter, I strongly recommend Wanta Thome!

Kathleen Schreck

Luke was so wonderful! He talked me through any question I had or if I ever needed clarity. He was also extremely responsive, whether it was a quick reply to my email, or calling me to ensure I had an understanding. I would absolutely use Wanta Thome again if I ever had an issue, and would definitely recommend this firm to anyone who needs assurance. Thanks again!!

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Recent results

$14.8M
Recovered for workers in the 215 cases we resolved over the past 12 months.
3 in 4
Share of those cases resolved without filing a lawsuit.
$42.5K
Median recovery in our retaliation cases over the same period.
~7 months
Median time from first call to resolution in cases involving medical or parental leave. Some take longer.

Figures cover cases resolved between October 21, 2025 and October 20, 2026. Recoveries are gross amounts estimated from the firm’s fee records.
Every case turns on its own facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Common questions

What is at-will employment in Minnesota?

Minnesota is an at-will state, so your employer can generally fire you without warning or a stated reason, and you can quit the same way. What at-will doesn’t allow is firing you for an illegal reason — discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or refusing to break the law.

Do I have to give two weeks’ notice in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota law doesn’t require notice from either side. It’s a professional courtesy, not a legal obligation, unless your employment contract says otherwise. Your employer can’t withhold your final paycheck because you left without notice.

What is the Minnesota Human Rights Act?

The MHRA is Minnesota’s main anti-discrimination law. It protects more characteristics than federal law — including marital status and sexual orientation — and covers employers with as few as one employee, where federal law generally requires fifteen or more.

Am I covered by Minnesota’s new paid leave law?

Most Minnesota workers are. The state’s paid family and medical leave program covers time off for your own serious health condition or to care for a family member. Coverage is broad, but eligibility depends on your work history — worth checking your specific situation.

How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Minnesota?

It depends on which law you use. Federal charges through the EEOC can run as short as 300 days, and MHRA claims follow their own timeline. Because the clock starts when the discrimination happened, waiting can cost you options.