Attorneys / Nathan Z. Heffernan
Nathan Z. Heffernan
Attorney
Practice Groups
Appeals, Business & Commercial, Business & Commercial Litigation, Construction & Real Estate, Lawyers Professional Liability, Lawyers Professional Responsibility, Professional Liability
Biography
Nathan Heffernan brings a strong appellate and trial-court perspective to his litigation practice, shaped by four years of judicial clerkship experience at the Minnesota Court of Appeals and in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. That background gives him practical insight into how judges evaluate arguments, analyze disputes, and manage complex legal issues.
At Bassford Remele, Nathan represents clients in complex commercial litigation, business disputes, and professional liability matters, with a particular focus on work involving lawyers and law firms. His practice also includes professional responsibility issues, where he draws on both his litigation experience and his understanding of the ethical obligations that shape the practice of law.
Nathan’s commitment to legal ethics and professionalism extends beyond his client work. He serves on the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Professionalism and Ethics Section Council, reflecting his active engagement with the professional standards and responsibilities of Minnesota lawyers.
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and Minnesota Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, Nathan combines careful legal analysis with practical judgment and a client-focused approach to advocacy.
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2018
- University of Minnesota, B.A., 2014
Bar Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Pennsylvania
Judicial Clerkships
- Minnesota Court of Appeals, The Honorable Theodora Gaïtas, Matthew Johnson, Diane Bratvold, and Randall Slieter, Appellate Law Clerk, 2020-2022
- Minnesota Sixth Judicial District, The Honorable Shaun R. Floerke, Law Clerk, 2018-2020
- Wisconsin Supreme Court, Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson, Judicial Intern, 2017
Publications
- Professional Liability Claims-Made Coverage, co-author, Chapter 19, Minnesota Insurance Law Deskbook, Minnesota Continuing Legal Education
Seminars
- The Client File and Responding to Subpoenas, co-presenter, Minnesota State Bar Association Professionalism and Ethics Section Annual Meeting & CLE, June 16, 2026
- Not Just the MPRE: A Refresher on Ethics and Common Pitfalls For New Lawyers, presenter, Minnesota State Bar Association Professionalism and Ethics Section, December 4, 2025
Bar Associations
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Assembly
- Professionalism and Ethics Section, Council Member
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Professional Associations
- Professional Liability Defense Federation
Honors & Awards
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2026-present
- Top Lawyers, Minnesota Monthly, 2024-present
- Minnesota Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers, 2024-present

