Bassford Remele Taps Jessica Klander as New Managing Partner

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal | By Keith Schubert, Reporter | May 31, 2024

Jessica Klander is Bassford Remele's new managing partner.

The promotion comes after 14 years with the firm, which she has been at her entire professional career. She is succeeding Kelly Putney who served in the role for two consecutive three year terms and is still with the firm as a shareholder.

Klander didn't always know she wanted to be a lawyer. After completing her undergraduate degree, she bounced around as an advertising account executive, office manager and insurance agent before deciding to go to law school.

After graduating from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2008, she got a summer clerkship at Minneapolis-based Bassford Remele. In March, the firm's board of directors voted to promote Klander to managing partner.

Bassford, founded in 1882, is the Twin Cities 24th-largest law firm, according to Business Journal research with 40 lawyers.

Klander's practice focuses on defending lawyers, financial entities, healthcare providers, and other organizations against consumer financial protection claims, malpractice and professional liability claims.

As the new office leader, Klander said one of her top priorities will be growing the firm. Specifically, she said it is looking to grow its family law, real estate, corporate and construction practices. The firm also recently hired five lawyers.

"I think one of the exciting things is some firm growth," she said. "We see it as a real opportunity to kind of be the place for folks who aren't looking for the national footprint or the big firm."

Another emphasis for Klander is promoting mental health and work/life balance within the firm. Klander was recently part of a team who helped convince the Minnesota Supreme Court to adopt a two-year pilot project to provide for presumptive personal leave of court/scheduling order deadlines of up to 90 days, which she said will help lawyers maintain balance their mental health and work.

"That is a really personal kind of project for me that I work on a lot," she said of mental health awareness within the profession. "I had to step away from my practice when I was having babies and the firm was super supportive, so that is something that's very near and dear to my heart."

She also said that having progressive mental health policies that promote a healthier work/life balance will help recruit more lawyers.

"You should have a life outside of work, you should be able to devote time to things other than the practice of law," she said. "I think that's where we really shine is by giving people the resources and support that they need."

Jessica Klander's practice focuses on defending lawyers, financial entities, healthcare providers, and other organizations against consumer financial protection claims, malpractice, and professional liability claims. In particular, she counsels organizations on privacy, data security, and governmental and regulatory affairs. She advises and represents health care organizations, collection agencies, and law firms against state and federal regulatory inquiries, civil investigative demands, and consumer lawsuits. Jessica serves as treasurer of the Hennepin County Bar Association and is on the insideArm Legal Advisory Board.

Bassford Remele proudly serves as local and national counsel for many major corporations and Fortune 500 Companies and is a go-to litigation firm representing local, national, and international clients in state and federal courts across the region. The firm provides comprehensive counsel and representation in litigation and dispute resolution, family law, and corporate matters, ensuring prompt and effective service for its clients.

Established in 1882, Bassford Remele is proud to be the oldest top-25 law firm based in Minnesota.

Bassford Remele | May 31, 2024