Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander, Business Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Litigation
PartneratMeagher + Geer, P.L.L.P.
Minneapolis, MN
Practicing business in Minneapolis since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander is a partner based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. Jacalyn has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P..
- Based in
- Minneapolis, MN
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Litigation
- Handles Business, Employment, and Litigation matters from Minneapolis, MN.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander: Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander is a partner based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. Jacalyn has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P..
Areas of practice
Jacalyn's practice areas in Minneapolis
Jacalyn concentrates on business, employment, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jacalyn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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Litigation
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Business cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jacalyn takes business matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jacalyn agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jacalyn takes employment matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jacalyn agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jacalyn takes litigation matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jacalyn agrees to represent you.
Biography
Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander, business attorney serving Minneapolis
Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander is a partner based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Litigation. Jacalyn has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P.. Jacalyn works from Minneapolis, Minnesota and takes on business matters across the region.
Jacalyn focuses her practice on employment and commercial litigation and advising. She works with businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes to find sensible solutions to legal challenges. She defends employers in federal and state court; before local, state, and federal agencies; and in individual, collective, and class actions.
Jacalyn is experienced at efficiently resolving employment-related claims, including allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, family and medical leave requests, and other statutory and common law employment claims. She is also experienced at defending actions involving claims of director and officer liability, breach of fiduciary duties, shareholder disputes, derivative actions, and disputes over non-compete agreements and trade secrets.
Jacalyn provides practical and proactive advice on:
•Workplace policies, handbooks, and training;
•Statutory compliance;
•Responding to requests for religious or disability-related accommodations;
•Managing requests for medical and family leaves of absences; and
•Employee discipline and discharge decisions.
Jacalyn is a 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. During law school, she worked as a law clerk for the civil division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, was a member of the University of Minnesota Law School’s Environmental Law Moot Court, and a student attorney for the Workers’ Rights legal clinic where she advised and represented individuals with employment-related issues.
Representative Experience
•Obtained a jury verdict for the defendant car dealership in a quid pro quo sexual harassment claim asserted under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
•Awarded summary judgment dismissing claims against a construction company that alleged sex discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and retaliation under the Minnesota Worker’s Compensation Act.
•Successfully defended breach of fiduciary duties claims against members of the board of directors of a home owners association brought derivatively by a group of home owners, while also obtaining a judgment against the principal plaintiff for defamation and securing an award for attorney fees.
•Currently representing a joint labor and management apprentice training program in a class action involving claims that its entrance examination had a disparate impact based on race and national origin.
•Achieved summary judgment for a manufacturing firm in a case asserting claims of disability discrimination and retaliation arising out of a reduction in force.
•Achieved early settlement for a manufacturing firm facing a potential action involving multiple claims of age discrimination arising out of a reduction in force.
•Obtained jury verdict and judgment against a title and escrow agency for its negligence in connection with the closing of a mortgage loan in a subrogation action to recover damages sustained by the lender.
Accolades
•North Star Lawyers, Minnesota State Bar Association
•Selected for inclusion in the Minnesota Rising Stars list, Thomson Reuters, (Only 2.5 percent of the Minnesota attorneys are given this honor), 2016-2017
News
• Dec 31, 2025
Meagher + Geer announces new Partners
• May 30, 2023
Meagher + Geer attorneys recognized as North Star Lawyers for pro bono work
• Jul 5, 2017
Meagher & Geer Congratulates its Lawyers Named to the 2017 Minnesota Rising Stars List
Events
•Sep 14, 2017
HR Conference - Minnesota The Management Association (MRA)
•Dec 5, 2014
Minnesota CLE Seminar “Job Applicant Screening”
•Oct 14, 2013
Debra Weiss and Jacalyn Chinander speak at Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) State Conference
Articles
•Aug 25, 2017
When an Employment Negotiation Breaks Down Over a Maternity Leave Request, the Search for What Actually Motivated the Employer Gets Complicated
Minnesota Defense
•Jun 1, 2017
When an Employment Negotiation Breaks Down Over a Maternity Leave Request, the Search for What Actually Motivated the Employer Gets Complicated
•Jun 1, 2016
Job Applicant Screening: A Practice Guide
Jacalyn's approach to business cases
Jacalyn focuses her practice on employment and commercial litigation and advising. She works with businesses and non-profit organizations of all sizes to find sensible solutions to legal challenges. She defends employers in federal and state court; before local, state, and federal agencies; and in individual, collective, and class actions. Jacalyn is experienced at efficiently resolving…
Clients Jacalyn works with
Jacalyn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and litigation matters in Minneapolis and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Jacalyn studied and practices
University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. · 2007
University of Minnesota
B.A. · 1999
Jurisdictions
Jacalyn's state bar admissions
United States Distri
2013 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
2008 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
2007 · ACTIVE
Jacalyn studied at J.D. in University of Minnesota Law School and B.A. in University of Minnesota.
Law school and academic background
Jacalyn completed J.D. in University of Minnesota Law School and B.A. in University of Minnesota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jacalyn runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Jacalyn's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Affiliations •Federal Bar Association •Minnesota State Bar Association •Labor & Employment Law Section •Hennepin County Bar Association •Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association (MDLA) •Minnesota Women Lawyers
membership
Locations
Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander's office in Minneapolis
Jacalyn's primary office is at 33 S. 6th Street, Suite 4300, Minneapolis, MN, 55402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P.
33 S. 6th Street, Suite 4300
Minneapolis, MN 55402
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jacalyn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jacalyn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jacalyn's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jacalyn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jacalyn
Jacalyn discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jacalyn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jacalyn's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander
How much does it cost to hire Jacalyn for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jacalyn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jacalyn offer a free consultation?
Jacalyn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jacalyn's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Jacalyn's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Minnesota typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jacalyn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jacalyn take my case if I'm outside Minneapolis?
Jacalyn is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jacalyn will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jacalyn?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jacalyn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jacalyn accepting new business clients right now?
Jacalyn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina in Minnesota
Jacalyn handles business matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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