Why Choose Us

- Mary Younes

- Jennifer Schultz, Employee Relations and Social Media Consultant at United Healthcare

“Sheila is an outstanding and committed attorney. She is extremely sharp, creative and thoughtful. I highly recommend her to both individuals and businessses to address a variety of employment related issues.”

-Kimberly Hewitt Boyd, Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, University of Minnesota

"I hired Sheila in 2008 and continuing. Sheila represents our medical practice on issues relating to employment and corporate matters. Her excellent legal counsel and no-nonsense approach are just some of the qualities we value about her. Sheila's legal skills and knowledge in the employment sector are second-to-none as evidenced by the respect given to her within the legal community. When we present her with a legal issue confronting us, Sheila does a great job of listening to our needs, sorting out the issues, explaining our options, and executing the plan in an efficient and professional manner. We initially retained Sheila to represent us on a single legal matter. However, we have been so impressed with her services that we have retained her as our corporate counsel and now go to her anytime we need advice relating to the business/legal side of running a medical practice. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert."

- Dr. Jacqueline Luong, Plastic Surgeon and Managing Director at Midwest Plastic Surgery

"I have worked with Sheila for more than a decade, most recently at Engelmeier & Umanah, P.A. Sheila is my go-to lawyer for any client, family member or friend with an employment law issue. She is smart, savvy, organized, client-focused, and has the uncanny ability to look at a legal issue from every angle to uncover the true root of a client's problem. She is extremely creative and uses that skill to benefit her clients by developing unique new approaches and nontraditional strategies. While Sheila is an exceptional trial lawyer and will zealously advocate for her clients in court, her focus has always been on finding the RIGHT solution for her clients with a strong preference toward cost-effective solutions like mediation to help clients avoid costly litigation. I strongly, highly recommend and endorse Sheila Engelmeier."

- Terrie Wheeler, MBC, Founder and President, Professional Services Marketing, Inc..

"I hired Sheila as an attorney in 2007 and I continue to work with her and others at Engelmeier & Umanah. I highly recommend Sheila for personal executive compensation counsel. I appreciate her attentiveness to listening to needs, interpreting them within the context of the contractual situation and supporting them as your strongest advocate. Her no-nonsense approach and direct communication style used to get to the core of the issue and focus on what is important is exactly what busy executives need in their compensation lawyer. I feel like I'm Sheila's only client when I work with her. She is willing to do whatever it takes to help me be successful, even staying up all night to negotiate a contract to final agreement. Her negotiation skills are extremely successful. I've seen her go toe-to-toe against the toughest white male attorney in Manhattan and come out the winner. In addition to being a great attorney, Sheila is a caring individual who is easy to forge a friendship with. I can't imagine working with any other compensation attorney. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative."

- Karen Beckwith, Co-Founder of Beckwith Crowe, LLC

"I hired Sheila as an attorney in 2006. Sheila is an experienced, creative and thorough attorney who offers excellent advice about strategy, has broad knowledge of options available, and uses her experience to the client's advantage. I've personally recommended her to several colleagues and would do so again with no hesitation. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity."

- Patricia Boeckmann, Vice President of Operations and Chief Nurse Executive, Straub Clinic and Hospital

"I hired Sheila and her team at Engelmeier & Umanah in 2009. I first worked with Sheila in 2009 on a major case after she came highly recommended by multiple references. Based on my experience, she is absolutely the best employment law attorney I've worked with in my thirty-year career. She is extremely knowledgeable, always well-prepared, gives excellent advice and direction and obtained the result we were seeking. I give her my highest recommendation. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity."

- Mark Summers, CEO at ThreeWire, Inc.

"I hired Sheila as an attorney/trainer in 2008. Sheila takes the time to get to know the culture of the organization in which she is conducting training and customizes the content for the specific audience. Her style is down-to-earth and her real-life scenarios make for a very effective training experience. Top qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative."

Sue Pearson, Director of Administration, Murnane Brandt

"I hired Sheila as an attorney in 2005, and hired Sheila more than once. Sheila and I have worked together on several employment matters and I have found Sheila to be very professional, with a great attention to detail in the process. Sheila's approach to the situation has yielded great outcomes. I would highly recommend Sheila. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity."

- Russell Berman, Executive Vice President at Hays Companies

"I hired Sheila and her team in 2005 and continue to consult with that team, when needed. Sheila Engelmeier knows the law, but more than that she knows how to apply the law to the unique dynamics and personalities of her clients and their issues to garner maximum results. She's tough. She's focused. She's committed. Thank goodness she is also on my side. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, On Time."

- William Moyers, VP at Hazelden; Author at Hazelden Foundation
Nationally syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate

"I regularly use Sheila as a mediator. Sheila is an outstanding mediator of employment related disputes. Her experience in litigating cases, knowledge of employment law, sense of humor and her ability to understand the real-world consequences of the discrimination my clients have experienced provide her all of the tools necessary to help my clients close what is typically one of the darkest chapters in their lives and help them achieve resolution. I highly recommend Sheila as a mediator."

- Nicholas May, Attorney, Fabian May & Anderson, PLLP

"I worked indirectly for Sheila at Rider Bennett, LLP. Sheila has the gut instincts necessary to be a successful litigator and negotiator. She is tenacious, yet professional with the opposition and provides exceptional client service."

- Tracy Domish, Marketing Director at Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren

"Sheila and her team have assisted my husband in navigating various work/business transitions and contract negotiations over the past many years. We worked primarily with Sheila, Jamie and April. However, since the team at E&U is very collaborative, we interfaced either directly or indirectly with just about everyone.

The family is greatly affected when workplace changes occur incident to business growth or when one part of the family is in transition. Sheila and her team all ways made me feel that my concerns, views and feelings were important and worthy of careful consideration. The team supported me and offered advice on how to optimally support my husband.

I highly recommend Sheila and the rest of the E&U team to other friends and family."

- Shannon Burger, Founder, Lakeside Appraisal

"When I need help or advice, Sheila Engelmeier is the first attorney I turn to. She is very well-respected in this community and for good reason; she is smart, hard-working, and highly-principled. Quite simply, when Sheila Engelmeier and the E&U team "have your back," you know you have the best advocates possible.

I also refer clients to both Sheila Engelmeier and Ivory "Sunny" Umanah in their respective practice areas. I have complete confidence in the high quality of their work and that of the other attorneys at Engelmeier & Umanah.

In addition, Engelmeier & Umanah has a uniformly excellent staff. In particular, Jamie Flom is one of the best paralegals I have ever worked with; she is thorough, responsive, and knowledgeable about both the law and the facts of a case. Moreover, Jamie brings to her work the additional gift of caring deeply about her clients. One has the feeling that she works so hard -- not because it is her job -- but because it is her passion."

- Teresa Patton, Esq., Teresa Patton Law, P.A.

"We were referred to Engelmeier & Umanah by a Human Resources Director who advised us that we would rather have this law firm sitting on our side of the table rather than on the other side of the table in our labor dispute and she was right!

Sue Fischer is energetic, smart, focused, meticulously prepared, polite and confident with a firm command of the facts and process.

We have excellent communication with all our contacts within the firm. They respond quickly, respect deadlines and are considerate of cost and time constraints.

We are pleased with our results and highly satisfied with the relationship."

- Nancy Turner, Co-owner, AXIS, Inc., St. Paul, MN

"I have worked directly with Sheila and her team for more than a decade, most recently at Engelmeier & Umanah, P.A. I first hired Sheila and her colleagues as attorneys in 1996, and hired Sheila more than once. With two attorneys in my immediate family, I have learned a few things about how to spot those lawyers who are the most diligent and capable, and put their client's needs first.

Sheila fits this profile more than all other attorneys I have engaged in my career as a venture capitalist, private investor, CEO, board member, or Chairman of several firms, both large and small. I also believe that an attorney is an integral part of the team with which she works. All the members of Sheila’s team with whom I work...Ivory, Jackie, April, and Jamie. . .have raised the bar for me in their collective candor, skill, and knowledge. My experience with the E&U team ensures that I will be consulting with the firm on all my future legal requirements."

- Bradley C. Holt, Founder Lion’s Gate Capital
Former Chairman, Domino’s Pizza, Canada
Former CEO and Chairman, SEII, Inc.

"At a time when my employment security had been unexpectedly shaken to its core, I found reassurance in the legal representation of Charlie Firth. Charlie was always responsive to my needs as a client and gave me sensible expert legal advice as he developed a customized strategy for my situation. Although it was a difficult time, in the end I was satisfied with the final resolution of my case. Thanks Charlie, keep up the good work."

- Financial Executive

"Sunny, a world of thanks to you! Your kindness has lightened my load during a difficult time and is very much appreciated."

- Kay Wilcox, Estate Planning Client

"Sheila, I want to thank you for all your help in getting our dispute resolved. I think we truly ended up with a 'win-win' result due in large measure to your realism, practicality and good grace."

- General Counsel, A college in Minnesota

"I became acquainted with Sheila Engelmeier and Sue Fischer when they were with Rider Bennett and my firm was looking for a firm to represent us with employment matters. Sheila & Sue introduced us to "Respect Effect" and provided training to ALARIS owners and managers. Sheila also provided training for me and my staff so that we could provide "Respect Effect" training to the rest of our staff. The quality of the training materials is impressive and Sheila's ability to effectively teach us gave us confidence to pass on the material to our employees.

I have had the privilege of working with Sheila Engelmeier, Sue Fischer, Ivory Umanah, Charles Firth, Jamie Flom and their support team. Without exception, they deliver outstanding, responsive service and they do not disappoint.

Besides having a wealth of information and knowledge, as well as incredible energy and personality, Sheila is as tenacious as a bulldog! I am totally confident that she protects our interests. She is a shrewd negotiator as well as a kind and patient teacher. She has instructed our team leaders demonstrating gifted teaching skills, vast knowledge and palpable passion for her area of expertise. She has given me greater confidence as a business leader and an officer in charge of the Human Resources function at ALARIS.

Sue Fischer is a great listener and an excellent communicator. She is a very effective writer and I depend on her to give me the guidance and direction I need to handle difficult personnel issues. She is also a talented speaker who represented ALARIS when she presented "Dealing with Difficult Employees before they become Problems" for a statewide workers' compensation conference. Sue routinely reviews our Policies & Procedures and recommends changes and updates. Sue is reasonable but tough and she puts me at ease when we are dealing with complicated employment issues.

Charles Firth is my newest acquaintance, but he has fielded complicated questions and has been responsive at every turn. He recently represented ALARIS in a litigation matter and he was able to reach an amicable resolution in a hard-fought battle and thus avoid trial. I will have no hesitation in consulting with him again. Several times he has been able to jump into the middle of an ongoing issue and give me immediate answers and/or assurance.

The lawyers at E&U have ably assisted ALARIS in a variety of challenging employment law issues in all of the states in which we operate. I like the consistency of working with the same lawyers on matters both inside and outside of Minnesota. In addition, E&U has provided sage advice and counsel on matters arising relating to the ALARIS shareholders.

Because of my confidence in the entire group, I was very comfortable contacting Ivory Umanah to assist me with my personal will and to discuss terms of my estate. He provided skilled guidance and was able to effectively communicate so that I could clearly understand the ramifications of my decisions. I have absolute confidence in his recommendations.

I have recommended E&U numerous times and will continue to recommend them in the future."

Cheryl Sanmartin, Co-Owner, Co-Founder & Officer of Employee Relations, The ALARIS Group, Inc.

"I hired Sheila Engelmeier at the strong recommendation of a respected attorney and friend, who said that she was tough as nails and smart as a whip. I assumed that those descriptions were just the standard things that you say when you recommend an employment lawyer, but in fact they turned out to be more than the truth. The work that we did together started out as a cursory review of an executive compensation contract, but evolved into a much more complex and protracted experience, and I was fortunate to have Sheila by my side for all of it. Her depth of knowledge, her breadth of expertise, and most importantly, her force of will made her the perfect partner and advocate. She knew just when to push back and when to bide her time -- a skill that was critical in a process that was as emotional and as demanding as the one that we were in. She navigated through it with skill and confidence. Her staff was equally professional and dedicated, and there were many times when I saw them go above and beyond the call of normal commitment to meet deadlines. I would strongly recommend Engelmeier and Umanah for any executive transition or contract negotiation needs."

Laura Liu, Former Airline Executive

Sheila is a woman with tremendous energy, intellect, savvy, experience and heart. If you find yourself or your business in a challenging position, Sheila and her team are the legal equivalent of your personal special forces team who takes your interests personally. Finally, although no professional can win every time, especially those who take on the toughest cases, in high stakes personal or business matters, Sheila's team is a great bet.

Jim Earley, Founder, Trailblazer Coaching

"I have had the pleasure of working with Tom several times throughout my career. Each time Tom provided a very high level of expertise and service. When working with Tom, you felt he was part of your team. He puts his clients' needs first and delivers exceptional results. Moreover, he is also a trusted advisor in addition to being a great business partner." Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

-Kipp Sassaman, HR Executive

"During my tenure as Director of Human Resources at a local business, I consulted almost exclusively with Tom as our employment attorney. He provided clear, prompt and direct guidance during a number of high risk claims, including one scenario that extended out over a two year period and involved the EEOC, St. Paul Dept. of Human Rights and ultimately a lawsuit. Tom coached me as I managed the process and led me competently through a deposition. He was ultimately able to prevail for us with this claim and 99% of all others. Tom is the "gold standard" for expert, ethical and aggressive employer representation with proven results." Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

-Julie Urell, Director of Human Resources

"Tom is a brilliant attorney, and a phenomenal trial attorney. He not only knows the law, but he is able to quickly analyze the facts of each situation and pull the law applicable to it. On a personal note, he is a great mentor, friend and teacher. I miss working with Tom and encourage all who have the opportunity to do so to take advantage of it."

-Nancy A. Newark, Attorney

"It was my sincere pleasure to retain Tom to handle a highly technical and overall-challenging employment matter on behalf of our Bank. Not only did he make sense of the myriad facts and circumstances in no time flat, but he provided leadership and pragmatic advice to both me and our executive management team. Ultimately, as a direct result of Tom's efforts, the matter was concluded in an appropriate and fair manner. I would not hesitate to work with Tom again - he's a terrific lawyer and fun to have around." Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Good Value

-Jodie Paoletti, In-House Counsel

"Tom is a dynamite employment law attorney and a force to be reckoned with for his clients!"

-Lisa Edison-Smith, Vogel Law Firm

"Tom and I have worked as adversaries in a couple of employment law cases. Tom was a very good advocate for his client all the while being extremely reasonable, professional and enjoyable to deal with, even on contentious matters. I would not hesitate to refer matters to Tom."

-Howard Bolter, Attorney

"Tom advised one of my clients on a very sensitive employee termination - his attention to detail and knowledge of potential future issues helped my client immensely. Ultimately my client was protected with a comprehensive termination agreement."

-Charisse Letourneau, Human Resources Consultant

"I know Tom well and have worked with him on a number of cases where we represented different parties and have found Tom to be a brilliant, honest and hard-working lawyer. Tom is a pleasure to deal with both because he understands how to wade through the complexities of the issues and because you can trust that his 'yes' means 'yes' and his 'no' means 'no'. Tom has also been a tremendous supporter of and a hard working leader of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association and their legislative efforts particularly on behalf of employers."

-Michael D. Carr, Attorney

"Charlie (and Sue):

With all the time and trust you have put in me, you deserve more than you could ask for in attorneys' fees. I have been so fortunate to have found my way to ALL of you. Make sure to let Sheila know I appreciate what she started and continued to let happen for me. Her belief in me was what really got this started. I know a lot of time was spent on getting this ready and there was a lot of work from everybody on the team. Please make sure everyone gets a THANK YOU from me. Just think, I needed an attorney and in the end I get three!!!! How lucky can I be?

Some may think I was passed from Sheila to Sue, and then to Charlie. But if they only knew, my friends just became more as we went. I believe that once you became part of my case, you never got to leave! Sue--you came on and believed in me from the start. You were always making me feel comfortable and trusted. We spent a lot of time together fighting this before Charlie came. And I needed you at trial and you were right there. I was told you were going to be there before I could even ask. Having you with us at trial really helped me to stay relaxed and I felt you deserved to be there, too. I really am thankful for your efforts and your friendship. Charlie, you have such a talent. You know this case inside out. You are so organized and on the top of your game. My stress level for this trial was less than I expected. When you have great attorneys that are willing to take the stress for you, things go better than you expect. It just shows how good the attorneys are when the client feels pretty calm. With Charlie and Sue on my team, how could I lose?

I know I could go on forever about the greatest, most caring attorneys there are. To everyone else who needs a lawyer I say this: "Good luck trying to find any better lawyers, anywhere."

Sue, Charlie, Sheila and the rest of the team: Thank you for making my day!! Oh wait-I should say thanks for making my last four years!!!"

-Helen Broten, Client