Clients frequently turn to me in times of significant stress and pressure. I take pride in offering a strong blend of legal and emotional intelligence, striving to instill confidence in clients that they will receive vigorous representation focused on achieving the best possible results. As one client states, “Brian is brilliant. He can articulate the legal issues and move on them decisively. He is responsive to the client, with an uncanny empathic ability to meet the client where they are. He follows up to make certain there is nothing hanging undone. He is successful in court. He works collaboratively with his colleagues.”

Brian Dillon is the Partner in Charge of Lathrop GPM’s Minneapolis office. With a wealth of litigation experience, Brian concentrates on trust and estate disputes, complex business and shareholder conflicts, and defending against government investigations and enforcement actions. Clients value his diverse litigation background and straightforward, practical approach to resolving disputes in and outside the courtroom.

Brian represents high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices, trust companies, professional fiduciaries, for-profit and nonprofit organizations and other beneficiaries in disputes involving estates, trusts and other testamentary instruments. He also addresses disputes concerning guardianships, conservatorships and the rights of vulnerable adults across the upper Midwest and beyond. Licensed to practice before the U.S. Tax Court, Brian advocates for clients in matters involving estate taxes, ensuring their interests are protected in disputes with state and federal regulators.

Brian is often engaged in helping resolve estate conflicts among owners of closely held and family-owned businesses and in complex business and shareholder disputes. He frequently advises clients on corporate governance, business succession, minority shareholder rights and the appropriate use of corporate funds. With extensive experience in prosecuting and defending cases involving claims of fraud, embezzlement, unfair competition and breach of fiduciary duty, Brian serves a diverse audience across various industries, including:

  • Agribusiness
  • Financial services
  • Health care
  • Manufacturing
  • Real estate
  • Restaurant, food and beverage
  • Technology

In the administrative and regulatory space, Brian assists clients in conducting internal investigations and responding to those initiated by government agencies and whistleblowers. He defends clients facing government enforcement and licensing actions and helps them develop and implement robust compliance programs. Brian also has extensive knowledge of state and federal campaign finance laws and is frequently sought out to advise nonprofit advocacy organizations on compliance matters.

Before joining the firm, Brian served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, where he prosecuted cases involving consumer protection, financial services, healthcare and antitrust laws. He represents the firm on the boards of Twin Cities Diversity in Practice and the Wanton Injustice Legal Detail. He is also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Probate, Trusts and Estates Section and actively participates in its Litigation and Diversity and Inclusion Committees.

When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became a lawyer because I enjoy the challenge of learning new things, whether about different industries, businesses, areas of law or interpersonal dynamics. I am passionate about using my experience to help people solve problems. I enjoy learning their histories and understanding the complicated situations and family dynamics that have brought them to me. I focus on identifying alternative paths forward, assessing risks and then developing and implementing strategies to achieve the best possible client outcomes.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, my life is primarily filled with the activities of my three young children. They are all involved in athletics, mainly soccer, basketball and baseball, which keeps us busy! When I’m not chasing after them, I try to stay active by hiking, running, biking and golfing. I also try to travel as much as I can to explore new places and create lasting memories with my family.