Minneapolis Employment Law Firm

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Jean Boler

Jean Boler

Jean Boler
Of Counsel
Pronouns: She/her

Email Jean >

Read Jean's Blog Posts
Read Jean's Commentary in the Star Tribune
Connect on LinkedIn

Client Service Philosophy

“Clients need thoughtful, strategic advice that takes into account where they are as an individuals or organizations and where they want to be. Whether they are employees facing discrimination, or organizations facing community criticism and employee unrest, they need a clear path to their ideal—be it through litigation, or negotiation and compromise. Ms. Boler is a creative and persuasive problem solver who helps her clients figure out where they want to go, and then helps them get there.”

  • Biography
  • Involvement
  • Awards
  • Presentations
  • Feedback

Biography

Jean Boler is an experienced lawyer who has worked tirelessly for equity and fairness both as counsel for individuals and for organizations. As a plaintiffs’ employment lawyer, Ms. Boler has used class action litigation to expose discriminatory patterns in workplaces. As counsel to the City of Seattle, Ms. Boler was at the forefront of helping a willing City government embrace systemic change in its police department. Ms. Boler has a unique ability to turn conflict into an avenue for improvement, whether through advice, negotiation or litigation. Ms. Boler works in all areas of employment law as well as in the area of police accountability. She is a trained mediator.

Ms. Boler started her legal career clerking for the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and then moved to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office as a trial lawyer. In 1988, she joined the Sprenger & Lang law firm, working on class action discrimination cases, including the first sexual harassment class action: Jenson v. Eveleth Mines, which later became the subject of the book Class Action and the movie North Country. A move to Seattle brought her back to the public sector, working in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office Employment Section. Her most recent position was Civil Division Chief, supervising over ninety attorneys and staff handling all legal matters facing the City. She was lead counsel in the negotiations with the Department of Justice over excessive force allegations against the Seattle Police Department and helped negotiate a consent decree that changed police practices and has become a national model.

Court Admissions:

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court District of Minnesota
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Education:

  • Juris Doctor, Magna cum Laude, University of Minnesota, 1979-1982
  • BA, Anthropology, University of Minnesota, 1973-1977
  • Certificate of Completion, Professional Mediation Skills Training Program, University of Washington School of Law, 2012

Employment Attorney Minneapolis - Schaefer Hallen, LLC

Involvement

  • Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Member, Washington State Bar Association
    • Past Member, Diversity Committee
    • Past Member, Civil Rights Committee
  • Member, King County Bar Association
  • Past Member, Washington Women Lawyers
  • Minnesota Women Lawyers
  • Past President, Minnesota Lawyers Human Rights Committee

Jean Boler in the News

  • “‘Not clear’ if House harassment policy applies to Rod Hamilton” Minnesota Lawyer, December 2018

Awards

June 8, 2015, was proclaimed “Jean Boler day” by the Mayor and Seattle City Council in honor of Ms. Boler’s service to the City of Seattle. She was recognized for, among other things, eliminating gender pay disparities in the Law Department and guiding the City through implementation of the DOJ Settlement Agreement regarding police use of force and accountability.

Presentations

Jean Boler has given many presentations over the years in the areas of employment law, sex discrimination and harassment, police accountability, and ethics, among other topics.

Jean Boler’s recent presentations on sexual harassment:

May 24, 2018: Jean Boler and Toni Halleen presented to the Minnesota Paralegal Association convention a talk entitled: “From Bra Burning to Twitter: Has the workplace really changed with the advent of the #MeToo movement?” This breakout session looked at the personal and legal aspects of our changing definitions of sexual harassment and invited audience participation on the question of what our legal workplaces are like for women and how we would like them to change.

March 8, 2018: Jean Boler presented with a panel of women lawyers on the topic of “#USTOO: Women Lawyers and Sexual Harassment Today.” The panel tackled questions about the impact of the #Metoo movement on law firms; whether our legal workplaces are safe and respectful for women, and, if not, what we can do to change them. The audience and panelists discussed their experiences and strategies for dealing with sex discrimination and harassment.

December 17, 2017: Jean Boler participated in a presentation to the Minnesota Chapter of the National Employment Law Association (NELA) entitled “The State of Sexual Harassment: How the Courts are Dealing with these Claims, Tips for Successful Prosecution, and How to Improve the Law.” Jean presented on the state of the law and discussed strategies for bringing the legal definition of sexual harassment in line with the treatment that drives women from their workplaces.

Feedback

  • B.K.
    ,

    Jean Boler and her team were great to work with - they were timely, direct, and resolved my case within a week's time. They quickly took action on my behalf, as it was a time-sensitive matter.

  • K.E.M.
    ,

    As the climate of employment discrimination has become more pervasive in this country and the state of Minnesota; it was comforting to have the experienced legal team of Schaefer Halleen who supported, counseled and facilitated a positive resolution for my case.

  • L.F.
    ,

    My takeaways from working with Jean: Professional combined with integrity, prompt communication to keep matters moving, and I could trust my legal counsel.

  • Pro Bono Disability Discrimination Client
    D.R.,

    Thank you again to Jean and Larry for taking my case, believing in me, and helping me fight for my rights. I will always treasure your gift and cherish your generosity forever. Thank you for helping me get one step closer to my dream. I will be forever grateful.

Recent Posts by Jean

Celebrating Attorney Jean Boler’s Contributions to Law: An Interview with Larry Schaefer

We are here for the purpose of celebrating Jean Boler's retirement. It's both a joyous and a sad occasion. I've had the great privilege of working with Jean for many years. We've worked together both ...

July 7, 2020

Retaliation is Real, and Reporting Harassment is Essential to Ending it

Every sexual harassment trainer, lawyer, and probably person on the street will tell you it is illegal to retaliate against someone who reports sexual harassment. Yet most people who experience harass...

March 24, 2020

COVID-19: MN Unemployment Insurance Benefit Changes

This blog focuses on Governor Walz’s emergency order 20-05 regarding unemployment insurance issued March 13, 2020....

March 20, 2020

What is Quid pro Quo Sexual Harassment?

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a person in power offers a job benefit in exchange for sexual favors. Such harassment can be blatant or subtle and may happen at the end of a consensual relationshi...

April 15, 2019

Being Paid Less Than Your Male Coworker? Here’s What To Do.

Recognize you are not alone If you are a woman and you are being paid less than men that are doing the same work, you are not alone. Even though the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Ri...

February 12, 2019

3 Reasons to Choose a Local Employment Lawyer

A serious employment problem can disrupt your life. Make it easier on yourself by choosing a local lawyer who is knowledgeable about local law, has a good reputation with lawyers and judges in the are...

December 28, 2018
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Filed Under: All Blog Posts, For Executives, For Medical Professionals, Harassment, Jean Boler, LGBTQ Discrimination, Medical Profession, Retaliation, Severance/Employment Contracts, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Women Professionals, Wrongful Termination Tagged With: Employment Law, Minneapolis

Schaefer Halleen, LLC

Schaefer Halleen, LLC is located at:
412 S 4th St
Suite 1050
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-294-2600
Fax: 612-294-2640
Email: info@schaeferhalleen.com
www.schaeferhalleen.com

Google Rating
4.7
Based on 41 reviews
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
4.7
Keely Hooper
Keely Hooper
17:48 02 May 22
c verdick
c verdick
23:33 21 Apr 22
Caroline Allen
Caroline Allen
10:56 03 Feb 22
I worked with Larry on a severance negotiation and was incredibly pleased with the work he did. He gave great advice and helped me end the negotiation in a very favorable spot.
Kit Murray
Kit Murray
18:22 07 Jun 21
I would highly recommend working with this firm if you're dealing with a legal case. They are so responsive, kind and compassionate. Darren made me feel heard and fought for me throughout the entirety of my case. It was not an easy experience, as legal cases tend to bring up a lot of emotions and trauma, but this firm will fight for you and make you feel heard. Highly, highly recommend.
Marcia
Marcia
14:18 02 Jun 21
I highly recommend Peter Christian and Shaefer Halleen. Clear communication and planning were key to our success. The team I worked with was empathetic and sensitive to my situation, and always helped me understand the overall legal process and what to expect during our case.
Amy A Houchins-Post
Amy A Houchins-Post
14:00 10 Mar 21
Lia
Lia
22:13 26 Feb 21
Peter and Lauren are patient and understanding. They considered my case from every angle possible. They also took the time to educate me a bit on how the law works. Very impressed!
Julie Koritz
Julie Koritz
01:27 25 Feb 21
Peter and Jacob did a great job getting me a settlement. I am very fortunate to have worked with them.
DeAijha Oliver
DeAijha Oliver
05:22 30 Dec 20
Henry V
Henry V
15:56 25 Sep 20
I worked with Larry Schaefer and Lauren D'Cruz. They enthusiastically took up my case. They showed creativity, good judgment and deep knowledge of the law in formulating the theory of the case. They also struck a fine balance between zealous advocacy and risk management. They were very responsive and provided timely status updates throughout our engagement. They took genuine interest in me as a person. I would recommend Schaefer Halleen to my family and friends without reservation.
Constance Lewis
Constance Lewis
15:46 10 Aug 20
I had the opportunity to work with Peter Christian. He was amazing to work with. He believed in my case from the moment we spoke and was diligent in working for me. He kept me in the loop on every aspect of my case, he allowed me to have input before decisions were made and fought for me from the very beginning to the end. He was prompt and followed through on everything he said he would. Peter was very professional, and timely. I truly appreciate the time and dedication to my case. Thank you Peter for taking the chance with my case and fighting for me. With Peter's expertise, my case was settled with a positive and favorable outcome. You were a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend your services. Thank you again!
B Bowlby
B Bowlby
15:46 24 Apr 20
I cannot recommend Schaefer Halleen highly enough. I had a particularly hard employment issue and I found the people at S.H. to be excellent to work with. They are all very professional, very intelligent, handled me and my situation with care and always kept me up to date on where my case was at. In the rare instance when I contacted them by either phone or email I received a near immediate response.I was always made to feel that I was important and I always felt I was being given advice I could trust. At the end of the day my case was settled in a very timely manor and I am very pleased with how it turned out.Finally, the lawyers and staff at S.H. are some of the most experienced people in their industry and I was very impressed with their past accomplishments. I knew I could trust S.H. to handle my case after the very first meeting. If you need employment law help, Schaefer Halleen, LLC is the one and only firm I would recommend.
Roland Awasome
Roland Awasome
13:32 02 Apr 20
I am a professional and worked with many attorneys in the past. Peter is hands down the best out there. I can’t recommend him enough .
Laura H
Laura H
14:10 21 Feb 20
I am so thankful I found the Schaefer Hallen team to help me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Lauren always took the time to listen and was respectful and professional. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and she helped organize all my random thoughts and emails to help strengthen my case. Larry and Lauren kept me informed throughout the whole process and always made me feel like I was in control. With their expertise, my case was settled efficiently and with a positive outcome.
Mevhibe Atay
Mevhibe Atay
20:03 19 Feb 20
I had a great experience with the firm. My attorney Darren Sharp was very efficient, knowledgeable and kept me informed at every step. Very trustworthy and professional.
Ioannis Karampelas
Ioannis Karampelas
15:45 12 Sep 19
Extremely professional and humane treatment towards me as a person in severe trouble, perplexed by conditions generated totally out of my control. This law firm is outstanding.
Katy Eagle
Katy Eagle
16:54 16 May 19
Overall, the firm is great! Lauren D'Cruz is organized, thoughtful, and very pleasant to work with. I have enjoyed my interactions with everyone at Schaefer Halleen over the years. I highly recommend the firm and Ms. D'Cruz.
M. Malik
M. Malik
20:11 05 Apr 19
It is with great pleasure that I write this for Mr Schaefer and his capable people comprised of talent and empathy. I had a fear of Attorneys (due to my own weakness, no disrespect to the legal profession), but I felt pleasantly surprised after my visit to his firm located in the heart of Minneapolis - my home city that I am passionate about. Larry's office emblomized everything that I look for. The attorneys, the administrative staff, the decor, it all felt "happy" and "inter-connected". I had thought my case was too too hard to understand by others, however due to Larry's brilliance and savvy, it became evident to me that he understood it very well. He had a clear line of action and a resolve to seek justice with ethics. That was all that I desired. I hope Larry's office continues to serve the disability community, that it prospers, grows, and makes Minneapolis the best city in the world.
Sameh Said
Sameh Said
16:21 04 Apr 19
I am very thankful to Larry for helping me through a very difficult time of my life. My former employer discriminated against me and treated me very badly and I was forced to resign to end my struggle with this employer. I did not know what to do or who I can find to help me getting through this and restore my reputation and my employment. I met with several layers prior to my meeting with Larry and I can tell the difference immediately when I engaged with him. Larry told me what will happen in the first meeting and despite my process took several months, he was able to predict the successful outcome just through listening to me in that very first meeting. He has complete understanding of all employment related issues, he is focused and dedicated to help his clients getting back on track. His strategic thinking and the steps he made were the key to success. He also has a wonderful team that are just the right team to help. Quick response and timely feedback about what is going on with the case so you are always in the loop with the next step. Now I moved on to a new and a better employer and I feel I am beginning a new and a good chapter in my life, and I feel I can't thank Larry or his wonderful team enough for what they did to me and how they supported me to get through probably the worst chapter in my life.Thank you Larry
Rebecca Thavis
Rebecca Thavis
17:14 02 Apr 19
Larry truly went above and beyond. In each step of the case, he made sure I was aware of what was happening and the next steps. He called frequently, and followed my choices, making sure that I felt in control. I never felt like a victim, or less- he helped inspire me to fight for what I needed and deserved. If I had to go through it again, no questions asked, I would want Larry by my side every step of the way. His team is well organized, efficient, kind and discrete. I am forever grateful that Schaefer Halleen represented me, and I highly suggest them for any and all people who need empowering representation.
Joanne Simons
Joanne Simons
21:30 26 Mar 19
Excellent experience, outstanding staff, expedient, caring, respectful.
Jessie Lecy
Jessie Lecy
00:22 18 Mar 19
The humanness and genuine care for their clients separates this firm from others and makes it best in class.
John Styliaras
John Styliaras
23:55 17 Mar 19
Larry and his team at Schaefer Halleen helped bring to resolution issues at the workplace in an amicable manner. When I first approached Larry, I was not even sure what steps to take, what to do, did not even know if I needed a lawyer, or why I needed a lawyer. All I knew was that friends and colleagues told me to reach out to a lawyer. And when I asked around, his name and his firm's name kept on being mentioned by many. And the reputation was well deserved.Larry patiently and deliberately listened to my story, and then explained to me exactly why I needed a lawyer, and how he could help me. Immediately he laid out the plan about how to proceed. Instantly I was put at ease. Throughout a very long process, he provided me advice and guidance and was always willing to talk to me on the phone, whenever there were either updates, or I had questions and concerns.I am absolutely certain that I would had not been able to reach the resolution without Larry's and his team's steadfast guidance, advice, and impressive work. I recommend Larry and his firm unconditionally - the very best in the field.John C. Styliaras MD,MS
Suzanne Simpson
Suzanne Simpson
14:43 15 Mar 19
Lawrence is exceptional. He prepared me for the process, explained the possible outcomes and provided next step direction throughout. My experience was settled efficiently, and with a very positive outcome. I’m so glad I found Schafer Haleen, LLC.I highly recommend their services.Suzanne
Ricardo Vidal Gonzalez
Ricardo Vidal Gonzalez
18:49 12 Dec 18
I highly recommend the Schaefer Halleen law firm. Larry Schaefer was always available to answer any questions and his team was very professional. They work hard to get results and take the time to listen to the client’s goals.
annette miller
annette miller
00:40 07 Nov 18
I found the team to be professional, respectful and very well versed in employment law. I would recommend them to anyone looking for advice or expertise in this area.
Lynn Hassan Jones
Lynn Hassan Jones
14:18 31 Oct 18
I am a physician who recently hired Schaefer and Halleen to represent me in an employment discrimination case, my Atty was Jean Boler ESQ.They provided top-tier legal services to me for my case 2017 through my settlement in 1st qtr of 2018.This was excellent legal representation, specifically - very responsive, very prompt, extremely detailed and never off-putting.Absolutely would recommend without reservation!
Doc MoSho
Doc MoSho
19:40 02 Jul 18
They were attentive and responsive and dod a great job of diffusing the tension in a situation that could have been quite adversarial. They also did an excellent job of level setting before the process proceeded to far in an unrealistic direction. Great work.
the Dodger
the Dodger
14:28 04 Jun 18
Joyce Jenkins
Joyce Jenkins
19:03 02 Jun 18
Larry has been a great resource for several years. His response time, quality of response and follow up are excellent. He has been flexible enough to answer an impromptu calI and get a response back within an hour. I recall talking to Larry early one morning when there was 8" of snow and most businesses were closed. He was the only one in the office to keep my appointment.I have recommended Larry to more than a dozen of my friends and colleagues and I feel very comfortable recommending him to anyone.Derek Jenkins
John
John
23:57 01 Jun 18
An honest lawyer? YES! Larry was fantastic and I can’t thank him enough for his unbiased advice and support.
Ravi Balwada
Ravi Balwada
21:00 01 Jun 18
Larry is amazing. Very professional, takes the time to listen, is very knowledgeable and respected and if he says he can get you justice - you can count on it.
John Wichmann
John Wichmann
20:19 01 Jun 18
Larry and his team did an amazing job! They completed a task very smoothly and successfully that others said couldn't be done. I would hire him again in a heart beat.
Anne Dament
Anne Dament
18:52 01 Jun 18
Larry Schaefer is an incredible leader with an outstanding team of experts. They listen and care about their clients and work very hard on your behalf, educating you on your rights and guiding you through the process along the way. Everyone on the team is helpful and kind. 5 stars.
Bea Abdallah
Bea Abdallah
18:01 01 Jun 18
I strongly recommend this firm — so much so I once referred a colleague who they also helped. The firm is focused on their client’s specific issues, and unlike other attorneys I’ve worked with, they keep ongoing communication with you as the case advances. I am impressed with the professionalism and strong leadership from the staff, and deeply grateful for their good work.
Joanna Ramirez
Joanna Ramirez
16:54 01 Jun 18
I am grateful to Larry and his team. They did an excellent job of educating me about the legal process and keeping me updated on the status of my case. They had first hand knowledge about employment law in that they worked to get some of the legislation established.
Brett Rizk
Brett Rizk
12:26 13 Feb 17
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