Minneapolis Employment Law Firm

Need Employment Law Help? Contact Us →

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Firm Profile
  • Our Team
  • Services
    • Workplace Discrimination
      • Disability + Leave Discrimination
      • Gender Discrimination
      • Age Discrimination
      • Pregnancy Discrimination
      • LGBTQ Discrimination
    • Retaliation
    • Sexual Harassment
      • Attorney for Sexually Harassed Employees
    • Severance and Employment Contracts
    • Wrongful Termination
    • Employment Class Actions
    • ERISA Pension and Benefits
  • Client Focus
    • Medical Professionals
    • Minnesota Executives
    • LGBTQ Community
    • Professional Women
  • Resources
    • Video Consultation Room
    • Media
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Join Our Team
    • St. Paul
    • Edina
    • St. Louis
    • Bloomington
    • Plymouth
    • Maple Grove

Peter G. Christian

Peter G. Christian
Senior Attorney
Pronouns: He/him

612-294-2619
Email Peter >

Read Peter's Blog Posts
Connect on LinkedIn

Client Service Philosophy

“At its best, the law is about the improvement of people’s lives. I see my role as ensuring this ideal is a reality for my clients.”

 
Peter G. Christian
 

  • Biography
  • Results
  • Presentations
  • Involvement
  • Awards
  • Feedback

Biography

Peter G. Christian is an employment litigator at Schaefer Halleen, LLC committed to protecting the rights of individuals in the workplace. As an advocate who takes pride in representing a wide range of employees – from top level executives to blue collar laborers – Peter has secured significant victories for an array of clients in many areas of employment related litigation, and against some of the biggest corporations in the world. For his advocacy on behalf of employees, he has been named a Rising Star by Minnesota Super Lawyers, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, and Twin Cities Business each year since 2014.

Peter is an aggressive and fearless advocate motivated first and foremost by results.  He has successfully prosecuted employment claims involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower protection, failure to pay, and other illegal treatment experienced by employees. Peter has also earned a reputation for successfully negotiating employment contracts and severance agreements for employees of all levels. His recent success includes securing one of the largest public settlements in Minnesota in recent years for an individual employee – a resolution of over $2 million for a medical professional who had alleged that he was retaliated against and defamed after blowing the whistle on illegal conduct in his workplace.

Prior to joining Schaefer Halleen, Peter worked with the Ramsey County Public Defender’s Office, Juvenile Division, primarily representing children accused of crimes.   Before law school, Peter taught fifth grade in the Mississippi Delta with the Teach for America Corps, leading his students to record-setting results in reading and math proficiency, and co-founded the Delta Youth Empowerment non-profit organization.

Education

  • Juris Doctorate Degree, cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School, 2011
  • Bachelor of Art’s Degree, magna cum laude, Marquette University

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota, 2011
  • United States District Court, 2011

Results

Discrimination

The Client: Transgender Professor at Private College
Problem: Our client was denied tenure by the college in favor of a male candidate with inferior qualifications. The selection process was littered with evidence of transgender bias among the selection committee.
Approach: Engaged the college’s counsel directly, presenting a detailed factual recitation of how the selection process was transgender-biased and criteria for tenure were subjective and flawed. The college eventually agreed to early mediation.
Solution: Secured a substantial six-figure severance package including non-disparagement provisions and a letter of reference which allowed client to transition to a tenure-track position at a more welcoming university.

The Client: 57 and 58 years old Truck Drivers for a Manufacturing Corporation.
Problem: Our clients were terminated after nearly four decades with employer after new leadership took over company and began to instate a younger workforce.  Clients were not offered any severance beyond an insulting one month of health care.  Company claimed that jobs were eliminated but there was evidence to suggest their job duties were taken on by new younger hires.
Approach: Strategically engaged company pre-litigation.
Solution: Negotiated and quickly secured substantial settlement, thereby allowing one client to transition into retirement and allowing the other to conduct a comprehensive and ultimately successful search for a new position without the pressure of having to accept the first thing that came his way.

The Client: 63 year old, Female Director of Large Corporation
Problem: After over four decades of outstanding performance for corporation, our client began to receive sham negative performance reviews and was subjected to ageist comments by younger boss.  Client suspected that leadership was setting her up to fail in order to replace her with someone far younger.
Approach: Approached corporation’s in-house counsel directly while client was still employed.
Solution: Secured substantial six-figure severance package, including full retirement benefits, allowing client to comfortably transition into retirement.

The Client: Deaf Female Analyst of Small Company
Problem: After years of outstanding performance, client was transferred to a different branch/location.  However, her new management was hostile to our client due to her need for significant accommodations, such as an ASL interpreter and a Cap-Tel phone.  The new management ultimately refused to implement these accommodations, making it impossible for our client to perform her job effectively.
Approach: Engaged company directly. Drafted lawsuit but gave employer the opportunity to come to table before filing.
Solution: Negotiation resulting in offer by employer to return to old position, which client ultimately turned down in favor of a substantial severance package which allowed her to transition to a more trustworthy employer.

Retaliation

The Client: Collections Agent for Large Corporation
Problem: Our client was terminated after blowing the whistle on the illegal pay practices of the corporation which resulted in her being denied thousands of dollars of commission payments earned.
Approach: Aggressively prosecuted matter in federal court, using the litigation process to uncover documents which evidenced the corporation’s illegal payment practices.
Solution: Secured a substantial payment to our client along with a contractual agreement by the employer not to disparage our client.

The Client:  Founder and Principal of Charter School
Problem: Our client was terminated by the school board after refusing to participate in an illegal operating practice of school involving the illegal comingling of religious expression in public education.
Approach: Drafted detailed and powerful demand letter and engaged in mediation.
Solution: Secured a significant six-figure settlement at mediation.

Illegal Conduct in the Workplace

The Client: Healthcare Professional
Problem: Client agreed to forgo other outstanding employment opportunities and join employer’s rural medical practice. Soon after starting, client’s colleague, who resisted the arrangement, began defaming our client to staff and patients in an effort to devastate his practice. The colleague even refused to do “rounds” on our client’s patients, with life threatening results. Client’s frequent reports regarding the illegal conduct to Hospital administration were ignored.
Approach: Wrote detailed proposal letter to the Hospital CEO and copied Board Members which presented breach of contract, misrepresentations in inducing client to join Hospital, as well as defamation and the ongoing interference with our client’s treatment of and relationship with existing patients. Followed up with numerous letters describing continuing interference, defamation, and retaliation for making initial reports. Hospital eventually agreed to early mediation.
Solution: Mediation, which occurred over two days, resulted in agreed upon resignation, payments amounting to over $2 million in compensation to our client, mutual non-disparagement, and limited waiver of non-compete obligation which allowed our client to promptly accept another lucrative position.

The Client: Electrical Lineman for Large Corporation
Problem: After years successful performance with for employer, our client left to pursue another opportunity with a competitor. Former employer actively attempted to prevent client from securing employment with competitors.
Approach: Prosecuted matter in state court and aggressively litigated matter, stating tortious interference and blacklisting claims. Won all initial motions.
Solution: After successfully defeating defendant’s motions to dismiss and to remove matter to federal court, negotiated and secured a substantial monetary settlement for client, including additional contractual agreement by former employer to cease obstructive behavior.

Presentations

  • “The Life of a Litigator”  Thomson Reuters Panel, 2014
  • Keynote Speaker, Teach for America, Mississippi Delta.  Presentation entitled, “Go Forth and Set Fire,” 2008

Involvement

  • Member, National Employment Lawyers Association, Minnesota Chapter
  • Member, National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
  • Member, Minnesota State Bar Association

Awards

  • Named a “Rising Star” by Minnesota Super Lawyers, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, and Twin Cities Business, 2014-2020
  • Robina Public Policy Fellowship, Robina Foundation, 2011
  • Best Oralist Award, University of Minnesota Legal Writing Program, Oral Arguments, 2009

 
Peter G. Christian
 

Feedback

[indeed-my-testimonials-vc group=”peter-g-christian” limit=”20″ max_num_desc=”250″ read_more=”1″ show=”name,quote,job,stars” theme=”theme_10″ color_scheme=”f36510″ disable_hover=”1″ align_center=”0″ columns=”1″ slider_set=”0″ items_per_slide=”2″ slide_speed=”5000″ slide_pagination_speed=”500″ pagination_theme=”pag-theme1″ animation_in=”none” animation_out=”none” filter_set=”0″ filter_select_t=”small_text” filter_align=”left” layout_mode=”masonry” page_inside=”0″ inside_template=”IMTST_PAGE_TEMPLATE” tmst_custom_href=”0″]
Recent Posts by Peter

What to do if Your Disability Accommodation Request is Denied

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) make it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of his or her disability.  More th...

February 23, 2021

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Provides Paid Leave Rights to Qualified Workers

If you believe your employer is violating the obligations regarding paid leave provided by this new legislation, it’s important that you reach out to experienced legal counsel to determine an approp...

March 19, 2020

What Compensation is Available in a Minnesota Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?

Understanding Compensation in  Minnesota Wrongful Termination Lawsuits Employees who were wrongfully terminated for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons often ask us some variation of the same quest...

October 8, 2019

BREAKING: Former Female Director Alleges Sexual Harassment Led to Her Termination

MINNEAPOLIS, August 8, 2019—Stacey Stein has sued her former employer, Fang Consulting, for retaliation under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.  Stein – who served as the Director of Business Dev...

August 8, 2019

Promises Doctors and Employers Exchange in Their Contracts

By Peter G. Christian | Two earlier posts on the Schaefer Halleen website provided an introductory discussion of why legal counsel is important when a doctor is negotiating a contract and a brief disc...

January 15, 2019

How Employment Discrimination Laws Apply to Minnesota Small Businesses

By Peter G. Christian | Most people understand that employees in American workplaces are protected by employment discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination based on protected statuses such as ra...

December 6, 2018
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Filed Under: Discrimination, Peter G. Christian

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
www.schaeferhalleen.com

Google Rating
4.8
Based on 34 reviews
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
Schaefer Halleen, LLC
4.8
amy houchinspost
amy houchinspost
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 Perry
DeAijha Perry
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 M
M M
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
Great Attorneys
See all reviewsWrite a review
powered by Google

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Changes Should We Expect in Employment Law Under the Biden Administration? April 6, 2021
  • LGBTQ Civil Rights and Employment Law March 23, 2021
  • Why Can Discrimination Make Job-Hunting In Minnesota Difficult? March 9, 2021
  • What to do if Your Disability Accommodation Request is Denied February 23, 2021
  • Employee Rights and Vaccinations February 9, 2021

Still looking?

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2021 Schaefer Halleen · Law Firm Marketing by PSM Marketing · Log in