Merrifield Appeals & Appellate Lawyers

Zorislav Leyderman moved the U.S. from Ukraine (former Soviet Union) when he was 11 and grew up in St. Paul. He obtained his B.A. degree at the University of Minnesota, where he studied politics and the American criminal justice system. After college, Zorislav continued his education at the William Mitchell College of Law, where he obtained his J.D. and graduated with honors. While in law school, Zorislav Leyderman worked for the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) Clinic and the William Mitchell Law Clinic, representing low-income people and Minnesota prisoners in both criminal and civil cases. Zorislav also worked for...

Justin Duffy is a skilled criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer with The Law Office of John J. Leunig who represents clients in both state and federal court in Minnesota. Mr. Duffy's zealous advocacy on behalf of his clients has resulted in victory at trial, complete dismissals prior to trial, and victory on appeal. He defends clients charged with all levels and types of crimes, including, but not limited to, DWI, assault, theft, drug possession, criminal sexual conduct, prostitution, criminal vehicular homicide, murder, and white collar crimes. For more information on The Law Office of John J. Leunig and Mr....

I have practiced appellate law for 21 years. I have appeared before the Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

See website

Erik Hansen is the managing partner at Burns and Hansen, focusing on complex civil litigation, appeals, and business transactions. Erik has over twenty years of experience litigating multi-million dollar, high-stakes complex civil litigation cases in state and federal court in Minnesota and across the country. Erik has successfully argued cases at every level of state court in Minnesota, as well as in multiple federal jurisdictions, both at the district and appellate court levels. Erik has received national awards and recognition for his advocacy on behalf of clients. Erik is an established voice in the Minnesota appellate practice community. He brings a broad...

Frederick A. Bechtold has been an attorney for over thirty years, becoming a member of the Florida Bar in 1990, the Minnesota Bar in 1999, the Wisconsin Bar in 2012, and the bar the United States Supreme Court in 2019. Currently, Fred practices exclusively criminal appeal law in the State of Wisconsin.

Christopher W. Boline practices business and commercial law, civil litigation, appellate work, real estate law, consumer law matters, personal injury, USDA appeals, and administrative law. Christopher received his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. During law school, Christopher served as a certified student attorney in a Hennepin County suburban court, was an extern with a Hennepin County District Court judge, and received recognition from the Minnesota Justice Foundation for his time devoted to public service. He began working for Dudley and Smith, P.A. as a clerk during law school. Christopher graduated...

Richard Stermer has practiced law in Western Minnesota for the past 24 years. Mr. Stermer has extensive experience in handling a variety of cases in both State and Federal Courts. Mr. Stermer focuses his practice on bankruptcy, and complicated litigation and appeals.

John C. Lillie, III practices in the areas of criminal defense and civil litigation within Minnesota and the surrounding region. John deals with a wide range of criminal matters, including petty misdemeanor traffic citations, gross misdemeanor DWI allegations and serious felony cases. John also focuses on handling a variety of civil cases, with an emphasis placed on those cases which must be tried. He is very aware of the fact that not all cases will be tried, but he prepares every case as if it will be with incredible attention to detail and leaving no stone unturned in...

Matthew Schaap is a shareholder at Dougherty Molenda and serves on the firm's board of directors. He focuses on personal and business litigation, offering clients seasoned guidance in and out of the courtroom. Starting his career as a Judicial Law Clerk to Judge Elizabeth Hayden in Minnesota, Matthew supported judicial decision-making with crucial research and writing. He gained valuable experience assisting in jury trials across criminal and civil contexts, observing winning trial techniques firsthand. Joining Dougherty Molenda in 2004 post-clerkship, Matthew dedicated his practice to litigation and trial advocacy. He aims to be a zealous advocate, ensuring thorough research on all pertinent...