Virtus Law PLLC

We are happy to announce that Kyle Gaffaney has been elected Treasurer of the Bancroft Neighborhood Association in Minneapolis. Kyle also serves on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Housing Committee for the Bancroft Neighborhood.

Virtus Law PLLC sponsored the Northwestern Mutual -Bohannon Group 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting The Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The event was held August 2nd 2010 at the Mendakota Country Club.  For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.bohannongroupfoundation.org.

Merethe Voss joins Virtus Law as a the firm’s office manager. Voss will balance overseeing the administrative side of the firm with her role as property manager for Darlson Manno which oversees three commercial property sites in the west metro area. Merethe joins the firm with prior experience having helped structure and launch a previous firm’s mortgage department. She has also worked for Edina Realty as a front receptionist and listing & sales coordinator. Voss grew up in a small town in Norway and is still very fluent in her native speech, Norwegian. Merethe is married and the proud mother of two 7 year old twin boys, Cole & Ethan. In her free time she loves to be with her family and staying active.

Derek Ciernia earned his J.D. from University of St. Thomas School of Law. During law school Derek clerked for the National Arbitration Forum and the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Committee on Probate and Trusts as well as participated in a business law externship program at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.  After law school Ciernia worked for Wells Fargo Wealth Management in the Trust and Estates department. Ciernia specializes in Business Transactional and Estate Planning and will be joining our transactions group. Derek grew up in Eagan, Minnesota and attended the College of St. Scholastic where he played intercollegiate hockey and basketball.

Kyle Gaffaney is a Minnesota native, having grown up in the rural Minnesota town of Glenwood. Kyle received degrees in Accounting and Management Information Systems from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management. After graduating from the U of MN, Kyle worked as an Accountant at local investment management firm, The Clifton Group, for five years. Kyle then attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law earning his J.D. and specializing in business and tax law, earning a certificate in Tax Law. Kyle was also the recipient of the William J. Kilbridge award for outstanding academic performance in clinical studies and Federal Income Taxation. While at Loyola Kyle was the News Editor of the Consumer Law Review. Gaffaney lives in Minneapolis and is getting married in October.

Thomas M. Fafinski is named Chairman of the Board of Governors

Thomas M. Fafinski’s article relating to business owners using peer member group’s to stave off the effects of the recession to be published in Dakota Tribune “This Week”

Virtus Law PLLC becomes a member of the prestigious Wealth Counsel, a nationwide “think-tank” organization of over 1600-member attorneys. This organization and its members are committed to delivering to their clients the most comprehensive and advanced asset protection, estate and tax planning available. Member attorneys collaborate through national advisory boards/listserves, intense continuing education and co-counsel opportunities.

Virtus Law PLLC adds a third location.  The third location is for client meetings only, in an effort to better serve the southwest metro clients of the firm.  The location is at 4918 Lincoln Drive, Edina, MN  55436 and is available for meetings by appointment only.

Thomas M. Fafinski’s article relating to “The Return of the Contract for Deed – Look Out for Usury” is published in the monthly newsletter of a local real estate association.

Thomas M. Fafinski is appointed to The Curriculum Advisory Board for the real estate program offered through Minnesota College and University System’s Dakota County Technical College.

Thomas M. Fafinski is a featured speaker for the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association “Independent’s Day” Program.  Tom will be addressing short sales, foreclosures and loan modifications  for real estate investment property.  In particular, he will be addressing methods of creating leverage in negotiations.

Thomas M. Fafinski is selected as a guest business columnist for Dakota Tribune.  His articles will be published on an irregular basis.

Virtus Law PLLC establishes a satellite office.  This office will be partially staffed but is always available for client meetings.  Virtus Law PLLC is establishing this location to better serve the southeast metro clients of the firm. The location is at 1191 Northland Dr., Suite 175, Mendota Heights, MN 55120.

Thomas M. Fafinski is among a webinar panel of regional authorities regarding asset protection and estate planning, self directed retirement investments and credit repair and restoration.

Thomas M. Fafinski selected to teach real estate law, landlord-tenant law, alternative financing for commercial real estate, cash flow analysis for the fall semester to the Minnesota State College and Universities System. All classes are offered through the Dakota County Technical College for the real estate program and are eligible for continuing education credits for real estate professionals.

Nathan Nelson’s article “Could You be Paying Your Tenant After Eviction?” is published in the “Legal Corner” of a local real estate association. Nelson’s article hits on the very real possibility that keeping a tenant’s deposit without notifying them after an eviction may end up costing the landlord in the end.

Virtus Law PLLC launches a comprehensive case management database for client and contact management

Virtus Law PLLC proudly presents solutions for “in person meetings” by establishing a program for on-line meetings and video conferences.  This program is established as a method of serving non-local clients.

Thomas M. Fafinski is a featured speaker on weekly national webinar hosted by “realestatepromo.com”. Thomas M. Fafinski’s discussion centered around advanced strategies for protecting wealth permanently.

Virtus Law PLLC is major sponsor of “The 2010 Economic Symposium” event with keynote speaker, Narayana Kocherlakota,President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis – who addressed the business climate and economic outlook for 2010.

Thomas M. Fafinski’s article relating to “A New Source of Revenue – Amend Tax Returns” is published in the monthly newsletter of a local real estate association.

Nathan W. Nelson is  named the Chief Manager of Virtus Law.  Nathan will be operating the administration of the firm and overseeing the staff and professionals.

Katie Kjos joins the firm as a the temporary marketing and training coordinator.  Katie will be assisting in establishing policies and procedures while waiting to attend graduate school in the fall of 2010.

Kathryn Stoven joins firm as office administrator.  Katie will oversee the technology systems, as well as the accounting functions of the firm.

Thomas M. Fafinski’s article relating to “Commercial Dual Agency Disclosure” is published in the monthly newsletter of a local real estate association.

Virtus Law, PLLC unveils its “Flat Fee General Counsel” program whereby it serves as an general counsel for business for a monthly fee.  Flat fees are also available on projects ranging from entity formations, to estate plans to acquisition related work.  Virtus Law PLLC also has traditional hourly fee services too.

Thomas M. Fafinski is selected as a member of the Round Bank Advisory Board for the Metropolitan market

Thomas M. Fafinski, a 20 year legal veteran and named 6 consecutive years as a Minnesota Super Lawyer, joins Virtus Law PLLC.  Prior to joining Virtus Law PLLC, Tom founded and sold a law firm which used to focus entirely in the same Virtus Law PLLC niche.  Fafinski says he is “happy to again be with a firm that is focused on serving client’s I have served my entire career –  real estate investors and privately held business owners [primarily in the professional services industries].”  Fafinski is a 1991 cum laude graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, where he graduate 13^th in his class.  He is also a seasoned real estate investor with interests in a commercial office, multi-family, planned unit development, single family and lake shore property.  Thomas has also served as a facilitator for Allied Executives, a CEO peer group solution provider with groups ranging from emerging businesses to enterprise leadership.  From his peer group facilitation, Tom believes he is able to stay in better tune with the issues that face business owners and enterprises.  Fafinski is an adjunct instructor for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system where he has taught or will be teaching courses involving business law, real estate law, real estate financing and landlord-tenant law.  Thomas lives in a rural setting with Amy Kadow Fafinski.  They have been married for more than two decades [although Tom swears it’s been less].  They have 3 children, 3 dogs, 3 horses, a turtle and, at any given time, an array of barn cats and chickens.  In addition to spending time with family, Tom enjoys learning and tries to play a passable game of golf.  Tom Fafinski is a die-hard Bruce Springsteen fan.

Nathan W. Nelson joins Virtus Law, PLLC.  Nathan will leading the litigation initiative and operating the administration of the firm as well as overseeing the staff and professionals. Nelson most recently spearheaded the team based litigation intiative at the same firm founded by Tom Fafinski.  Prior to that, Nelson was general counsel to a real estate investment company.  He started in law as legal clerk for the Honorable Gordon Schumaker.  In his spare time, he enjoys doing client related legal work – you can find him in the office most Saturdays and Sundays,  seriously.   He enjoys music, sports, family, friends and dogs.

Virtus Law, PLLC establishes its main corporate office in Brooklyn Park, MN, roughly located at the intersection of 694 and 81, just east of Maple Grove.  Virtus Law PLLC will be the anchor tenant of the building and, pursuant to its lease agreement, has naming rights for the building.  The building is currently named the Sheraton Office Building.  It is undergoing extensive updating and improvements to common areas as well as Virtus Law PLLC’s eventual suite.  Upon the conclusion of the improvements, Virtus Law PLLC expects to name the building Virtus Law Professional Center.