John Saunders

Real Estate + Business Attorney
john@nokomislegal.com | 612.799.4077
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Your Trusted Real Estate
+ Business Attorney

I am an experienced real estate and business attorney, focusing on advising small business owners, grocers, dentists, non-profits and religious organizations with business transactions, real estate acquisitions, sales and leasing, and entity formation and structuring. I also serve as their go-to business attorney, providing dedicated support and guidance. 

I regularly counsel clients in all aspects of commercial real estate and have deep experience working with local businesses, real estate entrepreneurs, dental practices, and religious organizations. My background includes serving as general counsel for a multi-unit franchisee with over 60 locations, providing me with a wealth of knowledge to support a variety of clients. 

Your Main Street Attorney: Serving Minnesota Local Businesses  

I have carved out a niche as a “Main Street” attorney, dedicating my career to the vibrant and diverse array of small businesses and the entrepreneurs whose drive and ambition make them successful. These Main Street businesses form the backbone of every city and town in Minnesota, and I am passionate about helping them succeed. I excel at helping these companies with their general business transactions and through the process of leasing or buying real estate.  

A Legal Partner for Minnesota Dentists 

Over the years, I am proud to have helped dentists at every point throughout the lifecycle of their practices. I have helped structure employment or buy-in agreements, assisted with adding dentists to their practice, reviewed employment agreements and other various contracts, helped them buy or merge their practice with another, and assisted with selling their practice when the time is right. 

Developing Main Street: Legal Guidance for Real Estate Developers 

I know how real estate owners and operators think. Whether it’s buying a piece of land, renting office space or developing an apartment building, I enjoy working with real estate entrepreneurs to help them manage risk and efficiently complete their commercial real estate transactions. 

Dedicated Real Estate Legal Services for Churches and Nonprofits 

I have also developed a unique focus on real estate matters for churches and nonprofits. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by religious organizations and nonprofits, I offer expert guidance in property acquisition, management, and sales. By offering personalized legal advice and solutions, I help churches make sound decisions that align with their goals and support their long-term growth. 

Education 

  • University of St. Thomas School of Law 

  • St. Cloud State University—M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition 

  • St. John’s University—B.A. in English 

Honors + Awards 

  • St. John’s University Alumni Achievement Award, 2020 

  • St. Cloud State University’s Distinguished Thesis Award, 2002 

Associations 

  • Minnesota Dental Entrepreneurs 

  • Former Chair, Hennepin County Bar Association Real Property Section 

Community + Pro Bono Work 

Board of Directors — Avenues for Youth 

  • Avenues for Youth has provided more than 27 years of support to youth aged 16-24 in Hennepin County, offering stable housing, building relationships, and guiding them towards their education, career, health and wellness, and housing goals. 

Vice President — Roosevelt Soccer Booster Club 

  • The Roosevelt Soccer Booster Club supports and raises funds for Roosevelt’s soccer program, including expenses such as equipment, uniforms, travel, and other related costs. 

Co-Founder—Hiawatha Nordic Ski Club 

  • Hiawatha Nordic Ski Club teaches almost 500 young skiers how to ski every January and February, maintains the nordic ski trails at Hiawatha Golf Course and advocates on behalf of the nordic community regarding the future of Hiawatha Golf Course.