We provide legal representation to businesses and licensed professionals in all types of investigations, proceedings, and matters involving the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce enforces state statutes and administrative regulations in a number of industries, including insurance, real estate, mortgages, and financial institutions.

The ramifications of a regulatory investigation can be serious. The Commerce Department can suspend or revoke a license and impose fines. Beyond that, a disciplinary proceeding poses significant reputational and financial risks. Government discipline can lead to potential loss of employment or clients. Insurance agents who are disciplined may lose their appointments with carriers, and real estate agents may lose their broker affiliations.

When the Minnesota Department of Commerce brings an enforcement action against an insurance agent or company, a real estate agent or broker, a mortgage company, or a financial institution, it is represented by lawyers in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Parties facing potential enforcement action deserve strong legal representation too. It is risky for a licensee to submit to a government interview or inquiry without a lawyer at their side to protect their rights and due process.

Ms. Swanson and Mr. Hatch know the industries the Commerce Department regulates and the laws that apply to those industries. As former Attorneys General, Lori Swanson and Mike Hatch were responsible for the legal representation of the Minnesota Department of Commerce in enforcement proceedings. Mr. Hatch previously served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce for eight years, where he was the state’s primary regulator of the insurance, real estate, mortgage, and financial industries in Minnesota. Ms. Swanson previously served as Chair of the Consumer Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, where she advised the Board on consumer financial matters.

We draw on our unrivaled experience to assist businesses and individuals in the insurance (insurance companies and insurance producers), real estate, mortgage, and financial industries in enforcement proceedings and other matters involving the Minnesota Department of Commerce. We pride ourselves on developing pragmatic and efficient strategies for dealing with regulatory investigations and administrative actions.

Smart lawyers also know that the best defense is a good offense. We use our knowledge and experience to help clients proactively stay in compliance with the laws and administrative regulations that govern these industries. We work with clients to develop compliance plans and give advice to keep our clients out of regulatory hot water.

We assist regulated parties with all phases of Commerce Department  investigations.  This includes responding to inquiry letters, investigations, Orders to Show Cause, Consent Orders, Cease and Desist Orders, administrative subpoenas, Tennessen Warnings, and Notices of Hearings.