Jerrie M. Hayes
Ms. Hayes joined the firm in 2010, after more than a decade as a commercial litigation and appellate practice attorney in the Twin Cities. An honors graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, Ms. Hayes successfully represents private and public companies of all sizes involved in commercial litigation and business disputes, and individuals involved in civil litigation. Her state and federal practice includes:
Trial and Appellate Advocacy
- Pre-suit negotiation, lawsuit commencement or initial defense, and case-specific strategic and tactical decision-making.
- Representing businesses in commercial litigation, such as contract, real estate, employment, sales, creditor’s remedies, competition, and trademark litigation.
- Representing individuals in litigation involving boundary or property disputes, construction and product defect claims, land use controversies, partnership and closely-held-business disputes, and shareholder and derivative suits.
Administrative Representation
- Appearing on client’s behalf before government agencies, including the EEOC, OSHA, DOL, DNR, EPA, and IRS.
- Assisting clients in obtaining or defending licenses and operating permits.
- Representing clients at state, county, and municipal meetings and public hearings.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Helping clients avoid the time and expense of litigation through the judicious use of mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes.
- Representing clients through all stages of the arbitration or mediation process, including neutral selection, ground-rule negotiations, document submission, and case presentation.
Workplace Advocacy
- Assisting clients at meetings involving employee discipline, termination, and exit interviews, and in administering layoffs and reinstatements.
- Conducting workplace investigations related to allegations of discrimination, harassment, OSHA violations, and work-related injury.
Litigation Avoidance Counseling
Analyzing administrative policies, operational practices, and employment policies for potential claims or litigation, performing risk-return analysis, and amending policies and practices to eliminate or reduce litigation exposure.
Education and Professional
University of Missouri – St. Louis (B.A., summa cum laude, 1994)
Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Sigma Alpha, Pi Kappa Delta, and Alpha Phi Omega
University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1997)
Admitted to bar, United States Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals Eighth Circuit, Minnesota U.S. District Court, and the Supreme Court of Minnesota. Member American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association, Olmstead County Bar Association, American Women in Law & Leadership, and Minnesota Women Lawyers.
Personal Interests
Ms. Hayes actively contributes to the Rochester community through volunteer work and involvement with a variety of non-profit organizations. She is a Member and Officer of the American Business Women’s Association (Rochester Charter Chapter) and an Executive Leadership Board Member for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” event in Rochester. She is also a Member of the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters, and Mensa. She also pursues her passion for history through membership in Daughters of the American Revolution, the Auxiliary of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Minnesota Historical Society. Ms. Hayes and her family enjoy gardening, golfing, swimming camping, fishing and star-gazing in the spring and summer, as well as traveling, scrapbooking, clay shooting, sledding and ham radio in the fall and winter.