What makes lawyers effective, even exceptional, is the simple things they do year after year. Because I have long concentrated on Family Law and helped pioneer both the Animal Law and Art, Entertainment and Sports Law practice areas, facts and equitable principles are everything important to me. I interview my clients and witnesses with the enthusiasm of legendary sleuths, carrying with me the conviction that when I understand the essential truth, I can successfully advance my client’s cause.

A third generation attorney, I have gained a reputation as a skilled and highly respected attorney, and when necessary, a tenacious litigator. I represent clients in the areas of Family Law, Art and Entertainment Law, and Animal Law. Within the field of Family Law, I have experience with International Family Law, Matrimonial Law, and the numerous legal questions that have arisen in recent years affecting same-sex couples.

I have often been selected for the Minnesota Super Lawyers List, was selected as a "Top 40" Family Law Attorney by Minnesota Law & Politics, a Leading American Attorney in Art and Entertainment Law by the American Research Corporation, and called the "Top animal advocate attorney in the country" by Dr. Phil. I have frequently been asked to speak internationally on the topics of Animal Law and Neuroscience Law.

With more than 30 years of experience, I have represented thousands of clients throughout the State of Minnesota, with the majority of my clients in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. This gives me a deep understanding of the local court systems, and how to best help my clients.

I believe that most clients are seeking a compassionate listener who has the insight and skills to discover solutions to their problems and achieve desirable results. I have the energy, commitment, and experience. My office is conveniently located on University Avenue between Interstate 694 and Highway 10, with free parking. This location has allowed me to serve the entire Twin Cities metro area.

Please call my office to schedule a free, 30 minute meeting to see how I can use my skills and experience to help you.

Barbara J. Gislason Appointed President of the United States Delegation to the Union Internationale des AvocatsRead more about her appointment here.

Professional Organizations:

American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Family Law: Past Chair, ABA Emergency Management in Family Law Task ForcePast Liaison, ABA Special Committee on Disaster Response and PreparednessPet Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Presenter, Section Spring MeetingPet Law and Pet Custody Disputes: A New Practice Area Unfolds, Book Publication PendingAmerican Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS): Founding Chair, Animal Law CommitteePast Chair, ABA TIPS Intellectual Property Law CommitteeSection Liaison to Uniform Law CommissionABA Advisor to Uniform Law Commission Regarding Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners ActMember, Book Publishing BoardPast Liaison, ABA Special Committee on Disaster Response and PreparednessPast Chair, ABA Animal Disaster Relief NetworkHost, Emergency Management Podcasts for Legal TIPS Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA): President of U.S. Delegation to the Paris-based Union Internationale des Advocats (UIA) President of Biotechnology Law Working GroupLiaison from ABA Intellectual Property Law SectionPresented Paper called Human Hybrids and Chimeras: Exploring the Implications of Biobanks and Pluripotent Cells With Regard to Species Integrity and National Security at 55th CongressChair and Moderator of The Right to Medical Treatment Program at 56th CongressPresented Paper called The Future of the Mind in Law and Science at 57th CongressCourse Chair for Seminar in Budapest, Hungary in 2014American Bar Association (ABA) Intellectual Property Law Section (IPLS): Chair, ABA Intellectual Property Law Section Division IVPast Vice Chair, ABA Intellectual Property Law Section Division VI Past Chair, Insurance and Risk Management CommitteeLiaison to Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA)Past Co-Chair, Section Task Force on Reverse PaymentsPast Chair, Section Task Force Regarding Comments for China’s Anti-Monopoly PolicyMinnesota State Bar Association (MSBA): Past Chair, MSBA Bar Admissions CommitteePast Member, MSBA Assembly & Legislative CommitteePast State Chair, Law DayFounding Chair, MSBA Art & Entertainment Law SectionPast Executive Committee, MSBA Computer Law SectionPast Symposium Chair, MSBA Bar Media CommitteeFounding Chair, MSBA Animal Law Committee & SectionPast Legislative Committee Member, MSBA Family Law SectionPast Chair, Family Law Section Blue Ribbon Panel on Rules of Professional ConductMinnesota Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA): Council of American Bar Association (ABA) Intellectual Property Law Section 2015-2020Representative to State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO/US Bar Liason Council)Past Chair, Copyright CommitteePast Chair, International Committee

Community Involvement:

Hubert Humphrey (Fulbright) Fellows Host—Present Minnesota Animal Disaster Coalition—Present U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advisor—Past U.S. Department of Justice Advisory Panel—Past Neighborhood Justice Board of Directors—Past Alexandra House for Battered Women Legal Panel—PastMinnesota Icelandic Association President—PastMinnesota Film Arts Board of Directors—Past Minnesota Opera Association Board of Directors—Past Minnesota State Arts Board Advisory Panel—Past

Personal Interests:

Animals NeuroscienceShakespeare Book ClubKick-Boxing and Tai Chi International Travel: China, India, South Africa, Iceland, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Galapagos, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Bhutan, Italy, and Spain