Faegre Drinker Attorneys Named to Minnesota Lawyer’s 2026 ‘Minnesota Legal 250’ List

Faegre Drinker Minneapolis partners Morgan Burns, Michael Cockson, Angela Fogt, David Johnson, Randall Kahnke, Michael Stewart, Lica Tomizuka, and Aaron Van Oort have been selected as honorees of Minnesota Lawyer’s inaugural “Minnesota Legal 250” list, which recognizes the most influential and accomplished attorneys across Minnesota’s legal landscape.

Corporate partner Morgan Burns was recognized in the “Mergers & Acquisitions” category. Burns’ profile underscores his experience in over 100 M&A transactions and more than 100 capital markets transactions spanning over 30 countries, with deal sizes ranging from under $100 million to more than $2 billion.

Litigation partner Michael Cockson was recognized in the “Business Litigation” category. Cockson’s profile spotlights his 20-year career as a trial attorney practicing in state and federal courts across 15 states, representing financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies, private companies, banks, hedge funds, shareholders, insurance companies, manufacturers, and technology companies.

Government and regulatory affairs partner Angela Fogt was recognized in the “Nonprofit & Philanthropy” category. Fogt’s profile highlights her experience counseling clients on governance, charitable gifts and endowments, corporate philanthropy, and domestic and international grant-making.

Government and regulatory affairs partner David Johnson was recognized in the “Government” category. Johnson’s profile spotlights his experience representing clients across a range of industries before the Minnesota Legislature, state and federal agencies, and local governments.

Litigation partner Randall Kahnke was recognized in the “Business Litigation” category. Kahnke’s profile notes that he represents clients in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation, with lead trial experience in cases spanning three continents.

Finance and restructuring partner Michael Stewart was recognized in the “Mergers & Acquisitions” category. Stewart’s profile highlights his four-decade career representing lenders, investors, and creditors through some of the most complex restructuring and insolvency matters in the country. 

Real estate partner and Minneapolis office leader Lica Tomizuka was recognized in the “Real Estate” category. Tomizuka’s profile emphasizes that she has spent more than two decades helping shape the commercial real estate landscape of the Twin Cities and beyond.

Litigation partner Aaron Van Oort was recognized in the “Appellate” category. Van Oort’s profile showcases his experience arguing more than 60 appeals, including arguments in 10 of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court.

The “Minnesota Legal 250” recognition program honors attorneys who demonstrate prolonged success and an ability to successfully navigate changing client needs, legal developments, technology, economic environments, and strong community engagement. The list is compiled by Minnesota Lawyer’s editorial staff based on prior news reporting, award nominations, and consultations with trusted legal sources.