Sarah Brew, Lauren Linderman, and Cyri Van Hecke Named 2026 ‘Top Women in Law’ Honorees by Minnesota Lawyer

Faegre Drinker partners Sarah Brew, Lauren Wright Linderman, and Cyri Van Hecke have been recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as 2026 “Top Women in Law” honorees. The award recognizes exceptional women attorneys who are shaping Minnesota’s legal profession through leadership, excellence, and meaningful contributions to the industry and their communities.

Now in its fourth year, the recognition celebrates women attorneys who are leading significant matters, changing lives through pro bono work, mentoring the next generation of women lawyers and helping clients, and communities navigate challenging circumstances.

Brew’s profile highlighted her leadership of the firm’s food litigation and regulatory practice and her work representing food companies in litigation and advising on compliance, labeling, and emerging regulatory trends. It also recognized her involvement with the Mitchell Hamline Food Law Center Advisory Board and her service on nonprofit boards, including the Midwest Art Conservation Center.

Linderman’s profile highlighted her work representing businesses and franchisors in complex commercial disputes involving trade secrets, noncompete agreements, and trademarks. It noted her team’s complete defense verdicts in a 2024 California trade secret trial with more than $100 million at stake and a 2023 trademark infringement case involving $243 million, as well as her work advising companies on trade secret protection programs and clean-room development plans.

Van Hecke’s profile recognized her national construction litigation practice and her work resolving disputes involving infrastructure, food manufacturing, data centers, and large-scale development projects. It highlighted her resolution of disputes valued above $100 million for a food manufacturer, along with her mentorship of junior attorneys and service on the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota’s board and as chair of its Land Committee.

Honorees were selected by an independent panel based on the core principles of leadership, professionalism, accomplishment, and passion for making a difference. The full list of honorees is available here. They will be celebrated at a gala on Thursday, October 22 at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis.