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MINNEAPOLIS, MN., August 15, 2025: Renee Fox, who uses the name Wren Clair in her profession as a meteorologist, has filed suit against KSTP, a local television broadcast station, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation while working as a meteorologist for KSTP. Halunen Law employment attorney, Paul Schinner, is representing Clair in this case.

Ms. Clair abruptly left the station in February 2024 after nearly seven years. The lawsuit alleges that throughout her work at the station, which ended in February 2025, she faced a range of troubling and illegal actions, including “severe, overtly sexist conduct by her coworkers and superiors,” constituting “sex-based disparate treatment and sexual harassment.” Ms. Clair brought her concerns to her supervisor, and in 2024, she reported the conduct directly to the company’s Human Resources department. She was subsequently demoted, fired, and replaced purportedly for poor performance, and replaced with “a less qualified man,” according to the Amended Complaint. The lawsuit further notes that Ms. Clair had two years remaining on her three-year contract at the time of her termination, was popular with viewers, and had consistently received positive performance reviews.

Ms. Clair’s attorney, Paul Schinner, commented, “The Amended Complaint alleges that our client endured persistent sexist double standards and deeply offensive conduct at KSTP for many years, and her firing ‘was abrupt, unexplained, and preceded by no documented disciplinary action, negative reviews, or performance improvement plans.’” Said Schinner, “We look forward to disproving KSTP’s claimed rationale for firing Wren–recited formulaically throughout its Answer—that she was terminated ‘as a result of her poor performance, on which she was repeatedly coached.’ We applaud Wren for her courage in challenging the experiences she had at KSTP and look forward to getting her the justice warranted by KSTP’s treatment of her as articulated in the Amended Complaint.”

Access the Amended Complaint and Defendant’s Answer
Note: click on “Case Number”; enter 62-CV-25-6658. Case title is “Fox v. KSTP-TV, LLC

Read recent news coverage of this story:
Pioneer Press: Meteorologist Wren Clair files sexual harassment suit against former employer KSTP

Minnesota Star Tribune: Meteorologist Wren Clair sues KSTP over sexual harassment and retaliation

MPR/KNOW: Meteorologist sues KSTP for sexual harassment, discrimination

PowerList logo

Halunen Law is pleased to announce that Employment Litigation Group Leader, Josh Newville, and venerated attorney Pamela Johnson were selected to the Minnesota Lawyer Power List for Employment Law 2025.

According to the publication, The Employment Law Power List, “highlights those whose mere presence on a case signifies the stakes, who have influenced the direction of the law, whose leadership in the community is pervasive, and whose respect within the bar is undeniable.” 

Halunen Law is extremely proud to have two attorneys from the Firm receive this notable recognition. Both Josh Newville and Pamela Johnson exemplify the highest standard in professionalism, expertise, and a results-driven legal practice. Their contributions and leadership are central to the firm’s success, and the employment litigation group’s steadfast commitment to ensuring employees who have experienced illegal actions receive justice. To learn more about attorneys Josh Newville, Pamela Johnson, and our entire team of dedicated attorneys, visit the Our Team page on the Halunen Law website. 

In what is believed to be the largest ERISA settlement stemming from poorly performing investment options in a 401(k) plan, UnitedHealth Group will pay $69 million in a class action case filed by plaintiff and whistleblower Kim Snyder. A former employee, Snyder claimed UnitedHealth Group failed to remove investments from a poorly performing Wells Fargo 401(k) plan. In so doing, employees invested in the fund lost hundreds of millions of dollars in potential retirement savings, Snyder alleged. Minnesota District Court Judge John Tunnheim gave final approval to the class settlement on June 12, 2025.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight was the lead counsel on the case. Minneapolis-based Halunen Law attorney Susan Coler served as local counsel, providing legal advice and assistance. The case alleged that UnitedHealth had violated its fiduciary duties under ERISA by prudently and disloyally selecting, retaining, and monitoring the poorly performing Wells Fargo Target Fund Suite.

“This outcome is impressive and gratifying,” said Coler. “Snyder and the legal team worked tirelessly for four years to achieve this result, which will offer a direct financial remedy to class members who have been impacted. It was a pleasure to work with them and contribute to that result.”

Read more about this historic case settlement:

Press Release: Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight Wins Final Approval of Record-Breaking $69 Million Settlement on Behalf of More Than 35,000 Retirement Plan Beneficiaries 

Minnesota Star Tribune: Judge approves $69M class action settlement in UnitedHealth 401(k) litigation

Minnesota Star Tribune: UnitedHealth Group agrees to $69 million settlement over low-performing retirement plan options.

401k Specialist: UnitedHealth Group Agrees to Historic $69 Million 401(k) ERISA Settlement

USA Herald -UnitedHealth Settles $60M ERISA Suit

National Association of Plan Advisors: ‘Historic’ Excessive Fee Suit Strikes $69 Million Settlement

Law360 – UnitedHealth to pay $69M in Suit Over 401(k) Fund Roster

Susan (1)A Partner at Halunen Law, Susan Coler is a member of the Halunen Law False Claims Act (FCA)/Whistleblower Practice Group. She represents whistleblowers who challenge illegal corporate conduct, particularly fraud against the government. Susan represented a relator in an FCA claim against Abbott Laboratories that resulted in a civil settlement of $800 million (total settlement of $1.5 billion), the fifth-largest civil healthcare recovery ever achieved under the FCA. As an MSBA Labor and Employment Law Specialist, Susan has also brought successful retaliation claims in connection with FCA/qui tam cases and as stand-alone actions.

 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN:  Halunen Law is pleased to announce attorney Christopher Empson has joined its Employment Litigation Group. As a member of this team, Empson isChris-2024-web committed to fighting for employee rights and gaining justice for individuals who experience illegal workplace actions. He brings to the group a keen interest and undergraduate studies in psychology, business law, and economics—areas that provide useful perspectives when working to resolve the employment law matters that bring clients to the Firm. Empson is dedicated to providing exceptional client representation consistent with Halunen Law’s goal of achieving transformational outcomes for its clients.

“While serving as a law clerk, Chris became an invaluable member of the firm,” said Employment Litigation Group lead Josh Newville. “He’s an important part of the group, and we are thrilled to have him join our team of talented attorneys. We look forward to his continued contributions in the years ahead.”

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Empson received his law degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. A native of Illinois, Empson has adopted the Twin Cities as his new home. He enjoys the seasonal changes, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends exploring the Twin Cities. 

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees, whistleblowers, and those who have experienced illegal workplace actions. The Firm has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm focused squarely on achieving justice for its clients and creating workplace and societal change. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

In the March 12 article “Dellinger Exit Deepens OSC Politicization as Workers LoseAlly,” Bloomberg Law writer Khorri Atkinson examines the Trump administration’s termination, without explanation, of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger as part of the president’s broader effort to seize control of independent agencies, and the potentially wide-ranging impact of these actions.

Asked to provide his perspective on Dellinger’s departure and decision to drop his case, Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner offered that unless the Supreme Court intervenes in a similar dispute and clarifies the president’s authority to dismiss the head or a member of an independent federal agency, Dellinger’s firing may have set a precedent that allows future presidents to exert greater control over these agencies. He added, “It will be interesting what they do; whether they’ll replace Dellinger with someone more aligned with” the purported objectives of Elon Musk and his Department of Government
Efficiency to weed out fraud and wasteful spending, “or dismantle the Office of Special Counsel because they think it’s unnecessary.”

Read the full article, “Dellinger Exit Deepens OSC Politicization as Workers Lose Ally”

Paul Schinner

As a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

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MSBA’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Equal Justice
— A Statement from the MSBA President —

February 12, 2025 — Despite recent national events, the Minnesota State Bar Association remains steadfast in its commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the legal community. We believe that the diversity of our membership strengthens us, and we will continue to welcome and support every member of our community, regardless of gender, race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.

All Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs offered by the MSBA are fully compliant with the law. None of our DEI initiatives have ever involved illegal discrimination. Supporting every member of the legal community is central to our mission.

As the association representing the legal community in Minnesota, we are called to defend equal justice under the law for everyone, including the fundamental freedoms of speech and association. Lawyers are the guardians of the Constitution, and we take that responsibility seriously. We will not stay silent while the rights of individuals or groups are threatened. We will continue to be a voice for inclusivity, equity, and justice in the legal community.

Samuel Edmunds
2024-2025 President
Minnesota State Bar Association

For more than 25 years, Halunen Law has been committed to protecting employee rights. Regardless of social or political headwinds, our dedication to equity and justice has never wavered. Our firm and its attorneys stand in solidarity with the MSBA’s recently affirmed commitment to diversity and inclusivity and the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and association. We commend the MSBA’s ongoing leadership on behalf of Minnesota’s legal community and join them in the continued fight for justice for all people.

Minnesota Star Tribune writer Mike Hughlett reports on a transgender harassment case against Walmart in a recent article: “After state ruling against Walmart, transgender man sues over harassment at West St. Paul Store.” The article provides a detailed account of the case and highlights national studies indicating widespread on-the-job harassment of transgender people. It notes that Minnesota has strong protections for transgender employees as one of 23 states with laws prohibiting transgender discrimination. The United States Supreme Court held in the 2020 Bostock case that Title VII’s antidiscrimination protections include transgender employees, but the use of federal law to protect these employees is under attack. Noting that Bostock is “the law of the land,” Halunen Law employment attorney Josh Newville commented:  “..given the Trump administration’s anti-transgender stance, I’m greatly concerned that the EEOC is not going to enforce the law,” adding, “For LGBT persons in states lacking protection against employment discrimination, it’s a scary time.”

Read the full article from the Minnesota Star Tribune.

If you or someone you know has experienced gender or other forms of workplace discrimination, we encourage you to learn more about employment rights and protections on the Minnesota Department of Human Rights website and the Halunen Law website. If, upon reviewing this information, you believe you may have a case, you can submit a Case Review Form or call us at 612-605-4098 to speak with one of our Intake Specialists.

NewvilleA tenacious litigator who frequently obtains favorable outcomes for those he represents, Josh Newville leads Halunen Law’s Employment Litigation Group. He is a skilled, thoughtful, and determined professional who brings more than a decade of experience, a deep dedication to civil rights, and a commitment to excellence to his legal practice.

In his “Whistleblowing 101” article, Halunen Law employment attorney Paul Schinner offers key steps for people to consider when blowing the whistle on illegal workplace activity. These include knowing the laws protecting whistleblowers, taking tangible actions to build your case, and seeing the value of having an experienced employment law attorney at the helm. Worth a read, this article offers valuable guidance for potential whistleblowers.

Read the full article as published in the Legal Reader (PDF)

Paul SchinnerAs a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

 

With a successful practice in employment law and False Claims Act cases, Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner

represents whistleblowers who speak up against illegal actions in their workplace. His extensive experience provides real-world insights for his recently published article, “Whistleblower 101: Protection Laws to Know Before You Speak.” Readers will find a useful guide to the statutes that protect whistleblowers along with steps and strategies to consider before blowing the whistle.

Read the full article as published in Attorney at Law Magazine (PDF)

Paul SchinnerAs a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

In a recent Bloomberg Law article, “Trump’s DEI Order Creates Murky Fraud Risks for Contractors,” reporter Khorri Atkinson explores a number of issues including the possibility that the False Claims Act could be used against federal contractors if they do not comply with Trump’s recent executive order prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Halunen Law attorney Paul Schinner weighs in, offering the order is “riddled with ambiguities” and has “no definition section. What jumped out is that the order uses buzzwords that Republicans have used to attack DEI efforts,” and states “the FCA could potentially be litigants preferred legal route.” However, he adds, “It’s very possible to maintain some form of intentional effort to boost inclusivity without running afoul” of the new administration’s order and the law.”

Read the full article as it appeared in Bloomberg Law (PDF)

Paul SchinnerAs a member of Halunen Law’s legal team, attorney Paul Schinner offers years of experience in employment law, with keen legal insights, hard-nosed negotiation skills, and a proven record of obtaining successful outcomes. Paul also has extensive experience navigating False Claims Act litigation and has represented whistleblower clients in these complex federal cases across a range of industries.

 

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