Firm News

MINNEAPOLIS, MN.: Mark Nie, formerly Director of Engineering at Tolerance Masters, LLC, represented by a team of attorneys at Halunen Law, led by Clayton Halunen, has sued Tolerance Masters and its parent company, North Cliff Corporation. The whistleblower retaliation case alleges Nie was terminated after repeatedly reporting that Defendants shipped flight-critical aerospace components — including parts for Collins Aerospace, Eaton, and Pratt & Whitney — without performing required dimensional inspections, and that company leadership planned to substitute outdated inspection data to falsify compliance records.

“Whistleblowers play an important role in the corporate world and we look forward to presenting Mr. Nie’s compelling allegations to a jury,” said Clayton Halunen.

Tolerance Masters is a Circle Pines, Minnesota contract manufacturer. It machines flight-safety-critical parts to tolerances as tight as +/- 50 millionths of an inch for Tier-1 commercial and military aerospace customers. According to the Complaint, when Nie warned leadership in October 2025 that inspection data was missing for pending shipments, a company principal responded that Defendants would simply “use the old data” and that “as long as nobody audits October, we’ll be fine.” Less than two weeks after Nie renewed his objections, Defendants terminated him without warning or explanation.

This case was filed in Anoka County, Minnesota on June 20, 2026, where Tolerance Masters is based. Mr. Nie’s Complaint includes a claim under the Minnesota Whistleblower Act, which prohibits retaliation against employees who report violations of law in good faith.

Read the full Complaint.


About Halunen Law: Offering experienced representation to employees and whistleblowers nationwide, Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful law firm focused on achieving justice and meaningful results for its clients. See halunenlaw.com.

The Continental Congress declared on July 30, 1778 that “all persons in the United States” had the duty to report misconduct in public service. This first whistleblower law resulted from the report by sailors and marines that a high officer of the U.S. Navy was engaging in serious abuses. Now—248 years later — July 30th marks what the United States Senate has recognized as National Whistleblower Day. For this occasion, public figures, whistleblowers, media, advocates, and scholars are gathering to celebrate whistleblowers and to remind the public of the role whistleblowers play in exposing illegal conduct within the United States and internationally.

We at Halunen Law are deeply committed to providing extraordinary representation to the whistleblowers in our midst.  We applaud their courage, their grit, their persistence. Whistleblowers feel an unwavering call to do what is right and we will do everything in our power to protect and help them in this process.

So—on this 30th day of July—join us at Halunen Law in celebrating National Whistleblower Day and saluting whistleblowers and their advocates around the world.

Paul Schinner, attorney at Halunen Law, was quoted by Pioneer Press in an article outlining his recent case, a settlement with Ramsey County paying $170,000 to Tameca Abdulai, a former corrections officer.

“We are proud to have represented her and hope this resolution sends a message that in Minnesota, employees have a legal right to speak up about workplace safety and that whistleblowers deserve respect, not retaliation.”

Paul’s quote was accompanied by a rundown of the case, including the alleged retaliation against Ms. Abdulai for reporting unlawful and dangerous jail conditions.

Read the article here.

If you’ve faced whistleblower retaliation by your employer, you may have a case. Contact Halunen Law here.

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Minnesota Lawyer has selected Halunen Law employment attorney Josh Newville and of-counsel attorney Pamela Johnson to the 2026 Minnesota Legal 250.

According to Minnesota Lawyer, the Legal 250 list is a print and online directory of 250 people from 17 categories, celebrating “the power brokers who lead and influence various parts of the Minnesota legal community.”

“We are grateful to Minnesota Lawyer for honoring Josh and Pamela’s exceptional work and contributions,” said Clayton Halunen, founder of Halunen Law. “They are outstanding attorneys who share an unwavering commitment to achieving justice and meaningful outcomes for their clients. Their leadership, skills, professionalism, and results-driven approach are central to the success of our employment litigation group, and we are proud to have them recognized with inclusion in the Minnesota Lawyer’s Legal 250 list.”

To learn more about attorneys Josh Newville, Pamela Johnson, and the entire team of dedicated attorneys, visit the Halunen Law website.

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Employer poised to challenge state laws protecting workers who use cannabis off the job

MINNEAPOLIS (October 10, 2025) — Halunen Law, a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in employee rights cases, has filed suit against a Texas-based home builder on behalf of a Minnesota realtor who was denied a job because of his medical cannabis use during non-work hours.

The realtor, who was enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis registry, applied for a sales position at a new-construction housing development in the Twin Cities. The builder offered him the job after a lengthy application and interview process but rescinded the offer when a pre-employment drug test revealed the presence of THC metabolites.

“Minnesota authorizes the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes,” said Halunen Law attorney Joshua Newville. “State law generally prohibits discrimination against employees for such off-duty usage. Most employers are thus barred from even testing for cannabis.”

Responding to the lawsuit, the builder argues that Minnesota’s laws are preempted by federal law. “It appears this employer is poised to mount a direct challenge both to States’ rights and cannabis-related worker protections,” explained Newville.

This case raises important questions not only for Minnesotans but also for workers nationwide as more states adopt similar protections. Lawmakers, state attorneys general, and civil rights advocates throughout the country may be closely watching as this matter unfolds.

The case is Bradley Sand v. Weekley Homes, LLC, Hennepin County District Court (Case: 27-CV-25-18190).

About Halunen Law: With offices in Minneapolis and Chicago, Halunen Law offers experienced legal representation for employees and whistleblowers who courageously challenge illegal actions in their workplace. Founded in 1998, Halunen Law has achieved a reputation as a fearless, tenacious, and successful plaintiffs’ law firm, with a laser focus on achieving justice and meaningful results for its clients. For more information, visit halunenlaw.com.

As a guest on AXIOM’s podcast, “Elevating Experience: Women and Age in the Workplace,” Halunen Law employment attorney, Pamela Johnson, offered valuable insights from her 30-year career as an insurance professional and accomplished litigator. Johnson was joined by Laurie Johnson, a senior-level learning consultant with the Boulder Crest Foundation, and podcast host Scott Rutherford as they discussed the dynamics of gender, age, and experience in the workplace. The episode examines the prevalence of ageism and explores how organizations can and should prioritize the skills and perspectives of older women in the workforce. It includes [pragmatic][useful][realistic] advice for driving cultural change and breaking down workplace barriers, while reminding listeners of opportunities that organizations may miss if they fail to address these issues.

Listen to the full podcast on AXIOM Learning Solutions

9B5DCAAC-96B8-47B5-879C-48B3EF12E72CAs an of counsel member of Halunen Law’s Employment Litigation Group, Pamela Johnson brings an impressive reputation for advocacy, achievement, and a depth of legal knowledge on behalf of all those she represents. In addition to practicing employment law, Pamela has guided complex cases involving intellectual property, copyrights, patents, trademarks, and insurance, and has protected the privacy rights of high-profile clients, and overseen defamation claims on behalf of corporate conglomerates, celebrities, private individuals, and more.

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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. 

 

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.

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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 Lawyer recently spoke with Halunen Law’’s employment litigation group leader, Josh Newville, along with Matthew Bodie, Robins Kaplan professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, to get their impressions on what may be in store. In “What’s ahead in employment law?” reporter Laura Brown explores the changes Labor and Employment Law may undergo under Trump’s second presidential administration. Bodie and Newville see the potential for even greater changes than the usual back and forth between political parties. In the article, Newville, who has championed LGBTQ rights throughout his career, speculates on the new administration’s impact on anti-discrimination policies, the role of the EEOC, state protections, and more. 


“Trump 2.0 might be even more aggressive. At this point, we are going to see an effort to target diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at various companies. It is almost that he signaled the EEOC will now, which I think is probable a first in history, be treating DEI initiatives as if they are discriminatory, which, I’m curious to see how that plays out.”

Read the full article (PDF) 

NewvilleEmployment litigation group leader Josh Newville is a tenacious litigator who frequently obtains favorable outcomes for those he represents. In more than a decade of practicing law, Josh has handled high-profile cases, secured millions of dollars for his clients, and won victories at the Minnesota Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals.

 

© 2026 Halunen Law | Minneapolis Employment Attorneys