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In 1997, after working for several years in large, traditional
law firms Rebecca Heltzer and Jerry Burg struck out on their
own, forming a small practice dedicated to social justice
and equality for all citizens, as well as to excellence in
more standard fields of practice, like Criminal and Real Estate
Law.
Since 1997, Jerry Burg and Rebecca Heltzer have brought their
practical, forged-in-the-trenches experience to men, women,
small businesses and non-profit organizations who need accurate,
straightforward information about the legal system, and their
own situations. In addition to divorce, child custody and
other traditional family law, real estate and criminal law
issues, we are proud to address the legal needs of lesbian,
gay and transgendered persons who face unique challenges in
today's legal and cultural landscape.
In the fall of 2007 Jerry and Rebecca expanded and welcomed
associate attorney Melissa J. Houghtaling into the firm.
Heltzer and Burg PLC has been located in the Warehouse District
of Minneapolis, Minnesota since 1999, and is easy to find
at the end of I-394 in a rehabilitated 19th Century warehouse,
which is also home to several artists, arts organizations
and other professionals. Rebecca, Jerry and Melissa take pride
in making their clients feel comfortable and welcome in their
unique, relaxed office space.
Over the years Jerry, Rebecca and Melissa have donated time,
money and resources, including pro-bono work, to several queer-friendly
organizations such as District 202, OutFront Minnesota, Chrysalis
and the Minnesota Aids Project. Heltzer and Burg is proud
to lobby against laws intended to undermine personal freedom
and choice. They consistently work to increase the legal rights
of people in families and relationships who do not enjoy the
benefits and protections of legal recognition. Both Jerry
and Rebecca lobbied to pass the Minnesota Human Rights Act
which added "sexual orientation" to the classes
protected by the Act; they continue to dedicate their energies
to fighting the sadly regular efforts of hostile groups to
erode the protections afforded by the 1993 amendment.
Just as sexual orientation is not as simple as gay, straight
or bi, gender identity is more complex than the male/female,
masculine/feminine binaries. Rebecca and Jerry are proud to
have worked to pass legislation which protects people from
gender identity discrimination and look forward to advocating
for, and assisting those individuals whose sexual orientation
or gender identity has placed them outside of the American
mainstream. If you fall into one of these categories, Heltzer
and Burg welcomes you.
About the Attorneys
Meet Jerry Burg
 Jerry's
practice areas include Family Law for traditional and non-traditional
families, Criminal Defense, Employment Law (both defense and
plaintiff work) And Landlord Tenant Law. Jerry also works
with Rebecca representing clients in property and commercial
disputes.
In the area of Family Law, Jerry offers several years of
experience in adoptions, contested and uncontested marriage
dissolutions, custody/parenting time disputes, support matters,
and domestic abuse/harassment proceedings. Jerry is a leading
attorney in family law matters, including non-traditional
families such as those with lesbian, gay or transgendered
parents, in establishing access rights for non-parents, and
in high conflict divorces.
Jerry has advised clients in employment law matters since
1990. His experience includes: litigating employment claims
(discrimination, contract, etc.); drafting, enforcing and
disputing non-compete agreements and proprietary interest
claims; reviewing, drafting and editing employment policies
and handbooks; developing and conducting diversity training;
advising clients concerning wage/hour issues and unemployment
insurance issues. Jerry offers particular experience in representing
licensed professionals in disciplinary proceedings before
their respective authorities (teachers, nurses, doctors, psychologists,
social workers, chemical dependency counselors).
As a criminal defense attorney, Jerry provides aggressive
defense for individuals charged with crimes such as DUI, public
indecency, sex related crimes, domestic abuse, assault, theft
and drug violations.
Jerry also provides advice and representation to clients
in the areas of municipal & government relations.
Accreditations:
- Graduated summa cum laude from the University of St. Thomas
in 1984 with a BA. in Business Administration.
Graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law
School in 1990.
- Adjunct Professor at William Mitchell College of Law where
he teaches "Work of the Lawyer," an ethics course
for upper division law students that addresses unique ethical
issues facing practicing attorneys.
Meet Rebecca Heltzer
 Rebecca's
practice areas include advising clients on same sex domestic
partnership issues, estate planning, litigation, and real
estate.
Rebecca specializes in domestic partnership issues including
the preparation of domestic partnership agreements; she also
advises clients when there is no agreement as to their rights
to real and personal property.
Rebecca is a recognized leader in advising gay, lesbian and
non-traditional couples regarding matters that affect their
legal rights as a couple or family. In addition, Rebecca offers
her skills and unique perspective to all individuals in need
of information about about Estate Planning.
Rebecca offers several years experience regarding business
structuring options, addressing commercial disputes and answering
questions about shareholder rights. Ms. Heltzer is experienced
in creating corporations and partnerships, maintaining corporate
formalities and developing business litigation strategies.
Rebecca provides a variety of legal services relative to
real estate, such as advising buyers, sellers, contractors,
and developers. For example, she is available to assist in
the negotiation and enforcement of contracts, the resolution
of title and financing issues, and litigation to enforce rights
or defend against claims. Rebecca has represented several
clients in condominium association disputes.
Accreditations:
- 1984 graduate of Colorado State University with a B.S.
in Natural Resource Management and a 1989 graduate of William
Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- She is admitted to practice in Minnesota state and federal
courts and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Chrysalis referral attorney.
Melissa J. Houghtaling
 Melissa
joined the Heltzer & Burg firm family as an attorney
in the Fall of 2007.
Melissa's practice areas include estate planning for both
traditional and non-traditional families, probate/estate administration,
adoption, family law and business and real estate litigation.
Melissa has B.A. degrees in Sociology and Women's Studies
from Hamline University and her J.D. degree from William Mitchell
College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Melissa is a Minnesota Qualified Neutral in both mediation
and ADR. She is admitted to practice in Minnesota state and
federal court. Melissa is a member of the Minnesota State
Bar Association, the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, the
Hennepin County Bar Association and the Ramsey County Bar
Association.
Melissa is active in her community as a Board member of the
Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, as a volunteer lawyer
with Chrysalis, and a volunteer for the Minnesota High School
Mock Trial Program and the National College Mock Trial Program.
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