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Colin Hargreaves, labor and employment Of Counsel in Ogletree Deakins’ Minneapolis office, is a trusted advisor to employers nationwide of all sizes—from burgeoning startups to established small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. Colin brings a rare and invaluable perspective to his work with employers—one forged initially as a plaintiff’s employment attorney and then refined through years of employment defense work. This dual vantage point enables him to think like the opposition, proactively anticipate their strategies, identify vulnerabilities before they become liabilities, and craft creative solutions that keep clients ahead of the curve. He also partners closely with clients to ensure their policies, practices, and procedures align with local, state, and federal laws and provides insightful, business-centric advice and solutions that mitigate risk and promote organizational compliance.
Colin delivers a comprehensive suite of legal services—from advice and counsel to employment and commercial lawsuits, from standard discrimination claims to complex litigation matters. Beyond his experience across the full spectrum of labor and employment law, Colin has developed a particular mastery of Minnesota’s drug testing laws, making him a go-to resource for employers navigating this rapidly evolving and often misunderstood area. His sharp legal acumen, relentless preparation, and courtroom presence have led to a track record of numerous victories for employers, including strategic dismissals through motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, skillfully negotiated settlements, and favorable rulings at every level of the judicial system.
Colin is a thought leader and regularly contributes to the firm’s blog on local and national legal developments, presents at conferences and seminars throughout the Midwest, advises clients on emerging legislation, provides ongoing guidance to help employers stay ahead of regulatory changes and industry best practices, and is a mentor for students at the St. Thomas School of Law. He has also been recognized in multiple years as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Outside the office, Colin is an avid golfer, enjoys the artistry of wine, cooking, collecting and writing on vintage typewriters, mastering the ancient strategy game “Go,” and spending cherished time with his wife, young child, and puppy.
