James Crescent MacGillis

James Crescent MacGillis

Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A. | Law Offices of James Crescent MacGillis • Minneapolis, MN
Real EstateEmployment LawPersonal Injury

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Contact

Email
Phone
(612) 284-2953
Address
310 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, US

Professional

About

I am a business and employment law attorney focusing on the business, employment and litigation needs of entrepreneurs and growing businesses. I frequently advise clients on mergers & acquisitions, employment agreements, non compete and severance agreements, and trademark and copyright disputes. My transactional background, coupled with my understanding of and experience in pursuing litigation when necessary, is particularly well-suited to small and medium-sized businesses that need their legal concerns addressed promptly, efficiently, and effectively. I pride myself on exceeding my clients’ expectations. My responsiveness, creativity and ability to efficiently evaluate, advise and advocate for clients has earned me the respect of peers, as I have been named a Rising Star multiple times by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1997, where I was a managing editor for the Minnesota Law Review. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, I joined the Hinshaw & Culbertson law firm in its Minneapolis office, practicing primarily in business and corporate law. I am a founding partner of Trepanier & MacGillis P.A., which added a shareholder in 2013 and is now known as Trepanier MacGillis Battina P.A. I have spoken before classes at the University of St. Thomas New Venture MBA Program. I am currently co-chairman of the Lawyer Referral & Information Service of the Hennepin County Bar Association, and am a former member of the Board of Directors of Americoach, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit. I regularly volunteer with the Hennepin County Self-Help Expungement Clinic, and assist low income clients through the Volunteer Lawyers Network. SPECIALTIES Business, Contract & Corporate law Employment Law Mergers & Acquisitions Non-compete Agreements Severance Agreements Copyrights & Trademarks Trade Secret Disputes

About Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle legal matters involving property transactions, disputes, and development. They ensure smooth closings and protect clients' property rights. Common matters include property purchases, sales transactions, title disputes, landlord-tenant issues.

Credentials

Education
1998 University of Minnesota Law School JD - Juris Doctor 1998 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities MA - Masters 1992 John Carroll University BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
Spanish

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2010 Minnesota Rising Star, Law & Politics Magazine 2009 Minnesota Rising Star, Law & Politics Magazine 2006 Minnesota Rising Star, Law & Politics Magazine 1992 Honors Scholar, John Carroll University
Publications
2015 Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website Unjust Enrichment Not a Viable Alternative to Piercing Corporate Veil 2015 Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website Tips for Preventing, Deterring, and Identifying Employee Fraud 2015 Trepanier MacGillis Battina Website Minnesota Court of Appeals Holds Attorney Personally Liable for Law Firm Judgment 2014 Trepanier MacGillis Battina PA Website Minnesota Non-Compete Agreement Declared Unenforceable and Ineligible for ‘Blue Pencil’ 2014 Trepanier MacGillis Battina PA Website Even in Egregious Cases, ‘Piercing the Corporate Veil’ Difficult at Summary Judgment Stage
Associations
2014 - Present White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce Member 2014 - Present Jesuit Partnership Council Member 2013 - Present Hennepin County Bar Association Chair, Lawyer Referral & Information Service Oversight Committee 2008 - Present Minnesota Lacrosse Umpires Association Member 1998 - Present Minnesota State Bar Association Member
Speaking
2015 Business Law Institute Post-Mortem of a Business Collapse: Lessons Learned 2012 Starting Your Own Solo or Small Firm Practice Tax and Other Considerations in Entity Selection 2012 Minnesota CLE Center Creating a Professional Firm 2009 Hennepin County Bar Association The Assignability of Non-Compete Agreements 2002 Business Medicine Conference Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
Updated: Mar 22, 2026