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Contact
Email
rbates@MMBLawFirm.com
Phone
952-444-9912
Website
Address
Minneapolis, MN, 55435, US
Professional
Bar Admissions
Minnesota1989U.S. Tax Court
About
A firm shareholder, John assists buyers and sellers in effectively structuring and documenting transactions involving business combinations, purchases and sales, and financing. He provides counsel for businesses and individuals in the following areas: A leader in the firm's Multi-Unit Succession and Transition (MUST) group, John works with multi-unit retail business owners helping them solve the unique legal challenges to structuring their exit plan. The process combines John's skills and experience with the firm's strengths in the areas of taxation, estate planning, corporate finance, franchise and mergers and acquisitions to provide a targeted and effective exit plan. John has significant experience in large workout transactions and restructuring of borrowers’ financial obligations. His results-driven practice includes evaluating and managing the tax aspects of complex financial transactions, including multi-tiered financing and complex corporate capitalization structures. John's goal is always to find the best solution for his clients, one that will save his clients money and add value to their businesses. He prides himself on not pointing out the problem, but instead finding the answer. He also represents clients in the resolution of state and federal tax controversies at the examination, appellate and tax court levels. With an in-depth knowledge of the franchise and multi-unit retail industry, John represents numerous multi-unit operators, assisting with their strategic planning and daily operational issues. For these clients he serves essentially as outsourced general counsel. In addition, John works closely with industry franchisors, lenders and vendors, and he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars. John has been honored by Franchise Times as one of franchising’s “Legal Eagles” (2004-2025), recognized in The Best Lawyers in America ® for corporate law and tax law, selected as a “Minnesota Super Lawyer” (2006-2024), and is listed in the 2024 edition of “Who’s Who Legal: Franchising.”
About General Law
General practice attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters, providing comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses. They can assist with contracts, disputes, transactions, and various civil matters. Common matters include contract disputes, civil litigation, business formation, legal consultations.
Credentials
Education
Cornell Law School, Ithaca, New York, 1988 | Juris Doctor | University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1985 | B.A.
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
Rising Star in the Legal Profession, 2020 | Minnesota Super Lawyer, 2006 - 2020, 2020 | Top 25 Legal Eagle, Franchise Times magazine, John has received this award for several consecutive years from Franchise Times magazine for his outstanding legal services to the franchise industry, 2004 - 2020, 2020
Associations
Minnesota State Bar Association, Tax Section (Member) | American Bar Association, Taxation Section and Franchising Forum (Member) | International Franchise Association (IFA)
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Updated: May 25, 2026