News & Insights
Awards & Recognitions
Notable Cases & Results
News & Media Appearances
Published Articles
Community Involvement
Awards & Recognitions
Minnesota Lawyer Recognizes Sarah Jewell & Adam Seward as 2025 Attorneys of the Year
Minnesota Lawyer has named Sarah Jewell and Adam Seward as 2025 Attorneys of the Year, marking the second time they have received this distinguished honor. The award recognizes attorneys whose work demonstrates exceptional legal skill, leadership, and meaningful impact.
Jewell and Seward were recognized for their advocacy in In re the Trust Agreement of Doris M. Vos and Linus T. Vos, a complex trust and litigation matter that required careful legal analysis, strategic decision-making, and diligent representation. Their work in the case reflects a strong commitment to resolving challenging legal disputes with precision and integrity.
Being named Attorneys of the Year for a second time underscores the consistency and quality of Jewell and Seward’s legal practice. It reflects not only the significance of this particular case, but also their continued dedication to serving clients and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.
Minnesota Lawyer Recognizes Sarah Jewell & Adam Seward as 2024 Attorneys of the Year Award
Minnesota Lawyer has recognized Sarah Jewell and Adam Seward as 2024 Attorneys of the Year for their outstanding work in Keller v. St. Cloud Industrial Products, Inc. The award honors attorneys whose legal advocacy reflects exceptional skill, dedication, and impact within the profession.
Jewell and Seward were acknowledged for their strategic and persistent representation in this complex employment dispute, which involved significant legal and factual challenges. Their work on the case demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting client rights a0nd achieving meaningful results through thoughtful analysis and effective advocacy.
Super Lawyers recognized Sarah Jewell as 2018-2021 Rising Stars Honoree in Minnesota
Super Lawyers recognized Sarah Jewell as a Minnesota Rising Stars Honoree from 2018 through 2021, an honor awarded to a select group of attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal ability and professional achievement early in their careers.
This distinction reflects Sarah’s consistent dedication to high-quality advocacy, strong ethical standards, and meaningful client service. Being named a Rising Star for four consecutive years underscores her growing impact within the legal community and her commitment to delivering thoughtful, results-driven representation.
Sarah Jewell Honored as a 2024–2026 Minnesota Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers has recognized Sarah Jewell as a Minnesota Super Lawyers Honoree for 2024 through 2026, an honor reserved for attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and peer recognition.
This distinction reflects Sarah’s continued excellence in legal advocacy, her strong reputation within the legal community, and her commitment to providing high-quality, strategic representation for her clients. Being named a Super Lawyer for three consecutive years underscores the depth of her experience and the trust she has earned from both clients and colleagues across Minnesota.
Sarah Jewell Recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction in The American Lawyer – April 2023
Sarah Jewell was honored as a Lawyer of Distinction and featured in the April 2023 edition of The American Lawyer, a recognition that highlights attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal skill, professionalism, and ethical standards. This prestigious acknowledgment celebrates lawyers whose work consistently reflects excellence and meaningful impact within their practice areas.
The distinction recognizes Sarah’s dedication to providing thoughtful, strategic, and results-driven legal representation. Her commitment to careful analysis, clear communication, and advocacy on behalf of her clients has established her as a trusted advisor and respected professional in the Minnesota legal community. This honor underscores her ability to handle complex legal matters while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.
Being named a Lawyer of Distinction reflects not only the quality of Sarah’s work but also her ongoing commitment to serving clients with precision, care, and diligence. It is a testament to her reputation among peers and clients alike, highlighting her role as a leader in the legal profession and her continued impact on the community she serves.
Sarah Jewell Sworn into the North Dakota Bar
Sarah Jewell was sworn into the North Dakota bar on November 17, 2023, before Judge Webb in Cass County District Court in Fargo, ND. River Valley Law is now offering legal services in North Dakota and Minnesota.
New York Times Award
Sarah Jewell was recently nominated to the 2023 Lawyers of Distinction list, published in the New York Times on February 26, 2023. Congratulations to all the lawyers listed.
Award: 2018-2021 Rising Stars Honoree in Minnesota
Congratulations to Sarah Jewell for being recognized as a 2018-2021 Rising Stars Honoree in Minnesota!
River Valley Law, PA provides an array of legal services including, business, employment and real estate advice, civil litigation, agricultural law, real estate litigation and employment litigation. But, more than that – we’re focused on people.
We help individuals and businesses with their legal needs in an approachable, compassionate, and practical manner. We use the latest technology and resources to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
All of the amazing team at River Valley Law wishes to thank all of our current and past clients, referring attorneys and business partners, and other community professionals for their loyal support. Your support is one of the reasons we have grown so fast over the past year! We simply would not be where we are today without you.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Super Lawyers and Rising Stars recipients!
Award: Sarah Jewell Recognized as North Star Lawyer
In June 2022, Sarah Jewell was recognized by the MN State Bar Association as a North Star Lawyer for providing at least 50 pro bono hours last year.
Notable Cases and Results
Former Nursing Home Administrator Angela Leiting Settles Wrongful Termination Lawsuit for $340,000
Case Name: Angela Leiting v. City of Fertile, Daniel Wilkens, and Fair Meadow Nursing Home
Category Assignment: Employment
Case Date: August 29, 2025
Settlement Amount: $340,000
Summary:
Angela Leiting, a longtime administrator at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, Minnesota, settled her lawsuit against the City of Fertile and former Mayor Daniel Wilkens for $340,000. The suit alleged wrongful termination, gender and age discrimination, Open Meeting Law violations, and emotional distress after her abrupt dismissal in 2023 following over 30 years of service.
Daniel J. Keller v. St. Cloud Industrial Products, Inc.
Case Name: Daniel J. Keller v. St. Cloud Industrial Products, Inc.
Category Assignment: Employment Law - Discrimination
Case Date: March 2024
Summary:
In March 2024, the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned the district court’s summary judgment dismissal of Mr. Keller’s claims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The Court found that genuine issues of material fact existed regarding age and disability discrimination, reasonable accommodation, essential job functions, and whether Mr. Keller was replaced by someone outside a protected class. As a result, the case was reversed and remanded for further proceedings and trial. This appellate outcome formed the basis for Sarah Jewell and Adam Seward’s recognition as 2024 Attorneys of the Year for their joint advocacy in the matter.
Tracy Schutt vs. Hennepin County
Case Name: Tracy Schutt vs. Hennepin county
Category Assignment: Employment Law – Discrimination and Retaliation
Case Date: July 2019
Summary:
In Schutt v. Hennepin County, the court evaluated employment-related claims brought under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, including allegations of discrimination and retaliation by a public employer. The case focused on whether the employee presented sufficient evidence to support her claims and survive dispositive motions. The decision highlights the legal standards governing protected activity, adverse employment actions, and employer justifications in MHRA cases, particularly in the public-sector employment context.
Northern States Power Company Board of Directors v. Brett R. Hanson, et al.
Case Name: Northern States Power Company Board of Directors v. Roger A. Aleckson, et al.
Category Assignment: Employment Law – Discrimination and Retaliation
Case Date: August 6, 2012
Summary:
In Schutt v. Hennepin County, the court evaluated employment-related claims brought under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, including allegations of discrimination and retaliation by a public employer. The case focused on whether the employee presented sufficient evidence to support her claims and survive dispositive motions. The decision highlights the legal standards governing protected activity, adverse employment actions, and employer justifications in MHRA cases, particularly in the public-sector employment context.
March 2024: Case Overturned, Reversed and Remanded Back to District Court
Minnesota “Buy the Farm”
Sarah worked on one of the most notable and cited cases for Minnesota “Buy the Farm” statute, Minn. Stat. Sec. 216E.12, entitled, “Northern States Power Company v. Aleckson, et al. See: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/
News & Media Appearances
Attorney Sarah Jewell presented a CLE
Attorney Sarah Jewell presented a CLE for the Minnesota State Bar Association’s (MSBA) Agricultural and Rural Law Section on Minnesota Road Laws, entitled, “Where the Rubber Meets the Road.” The CLE was recorded by the MSBA and was available for viewing as an “on-demand” CLE.
Sarah Jewell Presented on Rural Road Issue
Sarah Jewell presented at the Where the Rubber Meets the Road – Rural Road Issues – Past and Present Cases. She provided an overview of Historic and Current Rural Road cases of interest for practitioners.
River Valley Law Featured on WDAY TV In Fargo, ND
River Valley Law was featured on WDAY TV (the ABC affiliate in Fargo, ND) Fargo, ND about a case. The case involved a former nursing home administrator in Fertile, MN, who filed a lawsuit against the city. Read the excerpt below from River Valley Law and watch the segment.
“The result of the lawsuit could determine whether the Mayor and other City officials wrongfully held closed session City Council meetings to “poll” for votes from Council members on firing Ms. Leiting and could determine whether Ms. Leiting was wrongfully fired and whether she should be re-instated to her former position and paid her lost wages and benefits,” a news release from River Valley Law states.
Lawyerist Podcast
Sarah Jewell was recently a guest on the Lawyerist Podcast. In the episode, Zack and Kristin Tyler, of LawClerk, talked with lawyers Sarah Jewell and Jason Lawrence about their experience working together through the LawClerk platform.
You can find the podcast at: https://lawyerist.com/podcast/hiring-and-working-freelance-attorney/
Practicing with Purpose Podcast
Sarah Jewell was recently a guest on Practicing with Purpose with Cindy Watson. Sarah and Cindy discussed:
- The “back door” way to enter a career change
- The key aspect of approaching clients and problems, in opposition to what they teach you in school
- How to think in a more nuanced way to keep you on the right track and not get stuck in the weeks
- Embracing downtime and even scheduling it, to avoid losing track of time
You can find the podcast on: iTunes Google Amazon Spot
Published Articles
Cartways—An Ancient Relic Disturbing Today's Rural Landscape? By Sarah R. Jewell
In this 2016 article published in the Mitchell Hamline Law Review (Vol. 42, Issue 4), Sarah R. Jewell examines the surprising legal impact of Minnesota cartways—ancient public roads that can quietly grant access rights across rural and agricultural land, often without appearing in standard title searches.
Drawing on historical roots, statutory nuances, and real-world case law, the article provides practical guidance on establishing, enforcing, vacating, and maintaining these “relics,” helping landowners, farmers, and attorneys navigate the unexpected challenges they can create.
Minnesota State Bar Association
Sarah Jewell recently participated in an article for the Minnesota State Bar Association. She was posed the question: What tips/advice would you for a 1L who’s just getting started this fall? Read Sarah’s and other’s answers in the article.
Community Involvment
A Mission to Help
For Sarah Jewell, a vacation from many years ago lingered in her mind. She and her husband had visited Roatan, a small island off the coast of Honduras, where residents living in the Colonia Community and the Garifuna people rely on rain to fill their wells, and dry weather means not bathing for two or three weeks. To read more about the case, visit American Association for Justice.
River Valley Law, PA, Joins the MN Chamber of Commerce
River Valley Law, PA, joined the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in September 2024, becoming part of the largest statewide business organization and network in Minnesota.
Helping Those in Roatan, Honduras
In March 2024, Sarah Jewell joined a mission trip to Roatan, an island in Honduras. River Valley Law provided donations that Sarah and a group were able to deliver to a local orphanage and church. She and the group also volunteered at some community events, such as a youth program providing food, water, and games for kids.
MN National Barrel Horse Association
River Valley Law recently supported the Minnesota NBHA. Here are their words of thanks: “Thank you so much for your continued support of the MN NBHA State Finals. We have a new website: www.mnbha.com, which includes a full year of acknowledgement for your support. We thank the E. Family for bringing you to our organization and sure enjoy watching P. compete. She is representing MN at the World Show this week! Thank you again!” – Sue A. MN NBHA State Director
Mid-MN Legal Aid Gold Sponsor
River Valley Law is a Gold Sponsor for the Mid-MN Legal Aid fundraising luncheon on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
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