Bar Buzz: Melchert retires after only 60 years.

Byline: Minnesota Lawyer

Paul Melchert, an iconic figure in the Minnesota legal community and his home, Waconia, is taking down the shingle he hung 60 years ago. Starting in 1959 working with attorney Bill Glaeser, his practice has grown to 19 attorneys and three offices in Waconia, Chaska and Hutchinson. The firm, which will carry on as best it can, and Melchert personally, are known for extensive community involvement and well as dedication to clients.

Melchert received an Outstanding Service to the Profession award from Minnesota Lawyer in 2010. At that time, Melchert said that he wanted to be known as much for community service as for practicing law. Minnesota Lawyer reported that Melchert is active in almost every organization in Waconia. He is a member of the local Lion's Club, the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, a past president of the Carver County Historical Society, a volunteer with the local Eagle Scouts chapter and works on behalf of a Waconia-area hospital. There is even a Paul Melchert Gazebo in a Waconia park.

It also reported that at least once, Melchert's name recognition threatened to derail a trial before it started. Mac Willemssen, a partner at the firm, said "During voir dire, the judge asked the panel the usual questions about whether anyone knew, or had business...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT