
Brian D. Alton, Business Attorney in St Paul, Minnesota
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatMcClay Alton, P.L.L.P.
St Paul, MN
Practicing business in St Paul since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Brian D. Alton?
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Quick answer
Brian D. Alton is a member based in St. Paul, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Brian has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McClay Alton, P.L.L.P.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- St. Paul, MN
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Real Estate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate matters from St. Paul, MN.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Brian D. Alton: Brian D. Alton is a member based in St. Paul, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Brian has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McClay Alton, P.L.L.P.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on business, estate planning, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Real Estate
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Business cases in St Paul, Minnesota
Brian takes business matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in St Paul, Minnesota
Brian takes estate planning matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in St Paul, Minnesota
Brian takes real estate matters in St Paul, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brian D. Alton — business lawyer in St Paul
Brian D. Alton is a member based in St. Paul, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. Brian has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McClay Alton, P.L.L.P.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Member, Board of Trustees, Jeremiah Program 2005-Present. Member, Board of Trustees, The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 2009-Present. Member, Board of Trustees, Presbytery of Twin Cities Area, 2005-2011. Member, Board of Zoning Appeals, 1991-2000 and Planning Commission, 2000-2011, City of St. Paul. Mediator, The Mediation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1986-1996.
How Brian handles business matters
Member, Board of Trustees, Jeremiah Program 2005-Present. Member, Board of Trustees, The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 2009-Present. Member, Board of Trustees, Presbytery of Twin Cities Area, 2005-2011. Member, Board of Zoning Appeals, 1991-2000 and Planning Commission, 2000-2011, City of St. Paul. Mediator, The Mediation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1986-1996.
The kind of cases Brian takes
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and real estate matters in St Paul and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Hamline University
J.D. · 1982
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
B.S. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1991 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1982 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at J.D. in Hamline University and B.S. in University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed J.D. in Hamline University and B.S. in University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Brian's professional memberships and bar associations
Minnesota and Wisconsin State Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Brian D. Alton's office in St. Paul
Brian's primary office is at 951 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55105-3015. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian D. Alton — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in St Paul.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian D. Alton claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian D. Alton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in St Paul, Minnesota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian
Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brian D. Alton
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Minnesota typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside St Paul?
Brian is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new business clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving St Paul, Minneapolis and Edina in Minnesota
Brian handles business matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Minnesota
If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in St Paul handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





