Joseph (Joe) Dixon, Jr.Attorney & Past President

With more than 40 years of experience as a litigator representing both plaintiffs and defendants, I know business issues. This wealth of experience and knowledge now serves as the foundation for successfully resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

I am a leading provider of commercial litigation ADR services and have an impressive track record as a mediator, arbitrator, and special master in state and federal courts. I have developed a niche mediating practice in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), but the bulk of my practice is commercial and business litigation disputes. In addition, I am called upon as an expert witness in cases regarding attorney’s fees and professional responsibility.

As a mediator or arbitrator, it’s my job to be neutral and strive for fair results. With a focus on understanding the facts and the reasons for the dispute, I am able to discern the key underlying issues as I guide parties to:

• realistically identify their best interests;
• objectively examine their differences to create a better understanding;
• adjust their thinking as needed; and
• move the process forward to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.

Human nature is to take the facts and circumstances of our own world—whether we are lawyers or clients—and put them together in a way that suits our own interests. Both sides in litigation assume everything will be decided in their favor, and that is rarely the case. Typically, people have invested time, money, risk, and emotion, so achieving resolution is extremely rewarding.

CLIENTS SAY:

“Joe’s competitive advantage is being very credible and experienced. He’s able to put pressure on parties, yet not be harsh or intimidating.”

“He is tenacious, pragmatic, and a quick study.”

“Joe is very cordial, professional, and able to read people well.”

“Joe is fair, friendly, and engaging.”

ASSISTANT

Vicki Vien

(612) 252-2847

vvien@hensonefron.com

• ADR in business litigation: mediation, arbitration, special litigation committee, and special master
• A niche ADR practice involving FLSA issues, such as donning and doffing
• Advisor with more than 20 years of experience successfully negotiating and resolving business disputes, including insurance coverage, shareholder and partnership issues, contracts, non-competes and trade secrets, product liability, property issues, pensions and medical coverage
• Experience in resolving complex, multiparty disputes including class actions
• Prior experience as a successful litigator in these same areas
• Expert witness in areas of professional responsibility and reasonableness of fees

• J.D., magna cum laude, University of Minnesota
• B.A., University of Minnesota

• Minnesota
• United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

• 2021 Minnesota Icon Award recipient sponsored by Finance & Commerce and Minnesota Lawyer
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2005–2023: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Mediation
• Recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2021 "Lawyer of the Year" for Mediation 
• Featured in Minnesota Monthly Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Minnesota 2022: Mediation, Litigation – Commercial
• Featured in Minnesota Monthly Magazine as The Best Lawyers in America® 2019
• Honored by Minnesota State Bar Association as North Star Lawyer for commitment to pro bono service, 2013–2016
• Recipient of the Hennepin County Bar Association’s Professionalism Award for 2012
• Recipient of the John D. Levine Pro Bono Distinguished Service Award for 2017
• Named one of Minnesota’s Top 25 ADR Super Lawyers®
• Selected for inclusion in Minnesota Super Lawyers since 1998
• Selected as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers® in 2001, 2008, and 2014
• Selected as one of Minnesota’s Top 40 Business Litigation Super Lawyers® numerous times
• Awarded Pro Bono Public Attorney Award by the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition
• Order of the Coif
• Law Review
• AV® Preeminent peer review rated by Martindale-Hubbell

• Hennepin County Bar Association
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Past President, Central Minnesota Legal Services

• Appointed by the U.S. District Court to serve on the Federal Practice Committee, 2007–2010
• Writing Instructor, University of Minnesota
• Adjunct Professor, Trial practice, William Mitchell School of Law
• Instructor, Minnesota Advocacy Institute
• Law Clerk, Honorable Gerald W. Heaney, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
• Special Master Federal Minnesota Reapportionment Litigation, 1972, 1992

• Speaker and lecturer on CLE and informational programs regarding appellate practice, sports law, trial advocacy, and the federal rules of civil procedure