Nathan Shepherd

Shareholder

Email: nbs@ratwiklaw.com
Direct: 612.339.0060
Fax: 612.339.0038

Nathan is a shareholder, and has represented Minnesota public entities with Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney since 2013.  Nathan has experience in all of the legal issues that face public entities, and prides himself on finding practical solutions to complex issues.  Where a non-litigation solution is not possible, Nathan has obtained successful results in many judicial and administrative proceedings.

Nathan often advises clients regarding compliance with state and federal labor, employment, civil rights, and discrimination statutes.  Working with school districts and charter schools, Nathan has provided guidance on student rights and school or education law issues.  He has helped numerous school districts, charter schools, and municipalities successfully navigate the complexities of election administration and board membership rules.  He has substantial experience advising public entities regarding compliance with data practices statutes and the open meeting law, as well as regarding drafting, revising, and analyzing policies, bylaws, city charters, and codes.  Nathan regularly advises charter schools, school districts, and cities regarding leases, real estate transactions, and other contractual issues.  Nathan has conducted dozens of employment investigations—including allegations of bullying, discrimination, inappropriate relationships, fraud, and misappropriation—and advised regarding employee discipline and discharge.

Nathan often speaks on issues related to free speech and First Amendment issues, business and financial operations of public entities, compliance with employment laws, and data practices.

Prior to joining Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, Nathan served as a law clerk for Judges David R. Minge and Carol A. Hooten of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  As a law clerk, Nathan assisted the Judges of the Court of Appeals with analyzing and researching criminal, administrative, employment, real estate, and contractual issues.  During law school, Nathan was a Managing Editor of the Minnesota Law Review.

A resident of south Minneapolis with his wife and pets, Nathan enjoys working on home improvement projects, attending plays and concerts, traveling and going to the Boundary Waters.

Practice Areas

  • Employment and Labor Law
  • School Law
  • Election Administration
  • First Amendment
  • Data Practices
  • Charter School Governance
  • Investigations
  • Civil Litigation
  • Insurance Defense

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Hennepin County Bar Association
  • Minnesota School Boards Association
  • Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
  • National Council of School Attorneys

Bar Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Education

  • University of Minnesota, J.D., Magna Cum Laude
  • Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A.