Edward J. Drenttel
The details always matter.
Contact: P /612.604.6675E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Jane King P /612.604.6674E /[email protected]
Education
William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Valedictorian, 1985
Gustavus Adolphus College, B.A., Business & Economics, magna cum laude, 1981
Bar Admissions
Minnesota, 1985
My Approach
For me, representing my clients is founded on building relationships. I am extraordinarily lucky to have been able to build and maintain 30-year relationships with many of my banking clients. I represent banks and bank holding companies throughout the Midwest, and work diligently with them to help them achieve their goals. In that regard, I represent banks and bank holding companies in most all areas that affect their businesses, including mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, business succession, vendor negotiations, and regulatory matters. Being from a small town, I have first-hand experience recognizing the importance of community banks, and have worked passionately over the last 30 years to enable them to continue to serve their customers and communities at the highest level.
Outside of work, I serve on the Board of Trustees at Gustavus Adolphus College, my alma mater, and also serve on the board of Caloris, an engineering firm in Maryland. I also am a passionate golfer, and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
A Groundbreaking Moment in My Career
When I was a third-year associate, our department chair sent me to Washington, DC to close a complicated FDIC open bank assistance transaction, a rather unique and uncommon transaction. On the other side was a large firm with a team of lawyers. I remember working through the night to review a table full of documents. We got the deal done with a great result for our client. The experience was a confirmation that I had chosen the right firm with a culture that appreciated talent, and gave its attorneys – even young associates – the opportunity to succeed. It was an empowering experience and that reflects the culture of our Firm.
Practice Areas
Practicing Community Banking
My Experience
I represent community banks, bank owners and bank holding companies in all aspects of their operations, including mergers and acquisitions, regulatory matters, capital matters, the expansion of existing activities, corporate governance, succession plans, vendor negotiations, and more.
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Banking and Finance Law, 1995-2022, 2024
Top 40 Banking and Finance Lawyer
Minnesota Law & Politics
Top Banking Attorney
Corporate Counsel
Practicing General Corporate
My Experience
I represent banks and bank holding companies in all facets of their business operations, including advising on general corporate and governance matters, including shareholder agreements and contracts, employment matters, capital matters, intellectual property concerns, regulatory compliance, and others.
Practicing Bank Regulatory
My Experience
As one of the most highly-regulated industries, community banks are always confronted with regulatory hurdles. I have broad experience working with federal and state regulators on issues facing community banks including enforcement actions, exam issues and compliance matters. In connection with any acquisition, I work collaboratively with our community banking clients and bank regulators to obtain all necessary approvals to allow the transaction to be consummated.
Awards
Top Banking Attorney
Corporate Counsel
The Best Lawyers in America©
Banking and Finance Law, 1995-2022, 2024
Honors & Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Banking and Finance Law, 1995-2022, 2024
Top 40 Banking and Finance Lawyer
Minnesota Law & Politics
Top Banking Attorney
Corporate Counsel
Super Lawyers®
Minnesota Law & Politics, 2004-2010
AV Preeminent
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Peer review ratings
Associations & Memberships
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
Former Board of Trustees
Former Chairman
Gustavus Adolphus College
Board of Trustees
Three A Ventures, Inc.
Board of Directors
Caloris Engineering, LLC
Board of Directors