Philip G. Villaume, has repeatedly been selected by his peers as a Leading Attorney in the areas of Employment Law and Criminal Law since 1994. Less than six percent of the state's attorneys are Leading Minnesota Attorneys.

A a nationally recognized authority on employment law and ethics, repeatedly selected by his peers as a Leading Attorney.

Admitted in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Mr. Villaume concentrates his practice in criminal defense law and employment law, representing professionals facing employment-related misconduct allegations. He represents victims of workplace abuse and harassment. Mr. Villaume has represented over 1000 professionals since 1986, including 500 educators. He conducts workshops nationwide on the topics of criminal law and procedure diversity in education, the community and the workplace, and on the topics of the prevention of workplace violence and harassment and is considered a national expert and consultant on topics of professional misconduct, harassment and violence in schools and in the workplace. Mr. Villaume was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in 1990 from Hamline University School of Law and the Judges Choice Award, Most Well-Prepared Lawyer in 1991. He has lectured for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. He is an adjunct professor for the University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas and has been the course chair and a lecturer on criminal law, trial skills and employment law, and professional ethics for Minnesota Continuing Legal Education programs. He is the author of The Law & Procedure Handbook for Minnesota Educators, 1990; The Better Work Environment, 1997; and a coauthor of The Book, Teachers At Risk, 1993. Mr. Villaume was a 1990 and 1999 appointee to the Minnesota Judicial Merit Selection Commission.

Education, JD 1979, Hamline University School of Law; BA 1971, Macalester College (magna cum laude).

Admitted, 1979 Minnesota; 1984 Wisconsin; 1984 U.S. Sup. Ct.

Employment History, 1979-present, Philip G. Villaume and Associates; Legal Investigator 1977-79, Villaume Investigative Services; Probation Officer 1972-76, Ramsey County Department of Community Corrections.

Representative Clients, Mr. Villaume represents educators, law enforcement officers, clergy, lawyers, physicians and other health care providers, business executives, corporations, educational institutions, professional associations and labor organizations.

Professional Associations, MSBA; HCBA; Minnesota Judicial Merit Selection Commission (1990 and 1999 Gubernatorial Appointee).

Community Involvement, Mr. Villaume has been active in coaching youth sports (hockey, girls softball, and baseball) for the Mendota Heights Athletic Association, of which he has also served as vice president. Mr. Villaume also participates in the High School Mock Trial Competition as an instructor and judge. He speaks to youth groups all over the county about youth issues and leadership.

Firm, Founded in 1979, Philip G. Villaume and Associates has been providing legal services to professionals and organizations for the past 28 years. Mr. Villaume is a national leader in representing professionals accused of employment-related misconduct. He and his associates have handled several of Minnesota’s high-profile cases involving allegations of professional misconduct since 1985. In 1986, the law firm successfully defended the leading teacher rights case in the country, State v. Gruhl; and in 1990, a precedent-setting case before the Supreme Court involving religious freedom with respect to the Amish and the slow-moving vehicle emblem, State v. Hershberger. The firm also provides pro bono legal advice to the Amish community in Minnesota. In 1996, the firm successfully handled the precedent-setting case, York v. Wood, that involved workplace harassment of a public school teacher by a parent.