R. Ann
Huntrods
Shareholder; Employment, Benefits and Labor
Ann is a shareholder in the firm of Briggs and Morgan, Professional Association. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Law Section and serves as the firm’s employment law attorney. Ann practices principally in the areas of:
- Employment litigation
- Employment law counseling
- Employment law training
Ann has 25 years of experience in employment law and litigation. She has handled cases in state and federal court and argued before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. She frequently assists employers in responding to charges brought before the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She also conducts internal investigations for employers both prior to and after litigation begins. Ann is a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and a Minnesota State Bar Association Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist.
In recent years, claims for disability discrimination, sexual harassment and age discrimination have increased dramatically. Plaintiffs often use medical, psychological and vocational experts to bolster these claims. Ann has extensive experience in selecting and working with experts on behalf of employers to defend against these claims.
Also as part of her practice, Ann advises clients on a variety of employment, governance and litigation issues. In this capacity, she has worked with an array of for profit and nonprofit clients, including large and medium-size corporations and private and charter schools, community organizations, colleges, and social service providers.
Ann is a frequent lecturer at seminars for attorneys, human resource professionals, and managers. She has spoken on a variety of topics related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including managing employees with chronic disabilities or mental illness. She has also spoken recently on assessing and defending against sexual harassment and age discrimination claims. Ann often provides training to employers on how to conduct internal investigations.
In her work with employers, Ann has provided training regarding legal issues to managers and employees. She has frequently assisted employers in drafting personnel policies and then provided training to employees regarding these policies. Ann also conducts workshops for managers regarding their responsibilities and potential liability regarding sexual harassment, along with other issues. She uses case studies in her training to present managers with realistic situations in which to apply the knowledge they have learned. These small group training sessions allow managers to develop skills in handling difficult personnel issues.
Ann has completed more than 30 hours of training in mediation and is listed as a neutral by the Minnesota Supreme Court. She has extensive experience in representing employers in mediation along with experience acting as a mediator for others.
She is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association, and Minnesota Women Lawyers. Ann is admitted to practice before all Minnesota state and federal courts, and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Ann is a regent and serves as chair of the Board of Regents of St. John’s University. She also has served as chair and a member of both the Saint Paul Foundation Board of Directors and the Minnesota Community Foundation. She also is a board member of the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth. Ann is past president and a former national board member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. She also previously served as head of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law Section.
Ann was awarded the University of Minnesota Alumni Service Award, the highest volunteer service award conferred upon alumni by the University of Minnesota. She is also the recipient of the 21st Century Leadership Award presented by the Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services for her volunteer service to the community. Ann was recognized by the Minnesota State Bar and awarded with the David Graven Public Service Award in 2005. The award is given to individuals who hold high standards of the legal profession in combination with a commitment to public or community service. She has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Minnesota Super Lawyers (as seen in Minnesota Law & Politics), as well as a “Top 50 Women Super Lawyers” in Minnesota. Ann also has been listed as a “Leading American Attorney.”
Ann graduated with highest distinction from the University of Iowa, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She received her law degree from the University of Minnesota cum laude and was an articles editor of the Minnesota Law Review. She received her M.A. in English and completed her course work for a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Minnesota. Following a clerkship with the Honorable Harry H. MacLaughlin, Ann joined Briggs in 1983.