Best & Flanagan is pleased to announce the election of Elizabeth Drotning Hartwell, Nicholas Hulwi, and Helen Sulllivan-Looney as Partners.

On behalf of the partnership, Managing Partner Sarah Crippen said, “Nick, Liz and Helen represent the very best of what sets Best & Flanagan apart: they are curious and engaged, dedicated to providing the highest caliber service to our clients, and wonderful human beings with diverse interests and rich lives outside of work. We couldn’t be happier to have them as partners.”

Liz Hartwell focuses her practice on all aspects of family law matters. As a skilled writer and negotiator, Liz enjoys crafting creative solutions and is always prepared to advocate for her clients and their children both in and out of the courtroom. She has frequently worked as a Parenting Consultant and a court-appointed neutral, and is a Qualified Neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. 

Nick Hulwi’s practice includes estate planning, estate and trust administration, business succession planning, and IRS audits. He utilizes valuable experience as a former Estate and Gift Tax Attorney with the Internal Revenue Service to help clients successfully navigate IRS audits and avoid common mistakes easily identified by IRS examiners. Nick was included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the specialty of Trusts and Estates.

Helen Sullivan-Looney focuses her practice on construction and real estate litigation, as well as representing clients in contract and employment disputes. As a former criminal defense attorney who has represented clients facing serious criminal charges in the U.S. and abroad, she is adept at handling all stages of a case, from pre-trial negotiations and litigation through post-verdict appeals. Helen takes a practical approach to litigation and enjoys putting her passion for advocacy to good use in helping clients resolve disputes inside and outside of the courtroom.