In Memory of Dayle Nolan
On February 4, 2023, we lost our dear friend and colleague, Dayle Nolan. She was a brilliant labor and employment attorney, firm leader and mentor for nearly 40 years.
Dayle founded the firm’s labor and employment practice and chaired the practice group for years. Chris Harristhal, who worked closely with Dayle for nearly four decades described Dayle as “a zealous advocate for clients but also a bellwether for matters of great importance to the firm such as diversity and mentoring. Often the only woman in a courtroom or boardroom, Dayle blazed the trail for others and started one of the first annual events in the Twin Cities to bring business and professional women together—a tradition that remains with us today.”
In her career, “Dayle helped shape employment law in Minnesota, particularly as it relates to civil rights.” said Dan Ballintine, chair of the firm’s Business Litigation group. "She did this with her well-respected trial and appellate skills and innovative educational programs for clients. Dayle provided sexual harassment training to thousands of employees and explained an ever-changing area of law to hundreds of clients.”
“Dayle was a trusted counselor to her clients who often became part of her wide circle of friends. Dayle cherished her friendships and adored her family,” said Larkin Hoffman President, Paul Smith. “We will miss our friend’s passion, certitude and wit.”
A Few of the Many Highlights of Dayle's Career
- Hansen v. Robert Half International, Dayle argued before the Minnesota Supreme Court and helped shape the application of the Minnesota Parenting Leave Act.
- Anderson v. Hunter, Keith, Marshall & Co., a precedent-setting case that greatly contributed to the early foundations of sexual harassment law in Minnesota.
- Defense of the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Senate in the well-publicized Michael Brodkorb case.
Dayle's obituary in the Star Tribune can be found here: https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000449572/?fullname=dayle-nolan