About J. Richard
J. Richard Stermer took a deliberate route into law. He studied philosophy as an undergraduate at Hamline University, earning a B.A. in 1988. He remained at Hamline for his legal education and received a J.D. in 1991. Those years shaped his approach to problem solving and argument, grounding him in analytical thought before he ever entered a courtroom.
Stermer began his career in Minnesota. He has practiced under the law firm name Stermer & Sellner, Chtd. His professional life has been tied to the state’s courts and legal community. Over time he developed practical courtroom experience and a steady client base. Colleagues describe him as pragmatic in court and straightforward in negotiation.
His work reflects the sort of steady, case-by-case attention many clients seek. He represents individuals and businesses in matters that arise under Minnesota law. He prepares pleadings, argues motions, and handles hearings in state venues. He also spends time counseling clients on legal strategy outside of court, helping them understand options and likely outcomes.
Education remained a reference point for Stermer. The philosophical training he received as an undergraduate informs how he frames legal questions. The law school curriculum added doctrinal and procedural tools. Together those experiences shaped a practice style that balances careful analysis with an eye toward practical results. He relies on clear thinking rather than spectacle when presenting cases.
Outside of litigation days, Stermer manages the realities of running a small firm. That includes client intake, case management, and guiding younger lawyers and staff. He has built a practice that handles a range of matters typical for a Minnesota firm of its size. The work is often detail-oriented and requires steady attention to deadlines and court procedures.
People who work with him say he is direct in explaining the legal process. He avoids unnecessary legalese and focuses on what clients need to know to make decisions. That approach can be useful in emotionally charged disputes as well as in routine matters.
He is licensed to practice in Minnesota and continues to maintain an active practice. He practices at Stermer & Sellner, Chtd., handling cases in Minnesota state courts and advising clients on related legal issues.
