Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander

Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander is a partner at Meagher + Geer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her practice focuses on employment law and commercial litigation, representing businesses and nonprofit organizations in federal and state courts, before government agencies, and in individual, collective, and class actions. Chinander defends employers against claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, leave requests, and other statutory and common law employment issues. She also advises clients on workplace policies, compliance, accommodations, employee discipline, and discharge decisions.

Chinander earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2007 and her B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1999. During law school, she clerked with the civil division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, participated in Environmental Law Moot Court, and served as a student attorney in the Workers’ Rights legal clinic. These experiences provided early exposure to litigation, employment law, and client representation.

Chinander has defended employers and other organizations in disputes involving sexual harassment, disability discrimination, retaliation, director and officer liability, breach of fiduciary duty, shareholder disputes, non-compete agreements, and trade secrets. Her representative matters include obtaining jury verdicts and summary judgments for defendants and resolving employment claims through early settlement. She also counsels employers on handbooks, training, statutory compliance, religious and disability accommodations, medical and family leave, and workforce management decisions.

Jacalyn (Jackie) Chinander is admitted to practice in Minnesota and before the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of Minnesota and North Dakota. She is affiliated with the Federal Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association, Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, and Minnesota Women Lawyers. Her recognition includes the Minnesota State Bar Association’s North Star Lawyers designation and prior selection to the Minnesota Rising Stars list. Her practice combines litigation experience with practical, proactive employment counseling.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Meagher + Geer, P.L.L.P.
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section
• Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Minnesota Women Lawyers

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• University of Minnesota Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Minnesota
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges