John P. Sellner
Originally from Minneapolis, John P. Sellner found his way to Montevideo for a job interview after law school and fell in love with Western Minnesota, where he still resides today. A 1972 graduate of St. John’s University (B.A. cum laude in Philosophy) and a 1976 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School (J.D. magna cum laude), John has practiced law in Montevideo for 34 years.
John has substantial experience in representing individuals and businesses in the areas of real estate, business and corporate law, and estate planning, wills, trusts and probates. A Real Property Law Specialist certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association, John has extensive experience in real estate law. Prior to joining the law firm, he worked for Minnesota Title Insurance Company (now Old Republic Title) doing, among other things, abstracting and title examinations. Since joining the firm, he has enjoyed working in a variety of real estate situations, including large commercial purchase and sale agreements, 1031 (like-kind) exchanges, private and commercial leases, and residential sales and purchases. Corporate law is another area of interest for John, who has handled the formation of numerous corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and limited partnerships. Over the years, he has counseled clients in the purchase or sale of their businesses, both in Minnesota and in eastern South Dakota. Estate planning is another area of interest in which he has extensive experience. He has helped clients with a wide range of estate planning transactions, from simple wills to complex trusts involving large estates. John takes pride in keeping current with the ever-changing laws concerning estate taxes and medical assistance laws, and helps families plan for the expenses of assisted living or nursing home care. John especially enjoys working with clients to solve their problems or, even better, to arrange things to help his clients avoid problems.
John is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, as well as the Eighth Judicial District Bar Association, where he has served at various times as secretary, vice president and president. He has served on numerous corporate boards over the years, and has been actively involved in community service. He was elected to the Montevideo School Board in 1981 and continued on that board until 2004, serving as chairman several times. At his church, John has served on the administrative council, parish council, and was the trustee for 10 years. John also was one of the original founding members of the Montevideo Foundation, and served on its Board of Directors for nine years.
John resides in Montevideo with his wife, Mary, and his dog, Murphy. Outside of the office, John enjoys gardening, constructing stained glass windows, reading, traveling with his wife, and playing with his dog.