Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead

A message from firm President Jason Wagner

As we welcome 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had at Wagner Oehler and share a vision for where we’re headed in the year ahead.

In 2024, we were privileged to assist with over 900 estate planning matters and more than 150 estate administrations, reflecting the trust so many individuals and families placed in us during life’s most crucial legal moments. Of the new matters opened in 2024, more than 600 matters were farm-related, including over 300 farm matters focused on succession planning and estate planning. Helping farmers plan for the future of their operations and secure their legacies continues to be one of the most meaningful aspects of our work.

Commercial and farm real estate matters also played a significant role in 2024. We handled more than 200 farm real estate matters, many of which were family land transfers, contracts for deeds, and private party sales – all important aspects of planning for generational transfers of farmland. These cases support the backbone of our community by preserving the land and businesses that define it.

None of this would have been possible without the strength of our team. At Wagner Oehler, we’ve built a collaborative environment where every client benefits from the collective expertise of over 20 professionals (all employees of the law firm embedded in our Southeastern Minnesota community), including nine experienced attorneys. Although it may not always be evident, virtually every matter is supported by a team of professionals at the firm. Together, we provided guidance across our practice areas:

  • Estate Planning: Designing tailored wills, trusts, and strategies to secure your legacy with a particular focus on working with farmers, business owners, and professionals.
  • Farm Succession and Business Planning: Helping families efficiently transition ownership while minimizing disruption and preserving wealth, as well as guiding entrepreneurs in forming new businesses, negotiating contracts, and acquiring or selling businesses.
  • Real Estate Law: Managing transactions and ensuring smooth transitions for landowners and commercial property owners.
  • Probate and Trust Administration: Guiding families through the complexities of estate settlement, including preparing and filing gift and estate tax returns while navigating critical estate tax deductions and elections.

As we reflect on 2024, we are reminded of our commitment to our tagline: “Guiding you through life’s most crucial legal decisions.” This guiding principle has shaped our work over the past year and will continue to steer us as we move forward.

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain dedicated to our vision of being the premier estate planning and administration firm in the region. We are especially focused on expanding our support for farmers, small business owners, and medical professionals, as our team is attuned to addressing the unique challenges they face.

We will remain committed to our team-based approach in providing legal services. This approach ensures we can offer the best solutions to our clients’ unique legal needs, and that we are always ready to serve them. Every member of our firm shares these values and actively fosters this culture. We do not silo our attorneys or practices, nor do we tolerate lone wolves. We are all here to work together for you.

On behalf of everyone at Wagner Oehler, I want to thank you—our clients, colleagues, and community—for your trust and partnership. You inspire us daily, and we’re excited to continue working alongside you in 2025 to protect what matters most.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year,

Jason Wagner
President, Wagner Oehler, Ltd.