In 1941, Emmett O'Neill purchased the old barber shop building at 114 N. Hiawatha Avenue in Pipestone, MN. After practicing for a few years, Emmett was called to serve in the armed forces during World War II, putting his practice on hold.

 

In 1946,  Emmett returned to Pipestone to open his practice once again. This time, Emmett's brother, Francis, joined the office. Each of them had their own practice but worked out of the same office building. Emmett practiced law part-time for a while when not in the field. Prior to his time in the military, Francis held the position of Probate Judge in Pipestone County. The old wooden office building was replaced with a new concrete block building in 1964.

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In 1973, Jim O'Neill joined his father, Emmett, in his growing law practice and the law became known as O’Neill and O’Neill. In 1978, with Emmett retiring, Scott Barduson joined Jim, and the firm soon became known as O’Neill, O’Neill & Barduson.

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Also in 1978, Jim O'Neill ran for and won the part-time position of Pipestone County Attorney. Jim held the position of County Attorney until 2014.

 

The law firm of O’Neill, O’Neill and Barduson continued to expand their areas of practice in the 1980s and 1990s adding the representation of several local banks and many businesses to their already established probate, real estate, estate planning, and farm-related practice. The law firm also began offering title insurance and Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (RESPA) trust account closing services to Lenders and Borrowers as well as private cash sale closings for residential, commercial, and agricultural real property.

 

In 1998, Damain D. Sandy joined the law firm. As well as his private practice, Damain also held the position of Assistant County Attorney, working alongside Jim on County-related matters. Eventually, Jim stepped down from the County Attorney role and Damain was elected County Attorney in 2014 and has held that position ever since. Damain has formed many LLCs and corporations over his years with the law firm in addition to the firm’s traditional practice areas.

 

The law firm has had many fine associates and legal assistants over its history with many holding those positions for long periods of time to give the firm continuity and experience to serve its clients throughout Pipestone County and surrounding counties.

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It is our honor and privilege to have helped so many members of our greater community and we look forward to continuing to provide legal services not only to our present clients but to those we hope to welcome as new clients.