Leonard, Street and Deinard, one of the largest law firms in the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest, announced today that its shareholders have selected Lowell Stortz to become the sixth president of the firm. Stortz, who will assume his duties in January 2009, will succeed Joe Finley, the firm's current president, who plans to return to full-time practice.

"It is a pleasure to know that I'll be passing this office and its responsibilities over to Lowell," said Finley in making the announcement. "He is a talented leader who understands the practice of law and the business aspects of managing a large law firm such as ours. I'm confident Lowell will excel both in helping us seize opportunities and in steering us through any challenges."

"Joe has set a high standard for his successors," said Stortz. "It's an honor to be named to succeed him. I very much appreciate the confidence and support of my colleagues and look forward to these new responsibilities in what will be an exciting, dynamic time for our firm and our industry."

Earlier in his career at the firm, Stortz led the firm's Business Division and its Tax Planning and Probate practice group. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has served as adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, Hamline University School of Law and the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Stortz is a 1983 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Iowa Law School and earned his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, where he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees. He served as former Council President of Normandale Lutheran Church. He is also a Board member of the St. Paul Foundation's Cornerstone Council.

Stortz currently serves as the head of the firm's Estate Planning and Charitable Gift Planning practice groups. He advises individuals and businesses in tax and estate planning matters and advises several colleges and nonprofit organizations on donor gift programs and nonprofit corporate issues. Stortz has been active in providing legal advice and business counsel to many charities in the Twin Cities community, including Minnesota Aids Project, Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh and others.

While serving as President of Leonard, Street and Deinard, Finley has led the firm to record revenues in each year of his term. Among other projects, Finley has led a strategic planning process within the firm that aims to position the firm for focused growth and improved shareholder value in the coming decade.

Leonard, Street and Deinard is among Minnesota's largest law firms, with offices in Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Mankato, Minnesota, and in Washington, D.C. From its regional base, Leonard, Street and Deinard serves clients throughout the United States and internationally. The firm employs nearly 200 attorneys in a broad range of practice areas and, since its founding in 1922, has helped generations of clients achieve their business objectives through astute legal advice complemented by good common sense. For more information, please visit www.leonard.com.