Joseph P. Kukla

Joe began his affiliation with the firm in June 2013 and became a partner in May 2016. He was inspired by the firm’s achievements in the area of disability planning and has sought to honor and continue the legacy of our former partners. Joe’s youngest brother, Jake, has dealt with developmental issues for his entire life and is now coping with being an independent adult with cognitive impairment. His experiences have made Joe aware of the distinctive challenges facing each individual and each family, and the realization that resources for support and guidance are invaluable.

Prior to joining the Thiel firm, Joe established a solo practice to focus on service to the special needs community. His professional experience in this area includes establishing Guardianship and Conservatorship, asset and estate planning for families that include the Supplemental or Special Needs Trust (and their alternatives), solving problems related to Housing and Independent Living, and counseling on eligibility issues related to Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other public assistance programs. Joe hopes to provide the legal advice and counsel that helps a person with a disability live a full and rewarding life.

Besides the emphasis on special needs planning, Joe is proficient as a general estate planner with services including Wills, Testamentary and Living Trusts, Long Term and Elder Care, and Probate and Trust Administration. Since joining the firm in 2013, Joe has expanded his practice to include extensive experience with Commercial and Residential Real Estate transactions and other property concerns including Commercial Leasing and Landlord/Tenant matters. Joe is a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust and Elder Law sections of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

In addition to his legal practice, Joe volunteers as a pro bono provider of estate planning services to Minnesota’s First Responders and their families through the Wills For Heroes program, is a former licensed PCA through St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development in Minnetonka, MN, is a certified coach and volunteer for Special Olympics Minnesota, and since October 2016 has served on the Board of Directors for Opportunity Partners, Inc., a Minnetonka-based non-profit organization that serves the disability community. Joe is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and earned his law degree from New England Law–Boston. He is a softball player and an experienced Minnesota woodsman, and is still proud to remind everyone that he was a member of the first two state champion football teams at Eden Prairie High School.

Email: jkukla@thielfirm.com

Direct: (952) 920-8446

Anna joined the firm as a partner in February 2021. Before joining the Thiel firm, Anna practiced as an associate attorney for five years at a full service law firm in Apple Valley. Anna's primary practice areas are estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships.  

Anna has been named a SuperLawyer’s Rising Star for six years running, and has volunteered with the Wills for Heroes program since 2014.  Anna is a member of the Probate & Trust Law section of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Anna is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Politics & Government: International Relations, and earned her law degree from the Hamline University School of Law. Anna also received a Certificate in Advocacy and Problem Solving from Hamline.  Anna has the goal of running a marathon in every state; while she has made good progress towards this goal, she has many miles left to run.

Anna married her husband, Jordan, in 2021 and is formally Anna W. Gunderson Fenty, but still practices under her maiden name to honor her pre-marriage law practice and the legacy of her father, Bob Gunderson.

Email: agunderson@thielfirm.com

Direct: (952) 920-8448