Carnival Berns P.A.
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Attorneys
Doug Carnival
Doug Carnival is a seasoned attorney with expertise in legislative and government relations, environmental, administrative, and corporate law. Licensed to practice in Minnesota, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, his career is highlighted by a J.D. from Georgetown University and a B.S. B.A. from Boston College. Carnival is recognized for his leadership in professional organizations across law and government relations, and his contributions to the legal community include being named one of Minnesota’s Top Lobbyists in 2001.
Beyond his legal practice, Doug actively contributes to his community, serving on various boards including the Minnesota Museum of Art and the Minnesota High-Tech Association. His passion extends to sports, where he engages as a public address announcer and referee. This blend of professional achievement and community involvement illustrates Doug’s comprehensive approach to his career and personal life.
PRACTICE AREAS
Legislative, Government Relations, Environmental Law, Administrative Law, Regulatory Matters, Energy, Utilities, Municipal Law, Corporate and Business
Admissions
State of Minnesota, 1980
State of Virginia, 1972
District of Columbia, 1973
U.S. District Court of Minnesota, 1980
U.S. Supreme Court, 1977
EDUCATION
Georgetown University, 1972, J.D.
Boston College, B.S. B.A., cum laude
Beta Gamma Sigma National Business Honor Society
Distinguished Military Graduate, ROTC
1st Lieutenant, US Army Reserve, 1969-1975
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS
Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
Member, American Bar Association
Member, The District of Columbia Bar
Member, Virginia State Bar
Member, Minnesota Government Relations Council.
PROFESSIONAL HONORS/AWARDS
Author: “Minnesota State Anti-takeover Law: How It Survived A Constitutional Test,” Minnesota Journal, 1985
Named one of Minnesota’s Top Lobbyists by Minnesota Journal of Law and Politics for 2001
COMMUNITY/PRO BONO
Member of the Board of Directors and General Counsel, Greater MSP
Member, Board of Trustees, Minnesota Museum of Art (1982-1992, Chair 1986-1988)
Convent of the Visitation School (1994-2000)
Member, Board of Directors, St. Paul-Ramsey United Arts Council (1987-1988)
Member, Board of Directors, Secretary and General Counsel, and member of Executive Committee, Minnesota High-Tech Association (1987-present)
Member, Minnesota High Technology Foundation (1995-present)
The Works: A Technology Discovery Center (1990-1996).
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Doug is a public address announcer for various high school and college sporting events; a member of the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers; and a youth hockey referee, certified by the National Governing Association, USA Hockey, and a baseball and softball umpire.
John Berns
John practices in the areas of business law and government relations. Prior to co-founding Berns Knight in January 2015, John operated the Berns Law Firm, and practiced in the areas of government affairs, business law, and estate planning, probate and trust administration.
John’s experience includes serving as a felony prosecutor, serving as an aide and attorney to Governor Tim Pawlenty, serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving on the professional campaign staff for Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, and running the Minnesota office of Duane Morris Government Strategies (DMGS).
BAR ADMISSIONS
Minnesota
Wisconsin
U.S. District Court in Minnesota
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Duane Morris Government Strategies, Minnesota Director
McCain-Palin 2008, Minnesota State Director & Political Director-North Mountain Region
Minnesota House of Representatives, State Representative (representing 11 cities in the Lake Minnetonka Area of Hennepin County)
Member of 3 committees: Biosciences & Emerging Technology, Commerce & Labor, and Capital Investment Finance
Office of Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Dir. of Board and Commission Appointments & Associate General Counsel to the Governor
La Crosse County (Wisconsin) District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney
COMMUNITY
Youth coach: baseball, girls basketball, boys basketball & football (former)
Board of Directors, Plymouth Wayzata Youth Baseball Association (former)
Adult Leader, Cub Scout Pack 283 (former)
Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, Wayzata Fire Department
Agitator/member, Mojo MN
City Council Member, City of Wayzata (former)
Board of Directors, Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (former)
Gubernatorial Appointee, Education Commission of the States (former)
Franklin Elementary School, St. Paul, MN, “book buddy” (former)
Dive Team member, La Crosse Area Underwater Rescue & Recover Unit–La Crosse County Sheriff’s Dept. (former)
Member, St Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
Eagle Scout
HONORS/REGOGNITION
University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Policy Fellow
American Council of Young Political Leaders, Delegate to Vietnam
Council of State Governments, Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development
“40 and Under” list, Republican National Committee
Hennepin County Bar Association, Leaders Impacting the Nonprofit Community
Recognition for legislative work by:
Governor’s Council on Developmental Disability
Minnesota State Council on Disability
National Federation of Independent Business (“Guardian of Small Business”)
University of Minnesota Alumni Association (for support of the MN Biomedical Research Program)
EDUCATION
George Washington University
Loras College, B.A. in History
Drake University Law School, J.D.
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