Trade Secrets & Non-Solicits in Business Sales: Trial Insights & Strategic Considerations (Presented by the Federal Bar Association annual Meeting & Convention 2025 sponsor Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A)

Moderator: Kyle Kroll, Shareholder | Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A

Kyle Kroll is passionate about advocating for clients in high-stakes business disputes, both at the trial and appellate levels. His practice spans a wide array of industries, with a particular focus on intellectual property and unfair competition matters. In every case, he emphasizes strategic risk mitigation, opportunity maximization, and the achievement of client objectives. Kyle is known for clear, timely client communication and prioritizes ensuring that clients feel informed and supported throughout the litigation process.

Drawing on his clerkship with The Honorable Joan N. Ericksen of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Kyle brings a refined skill set in legal argument analysis and persuasive presentation. His experience has informed his ability to craft compelling case themes that resonate with judges, juries, and other key decision-makers. He has amassed substantial litigation and appellate experience, including leading trials and presenting arguments before high courts such as the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit. Kyle has first-chaired three trials and has been recognized by jurists for his “excellent” advocacy and the “care and effort” brought to his cases. These accolades reflect his deep commitment to professionalism.

Beyond the courtroom, Kyle is active in the legal community at both state and national levels. In his personal time, he enjoys wine tasting, golfing, biking, hiking, and traveling.

Aimée D. Dayhoff, Shareholder | Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A

Aimée Dayhoff is a seasoned litigator known for her pragmatic, business-focused approach to legal disputes. While fully capable of assertive advocacy, she recognizes that aggressive litigation is not always in the best interest of her clients’ businesses. Aimée’s clients seek her counsel for a variety of challenges—from contract negotiations with vendors to litigation involving former employees.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding her clients’ businesses thoroughly in order to proactively avoid legal pitfalls. In litigation, she guides clients through often difficult and emotional processes, especially when issues such as breach of contract or misappropriation of trade secrets arise. Aimée helps clients remain focused on their business goals rather than on personal grievances, providing clarity and strategic direction through contentious disputes.

She also serves as outside general counsel to closely held businesses, offering day-to-day legal guidance and connecting clients with subject-matter experts within the firm to efficiently manage costs. Aimée lives in Minnetonka with her two children—one currently in college—and their dog, Floyd. She enjoys both domestic and international travel and exploring new restaurants in the Twin Cities.

Lisa Ellingson, Shareholder | Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A

Lisa Ellingson focuses her practice on the intersection of technology and the law, advising and representing clients in a rapidly evolving legal environment. Her litigation practice includes defending trade secrets and enforcing technology commercialization agreements, particularly for clients in the tech sector. Lisa is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the shifting regulatory and technological landscape in order to achieve their strategic goals.

In addition to litigation, she counsels clients on a wide range of privacy and data protection matters, from developing website privacy policies to responding to data security incidents. She co-chairs Winthrop & Weinstine’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group and holds certifications as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) and a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM). Lisa frequently presents on topics related to privacy and data security.

Outside of her legal work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She is also actively involved in the international Korean adoptee community and serves as a Regional Governor for the International Association of Korean Lawyers.

Olga Rogne, Managing Associate | Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A

Olga Rogne brings a journalist’s analytical rigor to her litigation practice, a foundation that fuels her passion for client advocacy. She thrives on uncovering key facts, understanding the intricacies of her clients’ businesses, and building persuasive, original legal arguments. Olga is especially skilled at synthesizing complex details into compelling narratives that resonate with judges and juries.

She relishes the challenge of translating legal nuance into clear, strategic advocacy in the courtroom. Outside of her professional life, Olga has recently taken up equestrian sports and competes in the Hunter/Jumper discipline. She is also an avid skier who enjoys spending winter months on the slopes, embracing both the physical and mental challenge of the sport.

I. Enforcement of Trade Secrets and Non-Solicitation Agreements in the Sale-of-Business Context | 2:00pm -2:15pm

II. Litigation Strategy and Trial Themes in Federal Court | 2:15pm – 2:30pm

III. Role of Injunctive Relief and Evidentiary Challenges | 2:30pm – 2:45pm

IV. Impact of Evolving Non-Compete Laws on Restrictive Covenant Litigation | 2:45pm – 3:00pm