Education
University of St. Thomas- J.D.
University of St. Thomas- B.A
Licenses and Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Business attorney focused on helping owners make clear, confident decisions across transactions, growth, and long-term operations.
Working Style Profile
Communication Color:
Primary: Yellow
Secondary: Purple (combo of red and blue)
Myers-Briggs:
ESTJ (The Executive)
Working Genius
Galvanizing and Enablement
Risk Tolerance
10 miles over the speed limit
Client Fit
John works best with business owners who actually want to use their lawyer, not just check a box. His clients want someone who understands their business, can jump into decisions quickly, and help them move forward without making things more complicated than they need to be.
If you are looking for a long term partner who will be in it with you as things grow, change, and occasionally get messy, you will probably be a good fit.
Awards
2025 Top Lawyers (Minnesota Monthly)
Presentation
Presented on Minnesota Worker misclassification to contractor groups, focusing on compliance and avoiding liability
Presented on Minnesota worker misclassification to University of St. Thomas business law students
Guest speaker, University of St. Thomas Business Law and Compliance Club
John Greniuk
Transactional Attorney
john@northstarlaw.com vCard
Intro
How He Works
John is known for cutting through noise and getting to what actually matters. He approaches legal issues with a business-first mindset, focusing on practical outcomes instead of theoretical risks. He works closely with clients to understand how their business actually operates, so his advice fits real-world decision-making not just legal ideals.
While many legal answers start with “it depends,” John focuses on helping clients get to a clear answer. He lays out the real options, explains the tradeoffs, and helps clients make decisions based on their specific goals and risk tolerance. His role is not just to identify issues, but to help clients move forward with confidence.
Compass Point
Risk Translator- helping business owners understand what actually matters, what doesn’t, and how to move forward with confidence.
Strengths on the Team
Within the North Star Law team, John brings a strong focus on clarity and execution. He is often relied on to simplify complex issues, pressure test decisions, and help move matters forward efficiently. He works well in collaborative settings where strategy needs to turn into action and where practical solutions matter more than theoretical perfection.
Professional
Results
Advised on the acquisition of Elko Speedway (2025)
Led the transaction from structure through closing, keeping the deal practical and moving.Led business acquisitions and sales from $1M to $10M
Represented buyers and sellers with a focus on clear decision-making, efficient execution, and getting deals across the finish line.Structured succession plans with tax strategy in mind
Worked alongside CPAs and financial advisors to help construction business owners transition ownership while avoiding common tax pitfalls.Supported over $20M in construction contract value
Drafted and reviewed subcontractor and custom home construction agreements so clients can take on work with clarity and confidence.Cleaned up ownership and contract issues before they became real problems
By staying involved with clients over time, fixed operating agreements, unwound messy ownership situations, and replaced handshake deals with structures that actually hold up.
Community
Housing First Minnesota Member
MBEX Member
MMBA Member