Devon C. Holstad
A good lawyer can never stop learning. Every day is an opportunity to do better for clients.
Contact: P /612.604.6649E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: LeeAnn Carlson P /612.604.6610E /[email protected]
Education
University of Michigan Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2014
Loyola University Chicago, B.A., Journalism and Political Science, magna cum laude, 2011
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
New York
U.S. District Court, D. Minn.
U.S. District Court, S.D.N.Y.
U.S. District Court, E.D.N.Y.
U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Cir.
U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Cir.
My Approach
From my earliest days growing up on my family’s farm, one of the most important values instilled in me was a sense of responsibility and respect for the community. I carry these values with me every day in my representation of my clients, fully comprehending my role in helping them achieve their goals. I care about the outcome of the matters I work on, not just for the satisfaction of winning, but because of their vital importance to my clients.
I have a background in journalism, and in many ways it’s very similar to practicing law – gathering facts, perspectives, and context, and then weaving them all together to tell a story that is informative and convincing. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of litigation. You can’t change your facts or the law, so what makes or breaks a case is the ability to put together a compelling story. When I represent my clients, I always keep in mind their end goal, so when there are questions that arise, new information that comes to light, or quick decisions that need to be made, I can adapt quickly and weave it into the narrative to sway the decision to our side.
Outside of work, I enjoy teaching the next generation of lawyers by coaching high school and college mock trial and serving as a Director of the American Mock Trial Association. Competing in mock trial helped shape my drive to be a litigator and I am thrilled to give back to a community that got me where I am today. When I’m not coaching, I’m probably on the family farm saddling up for a horseback ride, at a Twins game, or hanging out with my dog, Bobby.
A GROUNDBREAKING MOMENT IN MY CAREER
When I was in law school, I worked with the Michigan Innocence Clinic, helping to exonerate people who were in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. My time there taught me a great deal about the legal process – the good and the bad – and reinforced the significance of the work we do as a lawyers. I saw firsthand the effort it takes to correct a mistake and the devastating impact on innocent lives when things aren’t done right the first time. The lessons I learned at the Innocence Clinic serve as a constant reminder of the burden of getting things done right and what good lawyers can do to make sure the system works for everyone.
Practice Areas
Practicing Business & Commercial Litigation
My Experience
I represent clients in complex commercial litigation in a wide range of industries, including media and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, technology, energy, and more. Representative cases include bet-the-company business disputes, product liability, antitrust, constitutional violations, and shareholder disputes, to name a few.
Representative Matters
- Representation of an international energy corporation in product liability defense brought by banana-plantation workers claiming that client’s product negatively impacted their health. Obtained dismissal of the claim after federal Circuit Court certified questions to the state court of last resort, which adopted client’s interpretation of previously undetermined state law.
- Representation of a large medical data company in defense of action for temporary restraining order and damages for tortious interference relating to client’s hire of accomplished cancer doctor.
- Represented international pharmaceutical company in billion-dollar litigation relating to post-closing working capital dispute.
- Representation of a major media corporation in libel action brought by famous politician. Obtained dismissal with prejudice for failure to state a claim.
- Representation of a pharmaceutical company board of directors in multiple lawsuits relating to false statements made in SEC filings by former CEO during proxy campaign against the company.
- Representation of multiple companies across a wide array of industries in investigations by the DOJ and SEC, including investigations for violations of the FCPA and other alleged securities violations.
- Representation of a pharmaceutical company in lawsuit to bar the FDA from violating the First Amendment by restricting the company’s ability to market off-label drugs.
- Representation of a former technology industry employee in prosecution of wrongful termination claim and in defense of defamation counterclaim stemming from former employer’s termination of client to avoid triggering milestone entitlements.
- Representation of a large media company as plaintiff in fraud and breach of fiduciary duty action against former business partner.
- Represented owner of a priceless Monet painting against a meritless claim that client agreed to sell the painting.
- Representation of a sports league in litigation relating to patented player tracking technology.
- Representation of owners of historic buildings in Constitutional challenge to city ordinances on First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment grounds.
- Representation of a playwright in copyright infringement action. After successful motion to dismiss, mediated settlement in which client received payment in exchange for copyright registration.
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch
Commercial Litigation, 2022-2025
Also experienced in
Securities Litigation
Honors & Awards
The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch
Commercial Litigation, 2022-2025
MSBA North Star Lawyer
Pro Bono Service, 2021-2023
Associations & Memberships
American Mock Trial Association
Board of Directors
Moran Olsson Michigan Innocence Clinic Trust
Board of Trustees