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Olivia M. Cooper

Every case has its nuances and challenges; each presents an opportunity to learn something new.

Contact: P /612.604.6578E /[email protected]

Education

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 2016

• Secretary, Litigation and Trial Advocacy Group
• Student Director, Maynard Pirsig Moot Court
• Student Director, Civil Practice Clinic
• Student Director, Family Law Clinic
• Certified Volunteer Mediator, Minnesota Conflict Resolution Center

St. Olaf College, B. A., American Studies, History, Religion, magna cum laude, 2013

• St. Olaf Grant for Academic Achievement
• President, Theta Alpha Kappa (Religion National Honor Society)
• President, Phi Alpha Theta (History National Honor Society)

Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2016
U.S. District Court, D. Minn., 2016
U.S. District Court, D.N.D., 2019
U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Cir., 2020

My Approach

I believe that if you take the time to listen and ask questions, there is something to learn from every person and every situation. That’s one of the reasons I love litigation – I approach each case as an opportunity to explore a new problem and to apply my analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as attention to detail,  to work closely with my clients to find a fresh solution. I love solving problems and working together with my clients to find a solution that works best for their personal or business goals.

I love that my broad practice area allows me to take on a variety of cases where I can learn something new and solve problems in new and different ways. Whether it’s the nuances of an employment agreement or non-compete, an alleged discrimination or retaliation claim, a business dispute, construction issue, insurance coverage dispute, drafting an antenuptial agreement, or even helping a client going through a difficult divorce,  my varied background gives me a fresh perspective to find unique solutions to fit each of my clients’ needs.

Outside of work, you can often find me running along the river near our home or in the pool; I grew up swimming competitively, and that joy of competition and pushing my personal limits will always be with me. My husband and I also love to travel. When we are not adding a stamp to our passports we are being walked by our energetic poodle or cuddling on the couch with our precocious orange tabby cat.

Practice Areas

Practicing Business & Commercial Litigation

Practicing Coverage Litigation & Counseling

My Experience

I represent clients in a variety of aspects of insurance coverage litigation under all major insurance lines. I have experience in a range of areas of litigation, including sexual harassment/sexual abuse litigation; lost policy identification; historical policy form changes and terms and conditions; primary/excess coverage and allocation issues; insurance fraud; insurance bad faith; and insurance jurisdiction.

Practicing Employment Litigation

My Experience

I represent clients in a range of employment litigation matters, including those involving claims of discrimination, harassment, non-compete agreements and breach of contract, and more. I also advise clients on workplace policies, procedures, hiring and firing decisions, and other questions to prevent them from turning into litigation down the road. I have experience working with companies of various sizes and in a range of industries, in both state and federal court.

Honors & Awards

The Best Lawyers in America© Ones to Watch

Commercial Litigation, 2023-2025
Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2024-2025

Rising Stars

Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2022-2024

MSBA North Star Lawyer

Pro Bono Service, 2023

Associations & Memberships

American Bar Association

Minnesota State Bar Association

Hennepin County Bar Association

Minnesota Women Lawyers Association

Professional Liability Underwriting Society

University of Minnesota Law School

Adjunct Professor