I practice primarily in commercial litigation and civil appeals, including contract disputes, business torts, trust and estate matters, insurance coverage disputes and claims, and land use matters.
My Approach
I represent clients in all types of commercial litigation, including complex commercial litigation, insurance coverage actions, business tort and breach of contract cases, trust litigation, and all types of civil appeals in federal and state courts. I work closely with clients to understand their objectives and to ensure they know what to expect in the litigation.
I am a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and an elected member of the American Law Institute, and I serve on the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners. I have taught courses at the University of Minnesota Law School and William Mitchell College of Law. I am also actively engaged providing pro bono legal services and serve as Co-Chair of Winthrop’s Pro Bono Committee.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading biographies and history, researching and writing on these subjects, and watching Big Ten football.
Practice Areas
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Business & Commercial Litigation
Bold Perspectives
Article
Eighth Circuit Appellate Practice Manual, 11th Edition
09.05.24
Honors & Awards
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
(formerly Minnesota Law & Politics)
2000-2024
Top 100, 2006, 2009-2024
Top 40 Business Litigation Attorneys, 2004, 2006-2009
Top Appellate Attorneys, 2000-2003
Local Litigation Star
Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2024
Top Lawyers in Minnesota
Minnesota Monthly, 2024
“Improving Access to Justice/Pro Bono Service” Excellence Award
Hennepin County Bar Association, 2024
Recommended in Litigation: General Commercial
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers For Business, 2011-2012
Recommended in Litigation: Appellate
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers For Business, 2011-2023
MSBA North Star Lawyer
Pro Bono Service, 2012-2023
Attorney of the Year
Minnesota Lawyer, 2006, 2013, 2018, 2020
Donald P. Lay Award of Special Merit
2008
The Best Lawyers in America©
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Bet-the-Company Litigation, 2023
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Insurance Practice, 2022-2024
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, 2020
Appellate Practice, 2009-2025
Commercial Litigation, 2009-2025
Bet-the-Company Litigation, 2010-2025
Litigation - Trusts and Estates, 2016-2025
Litigation - Insurance, 2023-2025
Leaders in their Field
Chambers USA
AV Preeminent®
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Peer review ratings
Rising Stars
Minnesota Law & Politics, 1999
Power 30
Minnesota Lawyer, 2021
Associations & Memberships
Minnesota Board of Law Examiners
Board Member, 2017-present
American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
Member, 2016
American Law Institute
Elected, 2005
Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association
Honorary member
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Merit Section Panel for Appointment of U.S. Magistrate, Co-chair, 2015
Minnesota Women in the Law Exhibit, Planning Committee, 2014-2015
Merit Section Panel for Appointment of U.S. Magistrate, 2014
Dedication of Edward J. Devitt Courthouse Committee, 2014
Merit Selection Panel on the Reappointment of U.S. Magistrate, Chair, 2010
American Bar Association
Business Law Section
Legal Education Section
Litigation Section
Council of Appellate Lawyers, American Bar Association
Board of Directors, 2003-present
Chair of Pro Se-Pro Bono Committee
Federal Bar Association – Minnesota Chapter Pro Se Program, 2003-2005
Board of Directors, 1991-2005
Vice President - Membership, 2000-2001
Vice President - Planning, 1996-1997
Treasurer, 1997-2000
Eighth Circuit Bar Association
Board of Directors, 2004-2010
President, 2008
Illinois State Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Association
Appellate Practice Section
Minnesota State Bar Association
Civil Litigation Section
Probate and Trust Section
Minnesota State Bar Association, Appellate Practice Section
Chair, 2005-2006
Vice Chair, 2004-2005
Secretary/Treasurer, 2003-2004
Governing Council, 2000-2008
Chair of Pro Bono Subcommittee, 2002-present
Missouri Bar Association
Wisconsin Bar Association
Appellate Practice Section
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
Ramsey County Bar Association
Board of Directors, 2000-2004
Second District Ethics Committee, 1998-2004
Memorials Committee, 1996-present
Diversity Committee, 1996-present
Federal Advisory Committee for the Eighth Circuit
1999-2001
Defense Research Institute
Appellate Advocacy Committee
Insurance Law Committee
Historical Society of the United States Courts in the Eighth Circuit
President, 1999-2001
Board of Directors, 1990-present
President, Court of Appeals Branch, 1990-present
President, District of Minnesota Branch, 2001-present
Iowa Law School Foundation
Class Agent, 1987-1993
Minnesota Humanities Commission
Board of Directors, 1992-2000
Vice Chair, 1996-1997
Minnesota Landmarks
Board of Directors, 2000-present
Vice Chair, 2006-present
Chair, Space Planning Committee, 2003-present
Minnesota Supreme Court Historical Society
Board of Directors, 2008-present
Chair, 2009
Vice Chair, 2008
Minnesota Veterinary History Museum
Board of Directors, 1997-present
Ramsey County Historical Society
Board of Directors, 1991-1996, 2005-present
President, 2009-2010
First Vice President, 2007-2008
Editorial Board, 1990-present
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Campaign for Legal Aid, Urban Leadership Committee, 2000-present
William Mitchell College of Law
Law Center Steering Committee, 1998-2000