Litigation: General Commercial: Minnesota

THE FIRM The Minnesota litigation arm of this international commercial law powerhouse has remained busy throughout the recession, and has continued to represent numerous Fortune 500 companies based both within the state and beyond. With a team that counts 32 partners, the group is the largest in Minnesota, and tries cases in a diverse range of fields. The team is particularly well known for its work on litigation in the healthcare sphere, and continues to represent UnitedHealth Group. 

Sources say: "Strong expertise, capability and reputation - clearly one of the principal firms in the field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Carter is "one of the best in the field of litigation," according to clients, who add that "he prepares intellectual analyses of cases and presents them in ways that are easy to understand." Carter cochairs the securities litigation wing of the practice, and enjoys a strong reputation for his work on lawsuits involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. He recently led the team defending Ameriprise Financial Services in a nationwide insurance fraud class action. Marianne Short continues to impress, both as managing partner of the firm and as "an excellent strategist who really knows how to work with clients." Complex commercial litigation lawyer Steve Wells is "fabulous - he takes control of complex, data-driven matters, and makes them easily understandable." George Eck is a specialist in the field of civil litigation, and formed part of the team that handled personal injury work arising from the I-35W bridge collapse. Paul Klaas recently returned to Minnesota after a spell heading up the firm's London office. He brings "incredible instincts as a trial lawyer and an impressive ability to think on his feet." Recent highlights include representing Mosaic in a sizable contract dispute before the Queen's Bench of Saskatchewan. Roger Magnuson is an influential litigation specialist, and heads the national strategic litigation group at the firm.

THE FIRM This group enjoys a strong reputation both statewide and nationally for the quality and strength in depth of its litigation offering. The team has the breadth of resources to handle a wide variety of commercial litigation matters, including tort law, product liability, IP and commercial law. It serves clients of regional and national importance, such as Target, and tries cases before the state and federal courts on a regular basis.

Sources say: "A top-notch firm with an outstanding litigation practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Gross is an IP litigator who impresses with "his tenacity and ability to boil complex issues down into a formulation anyone can understand." He recently led the team representing Seagate Technology in a patent infringement litigation brought by Siemens. Kenneth Liebman is also a highly regarded IP litigator, and recently advised NETGEAR on a patent infringement suit brought by Fujitsu. With extensive experience acting for clients in the medical technology sector, he is described as "highly impressive; a terrific lawyer." Jerry Snider focuses on complex civil litigations, and is described as "an incredible trial lawyer." Trial and appellate specialist Charles Webber heads the strategic business litigation wing of the practice, and is described as "a strategic practitioner and an excellent orator." Brian O'Neill is "a big-picture lawyer" who enjoys a strong reputation for his work on complex product liability cases, while "antitrust guru" James Volling continues to act for both institutions and individuals in white-collar litigations. Delmar Ehrich "does great work on environmental litigation," say sources. He continues to defend Cargill against claims brought by the State of Oklahoma alleging pollution of the Illinois River. Randall Kahnke is "a tremendous litigator, both in strategy development and in the courtroom." He concentrates on complex commercial litigation, and handles some IP matters. Robert Schnell, cochair of the securities and financial markets litigation practice, is "a tough guy with a terrific courtroom demeanor." He specializes in commercial disputes involving bankers, brokers and institutions. Wendy Wildung is "an accomplished securities litigator who is always well prepared for the courtroom." She played a key role in the team representing GMAC Mortgage in the first class-action lawsuit filed under the Home Affordable Mortgage Program. Aaron Van Oort continues to impress with his appellate work, and was heavily involved with the Seagate matter.

THE FIRM This firm has a diverse litigation practice that encompasses a wide variety of practice areas, including financial and business litigation, healthcare litigation, mass tort, white-collar crime and medical malpractice. The firm retains a stellar reputation for its work on IP litigation, and is a prominent force in trademark and advertising disputes.

Sources say: "A highly responsive firm of tough, hard-fighting litigators who provide mission-critical advice at reasonable rates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Ciresi continues to impress as a practitioner of "immense energy and capability." A key presence in the field of commercial and IP litigation, he continues to be recognized as one of the premier litigators in the state. "Thoughtful, disciplined" Martin Lueck is chairman of the firm, combining managerial duties with a busy IP practice. Ronald Schutz is a "tenacious guy" who remains a prominent force in IP litigation and is chair of the firm's IP litigation group.

THE FIRM This firm continues to impress in the field of commercial litigation, and is handling an increasing number of matters on behalf of financial institutions. The past twelve months have seen the team, based in Minneapolis and St. Paul, handle matters concerning insurance coverage disputes, disputes arising from bank acquisitions and whistle-blower litigations.

Sources say: "A client-oriented and responsive firm with a well-rounded practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Boyd is "one of the most sought-after appellate lawyers in the state," while Robert Weinstine is a "top-level litigator" who is well known for his work on financial disputes. Fellow litigator Geoffrey Jarpe "does an excellent job in preparation, is hugely responsive and gets his head around the complexities of an issue." He continues to act for a number of utilities companies and large corporations.

THE FIRM A diverse client roster that includes domestic airlines, railroad companies and corporations has enabled this firm to remain buoyant throughout ongoing economic uncertainty. The past twelve months have seen the team handle workouts, regulatory disputes and complex tort disputes, as well as represent financial institutions affected by the Petters Ponzi scheme.

Sources say: "A terrific group of trial lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Timothy Thornton is "a fine litigator" who is noted for his tenacity in the courtroom, and is well known for his work on complex and high-value litigations. Charlie Rogers is praised as a practitioner who "gives all you want and more" when it comes to financial disputes and environmental matters. Sam Hanson is a prominent and widely respected figure in the Minnesota litigation marketplace, described as "thoughtful, mature and a delight to work with." He recently played a key role, along with Charlie Rogers, in the team that represented United Prairie Bank in a farmer-lender foreclosure action.

THE FIRM  This firm draws on the strength of its commercial and franchising practices, and has remained an active force in commercial litigation over the past twelve months. The team's recent highlights include handling significant financing disputes and trust litigation.

Sources say: "A great firm with strong franchising expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Laura Hein is "no pushover" when it comes to copyright matters, and remains an active presence in the arena of trademark litigation. James Simonson continues to impress as a commercial litigator who is particularly active on antitrust, professional liability and securities matters.

THE FIRM The Minneapolis office of this firm has been particularly active on litigation of late thanks to a significant amount of litigation arising from the Madoff and Petters Ponzi schemes. The team continues to act across the board on corporate law, with particular expertise in appellate law, IP litigation and general commercial litigation.

Sources say: "Very good locally and active on some major litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Allgeyer remains a key presence in the field of IP litigation, while maintaining an active commercial litigation practice. Particular areas of expertise include trademark litigation, copyright and unfair competition. Terrence Fleming is "one of the best commercial litigators around," according to sources. He is particularly well regarded for his work representing clients both in Minnesota and nationwide in matters relating to commercial fraud. Richard Ihrig is described as "excellent in trials," and is also increasingly prominent in alternative dispute resolution.

THE FIRM This firm is increasingly prominent on complex class action and multijurisdictional lawsuits. The team has been particularly active in the fields of healthcare, employment, insurance and banking litigation over the past twelve months, and also maintains a strong appellate practice. Recent highlights include representing Famous Dave's of America in a copyright infringement litigation.

Sources say: "This group is responsive, insightful, innovative and intellectually strong, with attorneys who are loyal to the client and service-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "gifted and quick-witted" David Herr is well regarded for his appellate work, and is a respected authority on the resolution of complex multiparty cases. William Pentelovitch is "a responsive, efficient and strategic litigator" who enjoys a strong reputation in the area for his work on compete, trade secrets and noncompetition litigation. Justin Perl is "a dogged and hard-working lawyer who is making a name for himself in commercial litigation," according to sources. He was recently involved in prosecuting a major claim for breach of fiduciary duty.

THE FIRM This boutique firm focuses on business litigation, with a practice that encompasses shareholder and securities disputes, real estate, IP, professional liability and banking. With a client roster that includes some of Minnesota's larger corporations, the team is well placed to handle complex financial disputes in the state.

Sources say: "A terrific litigation boutique."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Anthony is "a top-notch, tenacious trial lawyer who can try any case," say sources. He serves as general counsel to the United States Golf Association. Richard Ostlund is "technically excellent, and unafraid to try cases." He continues to impress in shareholder disputes.

THE FIRM This litigation boutique continues to concentrate its practice on commercial litigation, though the team has been increasingly active in the medical malpractice arena over the past twelve months. A diversifying caseload has enabled the firm to remain relatively buoyant throughout the recession.

Sources say: "This is a very good litigation practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lewis Remele heads the team, and is praised as "a spectacular litigator who really knows his way around the courtroom." He is also increasingly highly regarded as a mediator. Rebecca Moos earns praise as "a strong business litigator with great legal skills." She has been involved in several medical malpractice litigations over the past twelve months.

THE FIRM This Minneapolis firm draws on the strength of its corporate and IP practices, and continues to act for publicly and privately held companies across the country in commercial litigation. The team is a prominent force in the upper Midwest, and covers a comprehensive range of areas including shareholder disputes, antitrust litigation and bankruptcy.

Sources say: "A very strong commercial and IP practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Fraser is a specialist in shareholder and partnership disputes. He is also increasingly visible in alternative dispute resolution, as well as being viewed as "an outstanding trial lawyer," while Gregory Karpenko is "a rising star on the litigation scene." Clients view him as "cool under pressure, with excellent judgment and instincts."

THE FIRM This highly regarded litigation boutique covers a range of matters including IP, antitrust litigation, securities disputes and professional liability. With wide-ranging experience in litigation, the team acts both for plaintiffs and defendants and is an increasingly well-respected presence on disputes relating to complex financial instruments.

Sources say:"A highly regarded litigation boutique with outstanding litigators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Luger is "one of the top trial lawyers in the state," and is particularly active in the field of white-collar criminal defense. Clifford Greene is "an outstanding trial lawyer who is very well regarded by the federal Bench," according to sources. Greene represents manufacturers in product liability cases, as well as business clients on complex commercial litigation matters.

THE FIRM This firm undertakes a wide range of commercial litigation, including IP, product liability, bankruptcy and antitrust. Based in Minneapolis, with satellite offices in St. Cloud and Mankato, the team is well placed to handle commercial litigation across the state and the upper Midwest.  

Sources say: "The lawyers know the nuances and issues surrounding every case, and their efficiency helps to drive costs down."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Todd Noteboom is "articulate, concise and very well respected in the courtroom," and chairs the firm's securities, financial services and broker-dealer group, as well as its class action litigation group. He is a recognized specialist on financial services litigation.