When I was a fifth year associate, I first-chaired my first jury trial – it was me and Michelle Lauseng (the world’s best paralegal) – and we won. After all the hard work; the challenges along the way; the depositions; the oral arguments in court; the strategic decisions made from start to finish; the process of working shoulder to shoulder with our client; the deep relationships and meaningful friendships made within our client’s organization every step of the way to get trial ready; and the adrenaline rush of cross-examining witnesses before a jury– I knew there was no turning back because I would be a trial lawyer for life. I thoroughly enjoy helping my clients solve their complex problems.
My Approach
I was trained to be a trial lawyer, so everything I do with a problem, whether it is a partnership dispute in the LIHTC industry, a construction or real estate dispute, a dispute among shareholders, or any other business, commercial or intellectual property dispute, is strategically aimed toward positioning my client for the most optimal resolution to their problem; with an understanding that if the problem can only be fixed in a court of law then we are positioned well and ready. Sometimes, problems may be resolved through negotiated business to business resolutions, but other times problems may only be resolved in court or some other dispute resolution process like arbitrations. Either way, when I work with my clients to solve problems I bring a seasoned approached with an eye toward being jury ready if we need to go there.
I also believe that almost no problem, whether settled amicably or fought hard before a jury, lies on the shoulders of one person, so I take a team-oriented approach and involve my clients in such as a way as I am working with them rather than for them. It is also of paramount importance that I understand my clients’ business, and know “the deal” and intentions from which the problem arose so that I may work to achieve the most optimal outcome for my clients. Throughout the process, I look to provide effective, efficient solutions to complex issues facing my clients, and I bring a direct approach to complicated disputes and emotionally charged situations.
Outside of work, my wife, kids and I enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer, including winter sports, hunting, camping, hiking, and biking.
A Groundbreaking Moment in My Career
Practice Areas
Year 15 LIHTC Disputes
Construction & Real Estate Litigation
Shareholder Disputes
Business & Commercial Litigation

Bold Perspectives
Preparing For Year 15: Why Capital Accounts Matter
04.13.18
Year 15 – What’s Working; What’s Not
03.30.18
Honors & Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Commercial Litigation, 2017-2018
Local Litigation Star
Benchmark Litigation, 2016-2018
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
2014-2017
Attorney of the Year
Minnesota Lawyer, 2013
Future Star
Benchmark Litigation, 2015
Rising Stars
Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2003-2009, 2011
AV Preeminent
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Peer review ratings
Associations & Memberships
American Bar Association
American Intellectual Property Law Association
Federal Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Intellectual Property Section
Labor and Employment Law Section
Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
National Housing & Rehabilitation Association
National Council of State Housing Agencies
Affordable Housing Finance
Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce
Leadership program