When the Petters case erupted, it seemed like every law firm and lawyer in town was involved. I had first-chaired litigation matters before, but first-chairing that case, and our firm’s involvement in it, gave me a huge opportunity. I was still a relatively young lawyer – the youngest attorney at the lead counsel table by a decade –getting up again and again on behalf of my clients, and having my skills displayed to the larger bankruptcy community. I led the defendant group of more than 30 attorneys to take the deposition of the trustee’s chief expert. When I look back at some of the big cases I’ve had since then, a significant portion of them can be traced back to people I met and interacted with on the Petters case.
My Approach
When bank transactions get complex, messy, and are likely to go to trial or have evidentiary hearings on them, I’m in my element. I love stepping into a courtroom, and presenting a case calmly, persuasively, in a way the judge and jury can understand, all on behalf of my client. I work closely with my clients and develop lasting relationships with them to understand their business, how they work and what motivates them.
It’s not all contentious with me, though, as much as I love winning. On the transactional side, I enjoy the days when I am able to help clients acquire distressed assets, move quickly and provide guidance through the transaction, and take something that was going to waste or be a failed business and give it a second chance at life.
Even outside of my work, I enjoy competing – I do long-distance endurance running, biking and swimming, and have completed 3 IRONMAN triathlons, 10 marathons, several ultramarathons, and have run across the Grand Canyon and back. I am married with two sons, and am involved in their sports teams and Scouts.
A Groundbreaking Moment in my Career
Practice Areas
Creditors’ Remedies, Bankruptcy & Work-Out
Financial Services Litigation
Construction & Real Estate Litigation

Bold Perspectives
Honors & Awards
Local Litigation Star
Benchmark Litigation, 2020
Rising Stars
Super Lawyers®, 2007-2015
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
2018-2019
The Best Lawyers in America©
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2020
Associations & Memberships
Hennepin County Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Bankruptcy Section
New York State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Risk Management Association
District of Minnesota
Bankruptcy Practice Committee, 2012-2014
Turnaround Management Association
Board of Directors, Minnesota Chapter
Program Committee, Minnesota Chapter
Mid America Regional Conference, Minnesota Chapter Committee Member
American Bankruptcy Institute
Co-chair, Real Estate Committee