Jeffrey R. Benson

"As a mediator or arbitrator my goal is to have the perspective, persistence, and patience to resolve business disputes and settle cases effectively." With more than 40 years of experience as a litigator representing both plaintiffs and defendants, I know business issues. This wealth of experience and knowledge now serves as the foundation for successfully resolving disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). I am a leading provider of commercial litigation ADR services and have an...

Robert L. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Robert L., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura serves as Chair of the Insurance Coverage practice group for the firm’s Minneapolis office. She focuses her practice on commercial insurance coverage -- especially environmental and construction defect claims and litigation, which she has handled throughout the United States in the state and federal trial and appeals courts. She has appeared in three state supreme courts and four different federal circuit courts of appeals. Her practice also includes insurance coverage disputes un...

Joni champions the rights of employees in cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination , harassment, retaliation, and whistleblower issues , fueled by a passion for giving a voice to the oppressed within the workplace. As an exceptional advocate for her clients is Joni consistently demonstrates her ability to truly understand her clients unique situations through authentic listening. Joni takes the time to truly understand each client’s unique situation and objectives, crafting ...

Patrick concentrates his practice on trademark and copyright issues, as well as other intellectual property matters. He has extensive experience in trademark clearance, investigation, prosecution, client counseling and management of domestic and international trademark portfolios on behalf of clients of all sizes in a wide variety of industries. Patrick's practice also focuses on trademark enforcement; trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings; trademark, unfair competition and false ...

Mathew R. Korte is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Mathew R., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mathew R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrea Ostapowich is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals. Andrea, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrea is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For the last 20 years, Kristine M. Spiegelberg Nelson has focused her practice on creditors’ remedies and consumer debt related civil litigation. She led her clients in navigating foreclosure, bankruptcy, complex quiet title and possession issues. Kristine represented national banks in the recovery of real property during the 2008 global recession and advocated for consumer creditor recovery during the 2021 global pandemic. She specializes in foreclosure by action, resolving outstanding...

Chad Stepan serves as Chair of the firm’s Catastrophic Loss Practice Group. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, including fires, explosions, structural failures, mechanical failures, product failures and other catastrophic losses and construction-related incidents across the United States. He has handled numerous multi-million dollar claims, including major industrial explosions and fires, and construction and design matters. Chad investigates these incidents and provid...

Russ Ponessa is a trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience representing companies whose products or business practices are under attack. He has a wide ranging civil litigation practice with substantial experience in the areas of product and professional liability, toxic tort, construction, business and other commercial disputes, insurance coverage, and consumer claims. Mr. Ponessa has tried numerous cases to verdict and has handled a wide variety of single- and multiple-claim lawsuits in...