Commercial Litigation Franchise Law Mediation Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Michael D. Madigan
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2014 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Of Counsel for Madigan, Dahl & Harlan, P.A. Over thirty (30) years of experience practicing in the areas of administrative, alcohol beverage, antitrust, business, commercial, distributor, dealer, franchise, construction, employment, and environmental law. AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell for twenty-eight (28) years and recognized as a "Super Lawyer" for seventeen (17) years. Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Franchise Law. For the last twenty-two (22) years, served as an Arbitrator and Mediator on the Complex Commercial Panel of the American Arbitration Association and served as a Neutral on the Minnesota ADR Neutrals Roster. Inducted as a Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers). Appointed by Governor Dayton to the Metropolitan Airports Commission from 2011-2019. Instrument rated Private Pilot. Appointed by Washington County Commissioners to serve on the Board of Managers, South Washington Watershed District (2011 - present). Treasurer of Minnesota Trout Unlimited (2018 - present). Previously served eight (8) years on the Woodbury City Council and three (3) years as Chair of the Woodbury Planning Commission. Previously served eleven (11) years on the Board of Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. Formerly, Adjunct Professor at William Mitchell College of Law. Recipient of the Alumni Student Award of Merit and Editor of William Mitchell Law Review.
Overview
- English
- William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., graduated 1981
- Minnesota, Minnesota State Bar Association
- Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin
- AirSpace Minnesota - Member, Board of Directors
- American Arbitration Association - Member, Complex Commercial Panel
- Litgation Counsel of America - Fellow
- Metropolitan Airports Commission - Commissioner
- Metropolitan Energy Policy Coalition - MAC Representative
- Minnesota Statewide ADR Neutrals Roster - Member
- South Washington Watershed District - Member, Board of Managers
- English
- Minnesota, Minnesota State Bar Association
- Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin
- AirSpace Minnesota - Member, Board of Directors
- American Arbitration Association - Member, Complex Commercial Panel
- Litgation Counsel of America - Fellow
- Metropolitan Airports Commission - Commissioner
- Metropolitan Energy Policy Coalition - MAC Representative
- Minnesota Statewide ADR Neutrals Roster - Member
- South Washington Watershed District - Member, Board of Managers
- William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., graduated 1981
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Commercial Litigation
- Franchise Law
- Mediation
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Food and Beverage Law
Awards:
- Inducted as a Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, 2011
- Selected as a Super Lawyer, Minnesota Law & Politics, 1999-present
- St. Paul Neighborhood Hall of Fame, St. Paul, Mn. 1996
- Silver Trout Award, Minnesota Trout Unlimited, Cold Water Conservation, 1995
- Hospy Hall of Fame, Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, 2013
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- Granholm vs. Heald, 544 U.S. 460 (2005)
This matter before the Supreme Court involved a challenge to Michigan and New York liquor laws. It represented the seminal case on the interplay between the Dormant Commerce Clause and the 21st Amendment. I was Counsel of Record for the National Beer Wholesalers Association and submitted an Amicus Brief on their behalf in support of the States.
- Costco Wholesale Corp. vs. Maleng, 522 F.3d 874 (9th Cir. 2008)
This matter before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals involved a lawsuit against the State of Washington challenging state liquor laws on antitrust grounds. I was Counsel of Record for the National Beer Wholesalers Association and submitted an Amicus Brief on their behalf in support of the State. With two limited exceptions, the laws were upheld.
- Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. vs. Missouri, 731 F.3d 749 (8th Cir. 2013)
This matter before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals involved a lawsuit against the State of Missouri challenging a liquor residency law under the Dormant Commerce Clause, Equal Protection Clause, and Privileges and Immunities Clause. I was Counsel of Record for the National Beer Wholesalers Association and submitted an Amicus Brief on their behalf in support of the State. The law was upheld and provided further clarity on the interplay between the Dormant Commerce Clause and 21st Amendment.
- Crowley Beverage Co. vs. Miller Brewing Co, 862 F.2d 688 (8th Cir. 1988)
This case is the seminal beer franchise case in Minnesota, successfully tried to a jury after a three week trial. My client, Crowley Beverage, prevailed in all respects and recovered a substantial damage award. The case was subsequently appealed challenging the jury verdict and the beer franchise law on constitutional grounds. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the jury verdict and upheld the beer franchise law under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.
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