The business of law is to make sense of the confusion of what we call human life–to reduce it to order but at the same time to give it possibility, scope, even dignity.

PRACTICE AREAS

Civil Litigation

At the outset, civil litigation requires a determination of whether your claims are best served by a lawsuit. In other words, consideration must first be given to whether or not you can properly bring claims under the controlling law. This first step may require some initial legal research. Your claims also merit a candid discussion of your expectations and a realistic assessment of whether those expectations can be satisfied by litigation. Accordingly, you will want to discuss your matter with an experienced attorney. Over the course of my career, I have represented clients in a wide range of civil matters including, among others, cases involving civil rights law and police misconduct, commercial disputes, personal injury, child custody and employment discrimination.

Selected Experience:

Jones v. Stoneking, et al. (2006) U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota: Total Pre-trial Settlement with County: $150,000.
Total Judgment (based on jury trial, including compensatory, punitive damages and atttorney's fees): $346,000

Cass County transport officer pled guilty to third degree criminal sexual conduct for having sexual intercourse with woman while transporting her when she was an inmate at the Cass County Jail. Woman filed a civil suit against transport officer and Cass County. On summary judgment, she prevailed on her §1983 claim against the County for inadequate hiring and her state law negligence and respondeat superior claims. She reached a settlement with Cass County prior to trial in which she proceeded against the individual transport officer. The jury awarded her damages based upon the transport officer's violations of federal and state law. View news article
Canty v. City of Minneapolis (2007), Hennepin County District Court, Minnesota.: Total Settlement: $70,000
Excessive force case against Hennepin County Sheriff's Deputies.
Al-Mosawy v. City of Minneapolis (2003) Hennepin County District Court, Minnesota.: Promissory estoppel case against the City of Minneapolis.

Man was issued a Building Permit by the City of Minneapolis and his building plans were also stamped as approved by the City of Minneapolis. The Permit enabled remodeling of the building in which Plaintiff planned to open a convenience store. After the Permit issued and Plaintiff had invested his life savings in remodeling his store, City of Minneapolis officials asserted that the Permit was invalid because subject to an oral moratorium. The man's efforts to obtain clarification and/or a waiver of said moratorium were unsuccessful. He sued the City for damages in excess of $50,000 and recovered his financial losses when the matter was settled.
Prepared briefs for courts and administrative forums including, but not limited to, the following: United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, United States Department of Interior/Interior Board of Contract Appeals, United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, United States District Court for the District of Wisconsin, United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, Minnesota Supreme Court, Minnesota Court of Appeals, Minnesota District Courts, Tribal Court of the Shakopee Mdewakanton (Dakota) Sioux Community, the Spirit Lake Tribal Court, and American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Arbitration Panel.

Probate and trust law, business and real estate law

My practice also emphasizes probate and trust, guardianship, conservatorship, business and real estate law. The goal of taking care of one's family is often best served by an estate plan that provides for the orderly transfer of one's property at death, while minimizing taxes in the process. Whether your needs include the proper execution of a will, devising a plan to minimize the risk of a family dispute, succession planning, or representation during a contested probate matter, an investment in legal assistance can help you to achieve your objectives and bring you some peace of mind.

Indian Law

Indian law is a complex, multi-jurisdictional area of law that embraces and blends diverse practice areas in characteristically unique fashion. Although it is primarily a field of federal law due to the predominant federal influence over Indian affairs, the experienced practitioner will instinctively consider the vital counterweight of tribal sovereignty and authority when analyzing legal issues in Indian Country.

I have been practicing Indian law for more than a decade. For a more detailed description of my extensive background, please click here.