Brian D. Steffes

Selected Cases:

• Recently obtained a defense verdict of no liability for our Property Owner (Landlord) and Property Manager client, following a week-long jury trial.  Plaintiff requested $1,025,000 from the jury after alleging negligent maintenance of the building. 
• Recently obtained $1,017,141 total judgment on behalf of a general contractor against a developer/owner on breach of contract following a week-long trial.
• Defended multiple general contractors and developers on numerous construction defect cases involving large-scale multi-family residences, apartments, mixed-use developments, including contractual indemnity and defense issues.
• Obtained $2.5 million judgment for a general contractor following a two-week jury trial, on a claim involving breach of a construction contract.
• Obtained Summary Judgment Dismissal of a Federal Court action involving environmental claims under RCRA and TSCA with allegations exceeding $14 million.
• Represented national construction company in complex construction defect defense involving multi-state litigation. Successfully attained very favorable settlement immediately prior to arbitration.
• Represented national trucking company in personal injury accident wherein plaintiff claimed a traumatic brain injury. Successfully obtained jury verdict at less than 10% of Plaintiff’s demand.
• Successfully defended Illinois trucking company to a favorable mediation resolution in personal injury accident wherein plaintiff claimed a traumatic brain injury and extensive future damages.
• Represented global corporation to advantageous settlement in relation to significant product defect claims.
• Defended youth football league against an action by a minor for an alleged traumatic brain injury.
• Successfully obtained summary judgment in defense of a charity foundation involving a high exposure personal injury action.
• Obtained $204,866 judgment on behalf of stockholder against corporation and its principal owner on claims including fraud, misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty.

Education:

• University of Wisconsin, J.D., 2004
• University of Notre Dame, B.A., Cum Laude 2001

Bar Admissions:

• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Illinois

Practice Areas:

• Catastrophic Loss (Fires & Explosions)
• Commercial Litigation
• Construction Law
• General Liability and Civil Litigation
• Insurance Coverage and Litigation
• Personal Injury Defense
• Product Liability
• Professional Liability (Architects & Engineers)
• Professional Liability (Accountants & Attorneys)
• Toxic Torts/Diacetyl
• Environmental/Pollution (RCRA/TSCA Defense)
• Transportation Law
• Emerging Contaminant / Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination and Exposure Litigation

Awards and Honors:

• Named to the Super Lawyers® List in 2020 – 2024.
• Named to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list in 2014 – 2018.

Publications and Presentations:

• Co-Author of Minnesota section in DRI’s Construction Litigation Desk Reference:  A Fifty State Guide to Construction Litigation
• “Mediations: A Practical Guide to Balancing Clients’ Goals and the Process”

Pro Bono:

• Volunteer with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Volunteer Lawyer’s Network