Matthew P. Lawlyes

Selected Cases:

• Obtained a summary judgment dismissal of a $25 million lawsuit filed against his property developer clients, wherein it was claimed that the construction of a multi-building apartment complex resulted in widespread geotechnical and construction deficiencies. RCS Southridge (COR), LLC, et al. v. R.D. Offutt Companies, et al., District Court of Williams County, North Dakota, Court File No. 53-2022-CV-00165 (appeal forthcoming).
• Obtained a summary judgment dismissal of claims against his homeowners' association client in a lawsuit brought by property owners claiming that the association violated the terms and conditions of its governing documents by denying an application for the construction of a new home. Warner v. Pines of North Oaks Homeowners' Association, District Court of Ramsey County, Minnesota, Court File No. 62-CV-24-4223 (appeal pending).
• Obtained a summary judgment dismissal of claims against his agricultural chemical company client in a lawsuit brought by farm owners alleging improper formulation and application of herbicides. Gjovig, et al. v. New Century Ag, District Court of Divide County, North Dakota, Court File No. 12-2024-CV-00062 (appeal forthcoming).
• Obtained a judgment on the pleadings dismissal of claims against his commercial electrician clients brought by an employee injured in an oil production facility alleging that the facility was negligently designed. Tombari v. NOV Process & Flow Technologies US, Inc., et al., United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, Court File No. 1:24-CV-00123 (appeal pending).
• Obtained a summary judgment dismissal of claims against his engineering company client in a lawsuit brought by property developers alleging the client negligently provided architectural and engineering services during the design and development of a multi-building apartment complex. Tioga Apartments, et al. v. Cole Group Architects, et al., District Court of Stearns County, Minnesota, Court File No. 73-CV-23-6205.
• Obtained a summary judgment dismissal of claims against his cattle feed producer and formulator client brought by cattle owners alleging that improperly designed and formulated cattle feed caused cattle deaths and growth defects. Darrell L. Christian, et al. v. Form-A-Feed, Inc., District Court of Lyon County, Minnesota, Court File No. 42-CV-21-1124.
• Represented an insurance company in a multi-million-dollar insurance coverage dispute arising out of the exposure to asbestos of hundreds of workers over the course of several decades.
• Represented a farm owner in a multi-million-dollar bad faith insurance coverage claim against an insurance company arising out of its failure to honor the terms and conditions of the policy by refusing to pay for property damage to the farm and personal property.
• Obtained a summary judgment against the United States on behalf of a resident alien arising out of the federal government's wrongful delay and denial of an application to adjust status from permanent resident to United States citizen.
• Obtained a favorable verdict for a property owner against claims that a failed real estate transaction arose out of the client's failure to draft, execute, and handle the real estate transaction.

Education:

• University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 2014
• University of Illinois – Springfield B.A., magna cum laude, 2011

Bar Admissions:

• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota
• 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Practice Areas:

• General Liability and Civil Litigation
• Insurance Coverage
• Construction Law
• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
• Professional Liability
• Errors and Omissions
• Commercial Litigation
• Contract Litigation
• Emerging Contaminant / Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination and Exposure Litigation

Awards and Honors:

• Named to Rising Stars® list in 2021-2025.