NEWS

When the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office filed murder, manslaughter, and first-degree assault charges against Trooper Ryan Londregan on January 24, 2024, Chris Madel stated, “This County Attorney [Mary Moriarty] has provided sweetheart deals to murderers and kidnappers, and now, today, she charges a hero. This County Attorney is literally out of control. Open season on law enforcement must end. And it’s going to end with this case.”

After the criminal charges were filed, then-Colonel Matt Langer filed an internal-affairs complaint against Trooper Londregan within the Minnesota State Patrol.

Then four current Minnesota State Patrol troopers and officers provided sworn declarations in support of Trooper Londregan’s defense. These individuals did so without knowing whether their superiors, including Colonel Langer, would disapprove, and perhaps fire them. A fifth retired Segreant provided a sworn declaration as well. Their declarations represent the embodiment of courage.

On June 2, 2024, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office—the same Office that publicly castigated Trooper Londregan as a murderer—dropped all charges against him.

The Hennepin County Attorney also spent over $580,000 of taxpayer money hiring a Washington D.C. law firm to backfill her horrible decisions.

On July 18, 2024, Trooper Londregan sat down with a Minnesota Department of Public Safety investigator and answered all questions regarding the incident involving Ricky Cobb II.

Yesterday, that is, on July 31, 2024, the Minnesota State Patrol provided Trooper Londregan with a one-page memorandum. It states, in full: “Internal Affairs has completed the investigation into allegations brought against you. The findings of the investigation have exonerated you of the allegations.” (Emphasis in original.) This document can be accessed here.

"I  said it after he got charged, I said it when the charges were dismissed, and I'll say it again: Trooper Londregan is a hero," Chris Madel said. "Open season on law enforcement must end, and I hope this case is the beginning of that end."

MADEL PA is pleased to announce that attorney Thomas J. Knecht has joined the firm. Thomas started at MADEL PA in April and has already made an immediate impact in several business litigation and criminal matters. 

Before joining MADEL PA, Thomas was the Oversight & Investigations Counsel for a committee with the U.S. House of Representatives. While there, he led investigations into executive agencies, high-ranking government officials, and U.S. nonprofits. Additionally, he helped conduct oversight hearings to combat waste and promote effective management of federal resources and taxpayer dollars.

Previously, Thomas was in private practice for several years where he represented businesses and individuals in commercial litigation disputes and various government investigations. He has also advised nonprofits and political campaigns on legal, fundraising, and public policy issues.

Thomas graduated from Cornell Law School where he was the Senior Notes Editor for the Journal on Law and Public Policy. He also has a master’s in economic history from the London School in Economics and a bachelor’s in political science and economics from the University of Connecticut.

Read more about Thomas here.

MADEL PA proudly welcomes Thomas to the firm!

Statement of Chris Madel regarding Trooper Ryan Londregan

Trooper Ryan Londregan’s attorney, Chris Madel, has provided a video statement regarding the State’s charges against Trooper Londregan. This video can be found here. The downloadable link to the video is here.

The following documents were also provided to the State of Minnesota today:

1.  Trooper Ryan Londregan’s Notice of Defenses Pursuant to Minn. R. Crim. P. 9.02, Subd. 1(5). This document can be found here.

2.  Defendant Ryan Londregan’s Notice Of Motion And Motion To Dismiss The State’s Complaint Or, Alternatively, Disqualify The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office For Abuse Of The Grand-Jury Process.

Recognized for their exceptional representation of Steve Dornsbach and Kamida, Inc., resulting in a full acquittal in a federal criminal bid-rigging case in May 2023, MADEL PA is delighted to announce that Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins are 2023 Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year.

Chris and Jenny, along with our incomparable paralegals, Amanda Jeffers, Kelsey Lund, and Ashley Hoellein, achieved a complete jury acquittal against a team of about 10 lawyers and paralegals brought in by the Department of Justice from around the country. We couldn’t be prouder of the results they achieved at every step (including, for example, proving that the Department of Justice’s lead prosecutor induced Mr. Olson and his then-attorney to write a letter to his sentencing judge, proving that the FBI selectively recorded statements, proving that the Department of Justice’s “summary exhibits” were cherry-picked, among other successes). Our firm is humbled and honored to count the Dornsbach family among our friends.

Chris Madel has again been named to Minnesota Lawyer’s POWER 30 list. The POWER 30 recognizes attorneys "whose mere presence on a case signifies the stakes, who have influenced the direction of the law, whose leadership in the community is pervasive, and whose respect within the bar is undeniable." The rest of the firm agrees with this wholeheartedly, and we’re honored to practice with him. Congrats, Chris!

Jenny Robbins was just selected as one of Minnesota Lawyer’s Top Women in Law for 2023! Top Women in Law celebrates the outstanding achievements of exceptional women in the legal community. Minnesota Lawyer honors female attorneys from across the spectrum of the legal profession.

Congratulations Jenny!!!

MADEL PA is delighted to announce that every attorney in the firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America as a Best Lawyer or Best Lawyer: One to Watch for 2024.

Chris Madel was again selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Commercial Litigation, White-Collar Criminal Defense, Litigation - Antitrust. This year, he was also selected as a Best Lawyer in the area of Bet-the-Company Litigation. Jenny Robbins was again recognized for her work in the areas of White-Collar Criminal Defense and Intellectual Property Litigation. 

Cassie Merrick and Ellen Ahrens Wickham have again each been recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. Cassie was recognized in multiple areas, including Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Intellectual Property Law, and Litigation – Intellectual Property. Ellen was selected in Commercial Litigation. Matt Pelikan and Todd Hennen were each recognized for the second year, both in the area of Commercial Litigation.

Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. Inclusion is based on a sophisticated and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful evaluations of the quality of legal services. The results are drawn from millions of votes, leading to a list of more than 50,000 attorneys across 140 practice areas. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

Our Jenny Robbins, Managing Partner of MADEL PA and President of the Minnesota Women Lawyers, spoke at the 2023 Minority Judges Reception.  Speaking to hundreds of people, Jenny (a/k/a Jennifer Maria de la Luz Robbins) provided her usual fantastic oratory.

In July 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted our clients, Steven Dornsbach, and his company, Kamida, Inc., regarding allegations that they rigged bids to several western-Minneapolis suburban municipalities. The FBI helped Mr. Dornsbach's decades-long "friend," Clarence Olson, secretly record him on July 6, 2017. Approximately four years later, the government persuaded Mr. Olson to plead guilty to the alleged bid-rigging conspiracy.

In March 2022, the United States Department of Justice indicted Mr. Dornsbach and Kamida, Inc., alleging criminal bid-rigging conspiracy. We then filed numerous discovery motions, many of which sought information regarding the Department of Justice's attorneys' improper influence of, and/or improper involvement in, Mr. Olson's October 2021 letter to his sentencing judge. Unfortunately, the courts denied many of our requests, contending that our allegations of the Department of Justice's misconduct amounted to "speculation."

We went to trial in May 2023. The Department of Justice brought in about ten lawyers and paralegals from across the country. It wasn't enough.

At trial:

• Our client's only alleged "conspirator," Mr. Olson, testified against our clients. In response, we contended the DOJ's attorneys and the FBI concocted a false narrative of his testimony through intimidation, conducting multiple interviews of him, and manufacturing evidence. During our cross examination, Mr. Olson admitted that at the time of the alleged “rigged” bids, he didn’t even have knowledge that a bid-rigging agreement existed.

• We proved that the Department of Justice’s lead prosecutor induced Mr. Olson and his then-attorney to write the October 2021 letter to his sentencing judge. Thus, our pretrial “speculation” was 100% accurate—and the Department of Justice failed to disclose all of it to us in pretrial discovery.

• We proved that the Department of Justice’s “summary” exhibits constituted cherry-picked nonsense.

• We proved that the FBI selectively recorded statements, using a recorder when it suited their purposes and then turning it off when their “Special Agent” decided to “recount” what Mr. Dornsbach allegedly said.

• We used a top-flight expert witness, Tom Gorowsky, to show that Kamida’s pricing before, during, and after the indictment period was in the same range for non-“rigged” bids.

On May 10, 2023, the jury announced its not-guilty verdicts across the board. Mr. Dornsbach’s family was present. There were many tears of joy.

This fantastic result could not have been accomplished without the indispensable work of our exceptional team, including Jenny Robbins, Amanda Jeffers, Kelsey Lund, Ashley Hoellein, and Chris Madel.

On Monday, March 27, 2023, the Honorable Edward Wahl filed his decision in the longstanding minority-shareholder lawsuit where the plaintiff, Serene Warren, sued her father and brother, Ken and Mark Evenstad. After Ken passed away during the lawsuit, Ms. Warren amended her complaint and named her mother, Grace, as a defendant in her capacity as personal representative of Ken’s estate.

The lawsuit resulted in a huge win for the Evenstads. We are beyond proud to have represented Ken, Grace, and Mark. Ken was a fantastic father, husband, and businessman. Grace is a fantastic mother, wife, and businessperson. And Mark’s apple fell less than an inch from the tree; he is kind, generous, and one of the smartest people we’ve encountered.

During the course of the lawsuit, the StarTribune published three stories about it. Two of those articles were written by StarTribune reporter Jeffrey Meitrodt. In both, he incorrectly reported that Serene Warren sought $220 million in the lawsuit.

In numerous emails to Meitrodt and one of his editors, Courtnay Kim Peifer, MADEL PA provided the StarTribune with a copy of a “Statement of Claim” that Ms. Warren filed in a Florida court. Ms. Warren signed that Statement of Claim under oath. In that document, Ms. Warren stated that she “estimate[d] that her claims could result in Grace B. Evenstad, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Kenneth L. Evenstad, being ultimately liable for an amount in excess of $454,735,000.” A copy of this document can be found here.

We remain at a loss as to why Meitrodt, Kim Peifer, and the StarTribune refuse to report the facts associated with Ms. Warren’s sworn Statement of Claim. As Chris Madel noted, “They remind me of a line from George Will…they both seem to have a passive indifference towards the truth.”

We are simultaneously sad and happy to announce the opening of PremoFrank!  Sad because we lost our friend and colleague, Stephen Premo, but happy that he's embarking on a new adventure with his new law firm!

Please check it out at premofrank.com.  Stephen and his partner, Matt, specialize in employment law and whistleblower litigation.  They're going to do great!

Our Jenny Robbins, Managing Partner of MADEL PA and President-Elect of the Minnesota Women Lawyers, spoke at the 2022 Minority Judges Reception.  And as usual, Jenny did awesome.

MADEL PA is delighted that our own Matt Pelikan has been honored as a Minnesota Lawyer Attorney of the Year. Matt is recognized for his outstanding work on behalf of Dr. Kim Finch and Dr. Meagan Abel. The Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals have repeatedly recognized Matt’s contributions to application of the Minnesota Human Rights Act (“MHRA”) in representing these clients. 

The Supreme Court first ruled in favor of his client, Dr. Abel,  and against Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health System, and St. Mary’s University. As a required part of her doctoral program at St. Mary’s, Dr. Abel participated in a practicum with Allina at Abbott. Our complaint alleged that Dr. Abel faced egregious and ongoing sexual and racial discrimination.

Defendants argued that maintaining a hostile, discriminatory environment did not violate the MHRA, even when their employees or students faced ongoing, daily sexual harassment and racial discrimination that made them too fearful to go to the hospital or school. The Supreme Court concluded that unpaid interns are protected as employees under the MHRA and that “maintenance of a discriminatory system” violates the MHRA and reinstated her discrimination and negligence claims in 2020.

Then in 2021, the Court of Appeals reversed a grant of summary judgment against Matt’s client, Dr. Kim Finch. In our complaint alleging Dr. Finch's claims, we alleged that Abbott and Allina took adverse employment action after she reported a harassing, discriminatory, hostile work environment. The Court of Appeals concluded that the district court erred in dismissing Dr. Finch’s reprisal claim under the MHRA.

The rulings are victories for Matt’s clients, for all persons alleging sexual and racial discrimination, including unpaid interns in Minnesota. Because of his work, the Supreme Court applied its existing precedents to protect all Minnesotans from ongoing discrimination and, for the first time, to state that unpaid interns are protected from discrimination under the MHRA. His work also set the standards for reprisal claims. Matt has been fighting for Dr. Abel and Dr. Finch for over four years. He briefed and argued both cases through the appellate process; his legal theories are historic successes that benefit his clients and all similarly situated Minnesotans. We are so glad to see him recognized for this incredible work. Both cases go to trial in 2022.

Minnesota Lawyer’s annual event honors Attorneys of the Year for their work in procuring a successful result in an important case or business transaction, leadership in professional associations, participating in newsworthy events in the legal community, or performing significant public services. He will be recognized in a ceremony on February 17, 2022.

The article in Minnesota Lawyer featuring Matt is available here.

Best Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report has named MADEL PA a Best Law Firm for 2022. The firm was ranked a Tier One firm for Commercial Litigation and White Collar Criminal Defense, and a Tier Two firm for Intellectual Property Litigation in Minneapolis.

"These are several of the areas where our attorneys shine, and this honor means a lot because our clients weigh in." said Chris Madel. "We're happy to be recognized as the best of the best at what we do." 

Firms included in the 2022 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must first have a lawyer recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®, which recognizes 6% of lawyers practicing in the United States.

MADEL PA (except for Chris Madel) is thrilled to announce that Minnesota Lawyer named Chris Madel to its POWER 30. The POWER 30 recognizes attorneys "whose mere presence on a case signifies the stakes, who have influenced the direction of the law, whose leadership in the community is pervasive, and whose respect within the bar is undeniable." 

About his practice, Chris said, "“I don’t think I can ever retire. A case comes in that’s fascinating, I just have to do it. I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t want to be a lawyer.”

https://minnlawyer.com/welcome-ad/?retUrl=/2021/10/28/the-power-30-chris-madel/

MADEL PA is thrilled to announce that Kelsey Lund, paralegal, has been honored as one of Minnesota Lawyer’s 2021 Unsung Legal Heroes.

In supporting Kelsey’s nomination for this recognition, one of MADEL PA’s clients wrote, “[Kelsey] was an integral part of our strategy discussions. She took initiative often working late at night to do research or prepare documentation. Court employees and even members of the opposition legal team grew to rely on her and regularly acknowledged her abilities, professionalism, and hard work ethic. Our team had a big win in that case and Kelsey was a huge part of our success.”

“Kelsey is a meticulous, strategic paralegal extraordinaire with a wealth of trial experience at a very early stage of her career. She is involved in practically every case our firm tries,” said Chris Madel. “She knows every trial exhibit inside and out, and is a master of all of our trial technology. Our clients regularly comment on how diligent, knowledgeable, and engaged she is throughout the life of a case.” He added, “Beyond her attention to detail and excellent work as a paralegal, Kelsey is also a joy to work with. We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Kelsey is being honored at a reception on September 17, 2021. Minnesota Lawyer also published this article about Kelsey.

MADEL PA congratulates Partner Mack, his wife Jessa, and their son Soren on the birth of Hannah Wilhelmina, who arrived on August 17 weighing in at 7 lbs, 5 oz and measuring 19.75"!

Chris Madel was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for the seventh straight year in the areas of Commercial Litigation and White-Collar Criminal Defense, as well as for Litigation - Antitrust. Jenny Robbins was recognized for her work in the areas of White-Collar Criminal Defense and Intellectual Property Litigation. She has been named for this honor since 2018.

Ellen Ahrens Wickham and Cassie Merrick were each recognized for the second year as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. Ellen was recognized for her work in Commercial Litigation and Cassie received that recognition for Intellectual Property Law.

Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. Inclusion is based on a sophisticated and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful evaluations of the quality of legal services. The results are drawn from millions of votes, leading to a list of more than 50,000 attorneys across 140 practice areas. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

MADEL PA proudly announces that:

• Todd Hennen, Cassie Merrick, Matt Pelikan, Stephen Premo, and Ellen Wickham were each selected as Rising Stars;

• Jenny Robbins was selected as a 2021 SuperLawyer, a distinction she has earned each year since 2019; and

• Chris Madel was selected as a 2021 SuperLawyer, a distinction he has earned each year since 2003; and

• Chris was also selected as a "Top 100" SuperLawyer as well.

No more than 5% of attorneys can be recognized as "Super Lawyers" in any given year, and no more than 2.5% may be named "Rising Stars."

Congratulations to these exceptional attorneys!

MADEL PA is very pleased to announce that the Minnesota Women Lawyers have elected Jenny Robbins to serve as President Elect for its fiscal year 2021-22 (that is, beginning on July 1, 2021).

Jenny has racked up several important awards and victories in the past couple years (including the Mpls/St. Paul Business Journal’s Top 40 Women in Business Award in October 2020), and our firm is beyond proud of her!

MADEL PA congratulates Partner Cassie and her husband Weston on the birth of their son Theodore Merrick who arrived on December 23 weighing in at 7 lbs, 5 oz and measuring 20".

MADEL PA is pleased to announce that U.S. News – Best Lawyers® ranked MADEL PA in its 2021 "Best Law Firms" rankings as a Tier One firm in Minneapolis in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White Collar and Tier Two in the area of Commercial Litigation, in its 2021 list of “Best Law Firms,” which is published by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers® and distributed worldwide.

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. 

MADEL PA congratulates Partner Ellen and her husband Loren on the birth of their daughter Madeline Claire who arrived on September 5 weighing in at 6 lbs 8oz, and measuring 20".

Chris Madel was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for the sixth straight year in the areas of Commercial Litigation and White-Collar Criminal Defense. Jenny Robbins was recognized for her work in the areas of White-Collar Criminal Defense and Intellectual Property Litigation, and she has been named for this honor since 2018.

In the 2021 inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Ellen Ahrens was recognized for her work in Commercial Litigation. Cassie Merrick received a 2021 Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch recognition for Intellectual Property Law.

Recognition by Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer review. Inclusion is based on a sophisticated and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful evaluations of the quality of legal services. The results are drawn from millions of votes, leading to a list of more than 50,000 attorneys across 140 practice areas. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

MADEL PA has been named a Best Place to Work by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for the third time in its four years, and for the second time in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s “Extra Small” business category.

“This honor is especially meaningful this year,” said Chris Madel. “Our employees participate in our selection, and among the hundreds of nominees, we’re honored to be recognized. Especially in a year that has seen so much change, our team has really pulled together and you can see that reflected in our results and in honors like this.”

Read more about the honor on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s website.

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled on July 29, 2020 in favor of MADEL PA client Meagan Abel and reinstated her discrimination and negligence claims against Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Allina Health System, and St. Mary’s University, Minnesota. As a required part of her doctoral program at St. Mary’s, Ms. Abel participated in a practicum with Allina Health System at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, where Ms. Abel faced egregious and ongoing sexual and racial discrimination. MADEL PA filed suit on behalf of Ms. Abel, alleging violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and negligence.  

Allina and St. Mary’s argued that maintaining a hostile, discriminatory environment did not violate the Human Rights Act, even when their employees, patients, or students faced ongoing sexual harassment and racial discrimination on a daily basis that made the employees or students too fearful to go to the hospital or school. Allina and St. Mary’s also argued that they owed no duty to protect their employees, unpaid interns, or students from sexual harassment and racial discrimination. The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected both arguments. The Court concluded that unpaid interns are protected as employees under the Human Rights act and concluded that “maintenance of a discriminatory system” constituted a violation of the Human Rights Act.

The ruling in Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital et al., A19-0461, is a major victory not only for Ms. Abel but for victims of sexual and racial discrimination throughout Minnesota as well as unpaid interns and other similarly situated Minnesotans.

“We are delighted that the Minnesota Supreme Court applied its existing precedents to clearly protect all Minnesotans from ongoing discrimination and, for the first time, to clearly state that unpaid interns are protected from discrimination under the Human Rights Act,” said MADEL PA Partner Matt Pelikan, who briefed and argued the case. “The purpose of the Human Rights Act is to secure freedom from discrimination and we are honored to be part of fighting to make sure that protection includes unpaid interns and students, as well as those who face such severe discrimination that they have to remove themselves from the situation when their hospital, employer, or school fails to protect them,” Pelikan continued.

MADEL PA has been fighting on behalf of Ms. Abel for over three years, and the Minnesota Supreme Court’s vindication of Ms. Abel’s right to be protected from discrimination and MADEL PA’s theory of the case is a historic success that will not only benefit Ms. Abel but similarly situated Minnesotans for years to come.

“This victory at the Minnesota Supreme Court once again shows Ms. Abel’s courage in standing up against discrimination, even when those who were supposed to protect her failed to do so, and we are happy to be in this fight with her” said Pelikan. He continued, “by demanding accountability, we have made Minnesota more free and fair for all who are discriminated against.”

Pelikan, MADEL PA Partner Ellen Ahrens, and Paralegal Kelsey Tomasetti worked tirelessly at the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court to seek justice for Ms. Abel and ensure the right to be free from discrimination for Ms. Abel and all Minnesotans.

MADEL PA is pleased to announce that Super Lawyers recognized seven of MADEL PA’s attorneys on its “2020 Minnesota Super Lawyers” and “2020 Minnesota Rising Stars” lists. 

• Chris Madel was named a “2020 Minnesota Super Lawyer” and was named a “Top 100 Super Lawyer" in Minnesota. He has been selected as a “Top 100 Super Lawyer” each year since 2017, and as a “Super Lawyer” each year since 2003.

• Jenny Robbins was named a 2020 “Super Lawyer,” having been also named a “Super Lawyer” in 2019. Jenny was previously recognized as a “Rising Star” for four consecutive years. 

• Cassie Merrick, Matt Pelikan, and Stephen Premo were named 2020 “Rising Stars.” (Both Matt and Cassie obtained that award in 2018 and 2019, as well, and Stephen was named a “Rising Star” in 2019.) 

• Ellen Ahrens and Todd Hennen were each named a “Rising Star” for the first time.

According to Super Lawyers, its selection process is a comprehensive, good-faith, and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated achievement in their field. No more than five percent of attorneys can be recognized as “Super Lawyers” in any given year, and no more than 2.5 percent may be named “Rising Stars.”

“We’ve put together a team of terrific lawyers,” Chris said. “That is reflected in our work, our results, and our care for our clients.”

MADEL PA is proud to announce that our managing partner, Jenny Robbins, has been named one of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2020 Women in Business. Hundreds of women across the Twin Cities were nominated, and the award recognizes those who excel in their professions and give back to their communities.

“Jenny is simply the best candidate for an honor like this,” said Chris Madel. “She manages our firm’s business while simultaneously representing our clients and their business interests at the highest level. On top of all of that, she makes incredible contributions to the community, including as an appointee to the Minnesota Board of Psychology and a member of the Board of Minnesota Women Lawyers. We couldn’t be luckier to have her.”

All of the honorees will be featured in the Oct. 9 Women in Business special publication and celebrated during a virtual event on Oct. 7.

MADEL PA Associate Stephen Premo, and his wife, Priya, are celebrating the birth of their son Rami who arrived the evening of Sunday, June 7. Rami reportedly loves being wrapped up like a burrito and sleeping because, as Stephen says, who doesn't? Congratulations, Premo!

We are honored to announce that Minnesota Women Lawyers ("MWL") has named MADEL PA as the recipient of the 2020 Leadership Award. As an MWL Platinum Partner each year since the firm's inception, MADEL PA is particularly moved by the recognition.

MWL recognized MADEL PA for its commitment to enhance the status, influence, and effectiveness of women lawyers in its employ. MWL specifically noted, among other things, that half of MADEL PA’s partners are women, more than half of its employees are women, and that in addition to its support of MWL, MADEL PA actively supports the community as a Diamond sponsor to the Innocence Project. Two of MADEL PA’s partners, Jenny Robbins and Ellen Ahrens, serve on the MWL Board of Directors. MWL also noted that MADEL PA has twice been named a “Best Place to Work” by Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal.

“Through its recruitment, hiring and retention practices, and advancement of women, MWL is pleased to recognize MADEL PA for its efforts to champion the success of women attorneys and strive for a just society,” MWL noted.

“This is a special honor for MADEL PA,” said Chris Madel. “Our firm is dedicated to equality and to supporting the careers of all of our employees. But we are particularly proud that MWL recognizes how seriously we value the women we employ.”

Just four months after a high-profile jury-trial win in a civil case, MADEL PA won another jury trial today—this time in a criminal case.

MADEL PA represented a chief executive officer accused of felony assault. In a trial that occurred over five days, the jury deliberated for approximately four hours and ultimately returned a not-guilty verdict.

“It’s been an honor representing an innocent man,” Chris Madel said.  “It’s a shame that the State did not adequately investigate the facts before charging our client, but we're so grateful that the jury got it right.”

The trial team included Chris Madel, Cassie Merrick, and Kelsey Lund.

 Twelve years after sending its original invoice—including a previous trial and a successful appeal—a Hennepin County jury awarded MADEL PA client Computer Forensic Services, Inc. (“CFS”) the full amount it was seeking against Michael Roman Afremov for breach of contract on October 23, 2019.

The trial, presided over by the Honorable Susan N. Burke, related to computer-forensics work that CFS and its founder, Mark Lanterman, did in relation to defendant Michael Roman Afremov’s federal criminal defense in 2007. Following a minority-shareholder lawsuit relating to his interest in AGA Medical Corporation in which a published federal decision indicates Mr. Afremov received approximately $300 million, a federal grand jury indicted Mr. Afremov and he ultimately faced 18 counts, including mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, money laundering, and filing false tax returns.

After he was indicted, Mr. Afremov's attorneys subpoenaed Mr. Lanterman. Following CFS’s extensive work, Mr. Afremov was not sentenced to any time in prison following his guilty plea. The work by CFS totaled $807,587.33.  Mr. Afremov refused to pay CFS any money. 

The case was first tried in front of a Hennepin County jury by CFS’s previous counsel. The jury found both a breach of contract and damages, but the district court granted Mr. Afremov’s motion judgment notwithstanding the verdict, finding that there was no contract and that “costs” could only include lost revenue from employee time. CFS and Mr. Lanterman then asked Mr. Madel to handle the appeal, which involved two other attorneys at Mr. Madel's former law firm, including former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson. 

The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the district court's decision. It held that the evidence supported the jury’s verdict that a contract existed and that Mr. Afremov breached the contract. The Court of Appeals remanded for trial on breach-of-contract damages. Lanterman v. Afremov, No. A15-0729, 2016 WL 1551602 (Minn. Ct. App. Apr. 18, 2016).

During the retrial, Mr. Lanterman testified at length regarding the work CFS did as a young company and the burden that this significant unpaid bill put on his new business. Mr. Lanterman also testified that Mr. Afremov's attorneys instructed him to “leave no stone unturned” in compiling documents from CFS’s earlier work relating to AGA Medical to assist in Mr. Afremov's criminal defense.

In closing argument, Mr. Madel asked that the jury’s “verdict remind [Mr. Afremov] of the $807,587.33 that he owes” CFS. The jury’s verdict form ultimately required Mr. Afremov to pay CFS for everything it billed, down to the last 33 cents.

“This verdict serves as true vindication for CFS and Mark Lanterman,” said Chris Madel. “The jury believed him and knew that this needed to be made right after all these years. We couldn’t be happier that Mark and CFS will finally get paid.”

The trial team included Chris Madel, Cassie Merrick, Kelsey Lund, and Kelsey Tomasetti.

MADEL PA's Senior Paralegal, Amanda Jeffers, and her husband, Greg, are celebrating the birth of their son, Johnny Leo Jeffers. Given that his mom and dad met while playing volleyball, it is unsurprising that Johnny arrived on Wednesday, August 7 measuring 22". Amanda, Johnny, and Greg are all healthy and happy, their dog Lula is confused, and the rest of the MADEL PA team is looking forward to meeting Johnny in person soon! 

For the second time in its three years, MADEL PA was named a Best Place to Work by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. “This honor is special to me because it is voted on by our employees,” Chris Madel said. “My door is always open to hearing from all of our employees, and it’s such an privilege to work with such a terrific team.”  

In an interview with the MSPBJ, partner Cassie Merrick explained why MADEL PA is a special place to work. “Our culture is transparent and fun, and we emphasize working as a team. We care less about a person’s position or level in any hierarchy and focus more on coming up with the best ideas as a team to solve our clients’ problems collaboratively,” Merrick said. “We plan to keep doing great legal work, getting excellent results for our clients, and enjoying our work and our time with each other along the way.”

Chris Madel has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for the fifth straight year. This year, he was recognized in two practice areas: Commercial Litigation and White Collar Criminal Defense. Managing Partner Jenny Robbins was also recognized in White Collar Criminal Defense for 2020; Jenny has been named for this honor since 2018.

“Commercial litigation and white collar criminal defense make up a huge part of what we do,” Madel said. “It’s rewarding to know our peers recognize value our services in these areas.”

Recognition by Best Lawyers© is based entirely on peer review. Inclusion is based on a sophisticated and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful evaluations of the quality of legal services. The results are drawn from millions of votes, leading to a list of more than 50,000 attorneys across 140 practice areas.

MADEL PA is pleased to announce that Super Lawyers recognized five of MADEL PA’s attorneys on its “2019 Minnesota Super Lawyers” and “2019 Minnesota Rising Stars” lists. 

• Chris Madel was named a “2019 Minnesota Super Lawyer” and was named a “Top 100 Super Lawyer" in Minnesota. He has been selected as a "Top 100 Super Lawyer" each year since 2017, and as a "Super Lawyer" each year since 2003.

• Jenny Robbins was named a 2019 “Super Lawyer.” Jenny was previously recognized as a “Rising Star” for four consecutive years. 

• Matt Pelikan and Cassie Merrick were again named 2019 “Rising Stars.” (Both Matt and Cassie obtained that award in 2018 as well.) 

• Stephen Premo, admitted to the Minnesota bar in 2012, was named a “Rising Star” for the first time.

According to Super Lawyers, its selection process is a comprehensive, good-faith, and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated achievement in their field. No more than five percent of attorneys can be recognized as “Super Lawyers” in any given year, and no more than 2.5 percent may be named “Rising Stars.”

“I’m beyond proud of our team,” Chris said.  “Our clients see the difference.”

"Madel's offices in the historic Pence Building don't really look like the offices of a law firm. The suite's natural light, glass walls and jagged edges suggest the home of an ad agency, not a staff of high-powered business litigators. . . . 'If you show me anything that looks like a law firm,' he recalled telling brokers, 'I'm going to say no.'" 

MADEL PA is pleased to announce the addition of attorneys Ellen Ahrens and Stephen Premo.

Ellen graduated magna cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law and practiced for several years at a national complex litigation firm focusing on antitrust and consumer class actions before clerking for the Honorable Steven E. Rau, United States Magistrate Judge. Prior to law school, Ellen worked in U.S. Embassies overseas. Outside of the her work at MADEL PA, Ellen serves as a member of the Minnesota Women Lawyers Board of Directors. 

Stephen graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School where he was a member of the Minnesota Law Review and editor of Constitutional Commentary. Minnesota Lawyer named Stephen Attorney of the Year in 2017 for his success in a landmark Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that changed the state's whistleblower laws. Before joining MADEL PA, Stephen practiced at a plaintiffs' employment and whistleblower law firm. 

MADEL PA proudly welcomes Ellen and Stephen to the firm!

MADEL PA is pleased to announce that The Best Lawyers in America recognized Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins among its 2019 edition’s Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. The Best Lawyers in America recognizes just 19 attorneys for this practice in Minneapolis. Chris has received this honor each year since 2016.

“We hope this recognition signals to our clients that, when their most serious matters are at stake, they can trust us for our knowledge, experience, and discretion,” Chris Madel said. “Whether we are able to resolve the issue confidentially, or the case goes all the way to trial, we are true advocates for our clients’ causes.”

Additionally, earlier this year, Super Lawyers recognized three of MADEL PA’s attorneys on its “2018 Minnesota Super Lawyers” and “2018 Minnesota Rising Stars” lists. Chris Madel was named a “2018 Minnesota Super Lawyer” and was named a “Top 100” attorney in Minnesota. He has been selected by Super Lawyers since 2003. Matt Pelikan and Cassie Merrick were named “2018 Minnesota Rising Stars.”

According to Super Lawyers, its selection process is a comprehensive, good-faith, and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated achievement in their field. No more than five percent of attorneys can be recognized as “Super Lawyers” in any given year, and no more than 2.5 percent may be named “Rising Stars.”

MADEL PA is pleased to announce the addition of Mack Reed to its team.

Mack graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School after receiving a Bachelors in Philosophy magna cum laude from the University of Delaware and a Masters in Humanities from the University of Chicago. He practiced for years in Chicago before moving to Minneapolis where he co-chaired the employment practice group of a Minneapolis-based plaintiffs' law firm.

Mack has represented plaintiffs and defendants, from Fortune 50 companies to small business to individuals, in all types of matters ranging from employment discrimination and whistleblower actions, employee "raiding" cases and other matters before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, closely-held shareholder/member disputes, and other complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts. 

MADEL PA is proud to welcome Mack to the firm!

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush stated, “Immigration is not just a link to America’s past; it’s also a bridge to America’s future.”  In 2006, President George W. Bush stated, “We are a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We’re also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time.”  And in 2013, President Barack Obama stated, “We are a proud Nation of immigrants, home to a long line of aspiring citizens who contributed to their communities, founded businesses, or sacrificed their livelihoods so they could pass a brighter future on to their children.”  

MADEL PA firmly stands with the sentiment expressed by these former presidents. We are distressed by the current administration’s attack on helpless people, many of whom are children, who seek better lives in the United States, whether through the long process of citizenship or by seeking asylum due to persecution or fear of persecution in their home countries.  Despite the recent Executive Order, dated June 20, 2018, and the administration’s later-stated plan to preserve family units, there is no plan currently in place to quickly reunite detained children with their parents.  As articulated by the American Medical Association in its letter dated June 19, 2018, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and Attorney General of the United States, “[i]t is well known that childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences created by inhumane treatment often create negative health impacts that can last an individual’s entire lifespan.” The American Psychological Association (“APA”) expressed similar opposition to the administration’s actions in its letter to President Trump dated June 14, 2018, in which the APA warned that “the longer that parents and children are separated, the greater the reported symptoms of anxiety and depression are for children” and “traumatic events can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health disorders that can cause long lasting effects.”  

Accordingly, MADEL PA will represent any federal law-enforcement employee in Minnesota—pro bono—who refuses to follow the Trump Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, including its temporarily suspended practice of separating children from their parents.  Such courageous individuals deserve strong advocates.

Chris Madel stated, “We’re doing this regardless of politics. This should not be a Republican or Democrat position. We’re offering these legal services for free because we hope those in federal law enforcement share Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Obama’s values and because it’s the right thing to do.”

MADEL PA is beyond proud to have been selected as one of Minnesota's "100 Best Companies To Work For" as designated by Minnesota Business.

From the Minnesota Business article:

Minnesota is known for being a great place to live and work, with top-notch companies in many industries headquartered here. Each year, these companies submit nominations for the 100 Best Companies to Work For Awards by Minnesota Business magazine. This award recognizes Minnesota's top companies and, time after time, helps the winners attract key employees who make all the difference. The “100 Best” were determined by the resulting scores of an anonymous online questionnaire filled out by the employees of each participating company — to determine which companies in Minnesota excel in the areas of work environment, employee benefits, and overall employee happiness, making them the 100 Best Companies to Work For.

"I'm literally living a dream," said Chris Madel.  "And I could not possibly be prouder of our team.  I sincerely believe we have some of the best legal talent you can find anywhere, and we all really enjoy doing it."

From the article:

BISMARCK, N.D. — A New York City woman who suffered a serious arm injury in an explosion while protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota is suing the federal government to obtain evidence, hoping it will bolster a civil rights lawsuit she plans to file against law enforcement.

Sophia Wilansky's lawsuit seeks the return of shrapnel and clothing taken from her while she was hospitalized following her November 2016 injury, or an opportunity to have the items analyzed by a forensic scientist she hired a year ago. She filed the federal lawsuit Friday against the FBI and other federal agencies.

Wilansky's father willingly surrendered the evidence after his daughter was injured in an explosion. He has since made several efforts to re-obtain it, but he has been rebuffed by federal authorities for more than a year, according to the family's attorney, Matthew Pelikan.

"Forensic analysis of Sophia's clothing and shrapnel may generate evidence relevant to Sophia's ability to obtain legal and financial redress for her injuries, including her massive medical bills, ongoing pain and suffering, and permanent disability and disfigurement," Pelikan argued in court documents.

Wayne Wilansky had told The Associated Press late last year that his daughter planned to file a lawsuit against law enforcement seeking money damages and that the evidence could bolster her case.

The evidence lawsuit names numerous federal agencies and officials as defendants, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme in North Dakota and FBI agents Brian VanOosbree and Christian Freichels. Delorme and Minneapolis-based FBI spokesman Jeff Van Nest didn't immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday from the AP.

Wilansky, who is in her early 20s, was injured during a violent clash between protesters and police that's become the emblematic skirmish of the months-long protest in North Dakota that tried to block the pipeline's final construction phase. The four-state pipeline began carrying North Dakota oil to Illinois in June.

Protesters tried to push past a blocked highway bridge near their main encampment in late November 2016, but they were turned back by authorities using tear gas, rubber bullets and water sprays. Police said protesters threw objects including rocks, asphalt and water bottles at officers.

Wilansky suffered a left arm injury in an explosion and has had several surgeries. Protesters allege the blast was caused by a concussion grenade thrown by officers, but police maintain it was caused by a propane canister that protesters rigged to explode.

Court documents unsealed last fall indicate the government last spring sought evidence that might implicate Wilansky of federal crimes dealing with homemade explosives. She has not been charged with any crime.

"In light of this lack of activity, the government has no good faith basis for claiming an ongoing criminal investigation or a need for Sophia's clothing and shrapnel," Pelikan said.

Opponents of the pipeline fear it could cause environmental harm, and four Native American tribes in the Dakotas are still fighting it in court. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners says it's safe.

At times during the demonstrations, thousands of pipeline opponents gathered in southern North Dakota to protest the $3.8 billion project, resulting in 761 arrests in a six-month span in 2016 and 2017.

  From the StarTribune article:

Federal prosecutors have dropped fraud charges against a Wayzata stockbroker for allegedly aiding a stock-manipulation scheme at oil-field services company Dakota Plains Holdings.

Nicholas Shermeta was charged in March with five counts of wire fraud in connection with Dakota Plains' initial public offering in 2012. Prosectors accused Shermeta of being an accomplice of Ryan Gilbertson, a co-founder of Dakota Plains, who was indicted on 11 counts of wire fraud.

On Friday, the U.S. attorney's office for the District of Minnesota dismissed the case against Shermeta with prejudice, meaning it's dismissed permanently. "Nick and his family are delighted to have the criminal charges behind him," said Chris Madel, Shermeta's attorney.

Shermeta has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, including possibly testifying. The case is uncommon in that such cooperation agreements usually come with plea bargains, not outright dismissals.

Prosecutors had alleged that Shermeta "aided and abetted" Gilbertson in the manipulation of Dakota Plains' stock price during its first 20 days of trading. The stock popped to $12, triggering a nearly $30 million bonus to Dakota Plains' noteholders, which included Gilbertson. Gilbertson has denied the charges against him.

In November 2016, Shermeta consented to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission order in connection with Dakota Plains. The SEC found he solicited investors for Dakota Plains, but improperly brokered sales through an unregistered securities firm. Shermeta agreed to pay $136,000 without admitting or denying the SEC's findings.

Dakota Plains, which was involved in North Dakota's oil industry, filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Its assets were later sold.

Today, less than eight (8) months after opening its doors, MADEL PA is pleased to announced that U.S. News – Best Lawyers® ranked MADEL PA a 2018 Tier One firm in Minneapolis in the practice area of Criminal Defense: White Collar, in its 2018 list of “Best Law Firms,” which is published by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers® and distributed worldwide.

“This recognition is humbling given that we just formed the firm this year,” said Chris Madel, “but we’re most excited about what this signals for our clients and for our future.” 

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. 

Today, a federal 12-member jury, presided over by the Honorable Donovan Frank of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, found MADEL PA clients Dires, LLC (doing business as Personal Comfort Bed), Craig Miller, and Scott Stenzel not liable for claims of trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition, and multiple false advertising claims brought by Select Comfort Corporation in November 2012. MADEL PA’s clients also prevailed on their counterclaim seeking a judgment that Select Comfort has no trademark rights in the phrase “number bed.”

The MADEL PA team, including Chris Madel, Jenny Robbins, Cassie Merrick, and Amanda Booth, took the case over in March of 2017 from Maslon LLP after now-Judge David Schultz became a federal magistrate judge. The case involved allegations that Personal Comfort Bed’s advertising violated Select Comfort’s trademarks and that Personal Comfort Bed made false statements in its advertising. After a fourteen-day jury trial in which Select Comfort sought more than $17.1 million in damages, the jury found that Personal Comfort Bed made several false statements and awarded Select Comfort $120,812 in damages against our corporate client only—the jury found no liability whatsoever for our individual clients.  The jury thus awarded Select Comfort, a corporation currently worth over $1.32 billion, less than 1% of the damages it sought at trial.

“This is far from the first lawsuit Select Comfort has brought against one of its competitors,” said Madel, “but it’s the first time Select Comfort has had to present its claims to a jury in this way, and we’re so grateful the jury saw through their allegations.” In his closing argument, Madel pointed out Select Comfort’s history as a serial litigant, called them a “bully,” and argued that Personal Comfort Bed’s managing director, Craig Miller, proved that Personal Comfort's number bed is superior to Select Comfort’s beds.

“This was justice,” Madel added.

MADEL PA’s client, Myron Striker, is an accomplished businessperson and a great friend of the firm.  He is also a fantastic artist!

After a recent representation of Mr. Striker, he generously donated an original painting he created.  Entitled “Can’t Stand the Heat,” Mr. Striker provided MADEL PA with a beautiful card that reads, in part, “Please accept this painting in honor of your new office.  I think it has elements of your practice.  It is bold and intense.  It tries to represent your passion for your clients.”

MADEL PA intends to place this painting in its main conference room (when the new space is finally built out), and in the meantime, we cannot thank Mr. Striker enough for this generous and awe-inspiring painting!

Attorney At Law magazine selected MADEL PA's Managing Partner, Jenny Robbins, to be on the cover of its May 2017 edition.

The article, entitled Leading With Transparency, catalogs just a few of Jenny's achievements over her extremely successful career.  

We're very proud of Jenny!

MADEL PA is pleased to announce the addition of Matthew Pelikan to its team.  A 2003 graduate of St. Olaf College, Matt is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Minnesota Law Review.  

Before joining MADEL PA, Matt was a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Paul H. Anderson until his retirement, and thereafter, as a judicial clerk for the Honorable David L. Lillehaug.  After serving as an associate with a prominent law firm, Matt was a lawyer with the Voter Protection department of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign effort. This work put Matt on the front lines of the fight to protect and expand access to voting.

First as an advocate working with elected leaders and now as a passionate legal advocate, Matt has worked for almost fifteen years in law and politics to help everyday individuals, consumers, and businesses get the solutions they need—all organized around the simple principle of basic fairness.

MADEL PA proudly welcomes Matt to the firm!

MADEL PA congratulates Managing Partner Jenny Robbins on her election to serve a second, two-year term on Minnesota Women Lawyers' Board of Directors.  Also appointed by Governor Dayton to serve on Minnesota's Board of Psychology, Ms. Robbins is a proven leader in a diverse array of fields, including law, psychology, and diversity.

Today, Jenny Robbins presented Minnesota Women Lawyers' 2017 Myra Bradwell award to Kathleen Flynn Peterson of Robins Kaplan LLP at MWL's 45th Annual Meeting. This award is given to an MWL member who expresses the highest ideals of the legal profession and who possesses the qualities exemplified by Myra Bradwell including courage, perseverance and leadership on issues of concern to women.

MADEL PA has long understood and appreciated Ms. Flynn Peterson's contributions to women and the law, and we congratulate her for this outstanding achievement!

Less than one week after opening its doors, MADEL PA became a Minnesota Women Lawyers Bronze Partner to demonstrate the firm’s ongoing commitment to MWL’s mission to advance the success of women lawyers and strive for a just society.

MADEL PA’s Managing Partner, Jenny Robbins, serves on MWL’s Board of Directors and MADEL PA Partner, Cassie Merrick, serves as the firm’s representative to MWL’s Partner Leadership Council.

Chris Madel was quoted in article regarding an alleged improper internal investigation conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, written by a prize-winning journalist.  From the article:

The decision not to interview Jurmu, an attorney and former partnering manager for Arizona State Parks, is surprising, said Chris Madel, an attorney who has led dozens of internal business investigations, including Arizona's Fiesta Bowl inquiry.

"If a person is motivated enough to blow the whistle on someone, then Investigations 101 is to speak to that person first, in the middle, and at the end," said Madel, a former U.S. Department of Justice trial lawyer now based in Minnesota. "How can you have fidelity to the process when you don't speak to the person who began it?"

Daniel Scarpinato, Ducey's spokesman, said "ethical and legal issues" prompted the investigator not to contact Jurmu. He declined to elaborate on what ethical or legal point prevented such an interview.

Madel, however, said he had "never heard of an investigation where someone didn't speak to a whistleblower. It's always done."

Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin granted summary judgment with respect to 17 of 18 claims alleged against our five clients.  The dismissed claims included copyright infringement, federal and state trade-secret claims, breach of contract, and a statutory conspiracy to injure business claim.  Four of our five clients were dismissed from the lawsuit entirely.  Only a portion of one claim remains against one of our clients.  Trial is scheduled for September 11, 2017 on that remaining claim, and we look forward to defeating it before the jury.

The MADEL PA team includes Chris Madel, Jenny Robbins, Cassie Merrick, and Amanda Booth.  Bette Brtek, a legal assistant from Robins Kaplan LLP, was also instrumental.  All that said, the victory belongs to our terrific clients!

From the article:  

Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel, who has run high-profile internal investigations for the Minnesota Vikings and other prominent organizations, is leaving his job at Robins Kaplan LLP to start his own downtown firm.

Madel PA will start doing business on Monday, he said. Madel, the former chair of Robins Kaplan’s business litigation department, is bringing six colleagues from his former firm.

The Waseca native said he is striking out on his own after nearly 17 years at Robins Kaplan to fulfill a lifelong goal. “I’ve always wanted to have my own law firm.”

Madel said his firm will specialize in complex commercial litigation, internal investigations and white-collar criminal defense and already has five jury trials scheduled for the coming year.

Veteran Minneapolis attorney Joseph Friedberg said it’s challenging to start a private law firm from scratch, but he commended Madel on the team he assembled — which includes attorneys Jenny Robbins [and] Cassandra Merrick ..., and paralegal Amanda Booth []. “In addition to being a really great litigator, the guy’s a great transactional lawyer,” Friedberg said. “I’ve never seen that combined in a lawyer before.”

Madel began his career as a trial attorney in the Justice Department’s antitrust division in Washington, D.C. Since returning to Minnesota in 2000, Madel has defended clients in notable criminal cases. Alongside B. Todd Jones, a Robins Kaplan partner who later became U.S. attorney, Madel helped Twins legend Kirby Puckett win acquittal on assault charges in 2003.

Robbins will assume the role of managing partner at Madel PA while continuing to represent Madel in a long-running Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Justice Department over data withheld from FOIA requests filed in 2012 and 2013. A federal judge recently ordered the government to negotiate with Madel in the case.

“It’s always nice when you can bring your own lawyer with you,” Madel said.

From the article:

Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel twice argued a case before Gorsuch, whose appellate panel in 2014 affirmed a $185 million judgment awarded to a group of clients Madel represented in a fraud suit.

"You can disagree with his politics, you can disagree with his approach but you can’t disagree with his intellect,” Madel said. “He was very down-to-earth with his questions. He was tough, he was engaging and he asked really smart questions.”

From the article:

A federal judge in St. Paul has sternly rebuked the U.S. Justice Department over its handling of a yearslong Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by a Minneapolis attorney who is researching the sale and marketing of oxycodone, a widely prescribed and highly addictive painkiller.

In an opinion issued Wednesday, Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ordered the government to negotiate with attorney Chris Madel over the release of data withheld from FOIA requests that Madel filed in 2012 and 2013.

Attorneys for the Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration, Magnuson wrote, “have lost their credibility” with the judge for refusing to negotiate and for publishing data online that they previously argued was too sensitive to ever share with Madel.

“The Court has given Defendants the benefit of the doubt throughout this litigation and Defendants have time and again failed to establish that they deserve that benefit,” Magnuson wrote in a nine-page opinion.

...

Madel’s attorney, Jenny Robbins, said her client “is really happy with the order,” and added that “we are hoping the government will start negotiating with us.”

Chris Madel's representation of University of Minnesota Gopher wrestler led to no criminal charges of the client. 

Chris Made obtained a federal misdemeanor for our client, which is a rarity.

Chris Madel quoted in L.A. Times regarding a federal plea bargain wherein our client was charged with multiple felonies but was only convicted of a misdemeanor.  Our client walked out of court the same day the Court accepted his misdemeanor guilty plea.

Chris Madel obtained a very rare federal order requiring U.S. Department of Justice to provide more detail with respect to federal indictment.

Article relating to Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins's representation of University of Minnesota executive.  Executive immediately received employment with higher pay.

Chris Madel obtained a dismissal of federal criminal charge in U.S. District Court.

Chris Madel obtained a very rare bill of particulars ordered in U.S. District Court.

Veteran Minneapolis attorney Joseph Friedberg said it’s challenging to start a private law firm from scratch, but he commended Madel on the team he assembled — which includes attorneys Jenny Robbins [and] Cassandra Merrick ..., and paralegal Amanda Booth []. “In addition to being a really great litigator, the guy’s a great transactional lawyer,” Friedberg said. “I’ve never seen that combined in a lawyer before.”

From the article:

When attorney Chris Madel informed Hoffner of the decision Wednesday night, he said the coach’s reaction “was a beautiful mix of shock and gratitude.”

Article regarding Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins's jury trial relating to their representation of one of world's largest, publicly-traded debt-collection corporations.  Mr. Madel and Ms. Robbins won the trial.  The plaintiff appealed, and Ms. Robbins led the appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.  She won again.

Article announcing Robins Kaplan, LLP's decision to appoint Chris Madel to chair the law firm's Business Litigation department.

Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins's representation of MSU football coach Todd Hoffner.  From the article: 

Hoffner’s attorney Christopher Madel took issue with comparison to the Sandusky case, saying in a response letter that Hoffner’s case had nothing to do with sexual abuse or similar misconduct. Equating Hoffner with Sandusky is "absurd" Madel wrote, adding "that [if] a person could draw such a comparison [it] exemplifies why that person should not have the authority to make life-changing employment decisions affecting others.”

Jennifer Robbins and Chris Madel represented the victim of criminal sexual conduct as well as her family.  After the defendant was initially charged, he was released after the Court set a bail amount of $25,000.

From the article:

Jennifer Robbins, an attorney for the girl, said that she was disappointed with the bail.

“We’re wondering when the courts will take sexual assault seriously,” said Robbins, who attended Wilson’s hearing.

Ms. Robbins predicted that the defendant (Wilson, our adverse party) would violate the Court's order to not contact our client.  Then he did -- repeatedly.  

The Court later sentenced Wilson to six years in prison.

Article relating to Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins's representation of the family of girl who was sexually abused by Visitation School's tennis coach. 

The tennis coach was later sentenced to 6 years in prison.

Article relating to internal investigation led by Chris Madel, former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson, and Jenny Robbins relating to former Minnesota Vikings' punter Chris Kluwe regarding his allegations that Minnesota Vikings released his employment due to his views on marriage equality.

From the article:

How and whether it will work is an open question. Though Hoffner says he's not out for revenge and is willing to work with the same officials who suspended and then fired him, Christopher Madel, his civil attorney, declined comment when asked whether the school had offered a settlement to preclude his return.

Hoffner says he doesn't have plans for a lawsuit "at this time; I'm confident we're not (contemplating one)." But Madel warned he would be watching closely to see how Hoffner is treated by school officials.

Article regarding Chris Madel and Jenny Robbins's representation of Todd Hoffner, the Minnesota State University football coach who was wrongfully accused of possessing child pornography.  After an arbitrator reinstated Mr. Hoffner's employment, Mr. Hoffner told the gathered media that he is "not a vindictive and spiteful person."  The StarTribune reported: 

"'Todd’s not a spiteful person. I am,' said attorney Christopher Madel, whose law firm handled the case for free. 'Somebody needs to be held accountable for this … What has been done to this family … is wrong.'"

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) conference involving Minneapolis attorneys Bill Mauzy, Joe Friedberg, Chris Madel and Joan Humes, deputy general counsel at Medtronic.

From the article:

The bowl, following up on new information, then formed a special investigative committee and hired outside counsel to conduct another probe. That inquiry was led by Minneapolis attorney Christopher Madel, a former Justice Department trial attorney who now specializes in internal investigations and corporate governance.

Madel and his team confirmed the newspaper’s findings and found the bowl also provided key legislators with gifts and took them and their spouses on trips to watch premier college football games. The report embarrassed lawmakers, including former Senate President Russell Pearce, a Mesa Republican who had traveled at bowl expense.

From the article:

For his third straight win as Attorney of the Year, Chris Madel triumphed on a case fraught with international intrigue, a Swiss bank account, money laundering and fraud.

Article regarding Minnesota Vikings' selection of Chris Madel, former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson to lead internal investigation of former Vikings' punter Chris Kluwe's allegations that he was released due to his views regarding marriage equality.

Jenny Robbins wrote the highly lauded report.

From the article:

Chris Madel, the attorney representing the defense team of Jon Hopeman, Paul Engh and Eric Riensche, said: "Mr. Petters' attempt to impugn the integrity of his exceptional trial counsel was utterly rejected" by Kyle's ruling.

From the article:

For his third straight win as Attorney of the Year, Chris Madel triumphed on a case fraught with international intrigue, a Swiss bank account, money laundering and fraud.

From the article:

Government attorneys are eager to have a top-flight litigator grill Tom Petters on behalf of his former defense team when the Ponzi schemer goes to court to argue for a shorter prison sentence.

...

The former Petters defense team — Jon Hopeman, Eric Riensche, Paul Engh and William O'Keefe — hired a high-powered lawyer of their own, Chris Madel, to defend their reputations and possibly their law licenses.

From the article:

This could get interesting.

...

Petters will be in a Minnesota courtroom in October to make his case. When he does, his former defenders want to present their own evidence and question witnesses.

Their attorney, star fraud investigator and litigator Chris Madel of Minneapolis law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, could go one-on-one with Petters if a federal judge approves their request. Get the popcorn ready if that happens.

From the article:

The last time Chris Madel was an Attorney of the Year, he was on the team to straighten out the Fiesta Bowl fraudfest. This year, his selection had to do with a case he said was even more frightening.

Madel’s client, Gregory Pederson, was a senior executive at Pinehurst Bank in St. Paul in 2010. When a customer kited checks to the tune of $1.9 million, Pederson and bank President John Markert were accused of trying to cover up the fraud. Although Markert was convicted on several counts of misapplication of bank funds, the jury found Pederson not guilty on all charges.

From the article:

The attorney who conducted an internal investigation into the campaign contributions scandal at the Fiesta Bowl said Wednesday the committee that operates the game is closely following his recommendations to change its operations.

"I can't think of one of those recommendations that the bowl didn't implement — and it was eight pages, single spaced," said Chris Madel, the attorney who was hired by a special committee to conduct a second internal investigation of the bowl game.

Profile of Chris Madel in the premier issue of Attorney at Law magazine.

Article regarding Chris Madel's representation of top Minnesota personal-injury law firm.

From the article:

[A]fter deliberating for four days, jurors found a former senior loan officer of the bank, Gregory Paul Pederson, not guilty of all charges. Pederson, 44, of Roseville, heaved a sigh of relief as the last verdict was read. Tears welled in his eyes as he and his wife quickly left the courtroom.

"It's been an honor representing an innocent man," said his attorney, Christopher Madel.

From the article:

Chris Madel, Pederson’s attorney, noted Monday that prosecutors didn’t mention Pinehurst’s loan policy in their closing arguments because, he said, it would have shown that Markert had the authority to OK loans of the size to cover the $1.9 million overdraft.

“This case is built upon half-truth upon half-truth,” Madel said. “It’s time for you to answer the Pederson family’s prayers” and acquit his client, he told the jury.

The five straw loans – which were signed by Wintz’s daughter and former girlfriend, among others – were not illegal, Madel added, making an analogy to a parent who takes out a home equity loan to pay for a child’s college tuition. The five straw borrowers all expressed concern about being on the hook for the loans they signed, showing they knew they had liability even though it was understood Wintz would make the payments, Madel argued.