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Overview
THERESA HELPS CLIENTS MANAGE LITIGATION CHALLENGES THROUGH GAINING AN EARLY UNDERSTANDING OF THE BUSINESS’S RISK TOLERANCE, LEVERAGING HER INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE, AND SEAMLESSLY LEADING TRIAL TEAMS ACROSS FUNCTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS.
Theresa is known for her creative problem solving and her ability to make the uncertainties of litigation predictable for her clients. She also has a proven track record for leading trial teams in any litigated forum and obtaining total defense verdicts in jury and bench trials. Theresa has previously served as Co-Chair of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and Chair of the Minneapolis Trial Group,
Education & Admissions
Syracuse University (B.M., Music Industry, 1998), summa cum laude
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law - Yeshiva University (J.D., 2001), magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
Admissions
- Minnesota
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Tax Court
Experience
Representative Litigation
- Lead trial counsel experience across various industries including manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, aviation, and technology.
- Lead trial attorney in international investment treaty arbitrations under UNCITRAL, ICC, the Permanent Court of Arbitration for The Hague (PCA), and ICSID rules with damage claims in excess of $500 million.
- In re the Estate of Ronald I. Meshbesher (Henn. Co. Dist. Ct., MN). Lead trial counsel for surviving spouse a 2-week bench trial; judgment for surviving spouse on all claims, May 2022.
- Laura Sterns v. The Children’s Theatre Company et al. (Henn. Co. Dist. Ct., MN). Lead trial counsel for performing arts organization in a 2-week jury trial; jury verdict for theater on all claims, January 2019.
- Thomas A. Berg et al v. Honeywell, Inc. (D. Alaska). Lead counsel for manufacturing defendant in federal False Claims Act qui tam suit; summary judgement for Honeywell on all claims; affirmed by the Ninth Circuit, July 2018.
- Bay Side Recycling et al v. SKB Environmental et al. (Henn. Co. Dist. Ct., MN). Lead trial counsel for solid waste disposal company in 3 1/2 week jury trial; jury verdict for defendants on all claims in May 2018.
- In re Medtronic Securities Litigation. Representing certain officers and company in PSLRA class action arising out of alleged failure to report adverse events.
- Robert Kulla v. Gregg W. Steinhafel et al. (U.S.D.C. Minn.). Lead counsel for individual corporate officer defendants in derivative class action for breach of fiduciary duty stemming from the 2013 Target Corp. data breach.
- Meda v. 3M Company, et al (S.D.N.Y.). Trial counsel for 3M Company, defending a breach of contract and fraud claim arising out of the divestiture of 3M’s European pharmaceutical business. Responsible for developing and implementing case strategy and management. Handled direct examinations of key witnesses at trial. Result: Complete defense judgment.
- Porton v. 3M Company. Bench trial in the Royal Courts of Justice, London, U.K., June-July 2011. Trial counsel in international commercial dispute involving breach of an earn out provision in an acquisition agreement. Responsible for key witness direct and cross examination preparation and assisting barristers in trial. Result: Claimant required to pay Company’s attorneys’ fees under UK fee-shifting rules.
- City of Rochester v. SMMPA. (Olmsted Co. Dist. Ct., MN), January 2009. Successfully defended a joint action agency in a contract dispute related to a 50-year Power Sales Contract brought by the agency’s largest member. Responsible for trial strategy, direct and cross examination of fact and expert witnesses, and all post-trial briefing. Result: Complete defense judgment.
- In re Synovis Life Technologies. Represented officers, directors and company in PSLRA class action dismissed with prejudice after motion to dismiss.
- Diaz v. Brian Warner a/k/a/Marilyn Manson. Jury trial in Federal District Court, Minnesota, September 2003. Defended entertainer in assault and battery claim brought by a security guard seeking damages in excess of $1 million. Result: Complete defense verdict.
News & Resources
Articles
DART 2020
May 14, 2013
"Time to Say Goodbye to Madonna’s American Pie: Why Mechanical Compulsory Licensing Should Be Put to Rest," 19 Cardozo Arts & Ent. L. J.
November 2001
News & Press Mentions
October 8, 2024
September 19, 2024
August 15, 2024
October 24, 2023
August 17, 2023
December 2021/January 2022
October28, 2021
October 1, 2021
October 14, 2020
September 21, 2020
Events & Speaking Engagements
Webinar Playback: Sustainability Series Part III: Greenwashing: Why This Should Keep You Up at Night
June 22, 2023
June 1, 13 & 22
Industries & Practices
Energy & Natural Resources
Explore This Practice View client achievements related to this practice View resources related to this practiceFood, Beverage & Agribusiness
Explore This Practice View client achievements related to this practice View resources related to this practiceSecurities & Financial Services Litigation & Enforcement
Explore This Practice View client achievements related to this practice View resources related to this practiceTrusts & Estates Litigation
Explore This Practice View client achievements related to this practice View resources related to this practice- Class Action Litigation
- Commercial Litigation
- Cooperative Law
- Creative Industries
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Food, Beverage & Agribusiness
- Securities & Financial Services Litigation & Enforcement
- Trusts & Estates Litigation
Accolades
- Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America©, 2022-2025
- Listed in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Litigation: General Commercial, 2023-2024
- Listed in Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2020-2024
- Named a Top Lawyer in Litigation - Commercial by Minnesota Monthly, 2024
- Minnesota Lawyer The POWER 30: Business Litigation, 2021-2022
- Recognized as a "Future Star" by Benchmark Litigation, 2021-2022, 2024
- Listed in the Minnesota Super Lawyers Women’s Edition, 2020-2024
- Recognized among the Top 50: 2024 Women Minnesota Super Lawyers
- Contributed more than 50 Challenge pro bono hours, 2020
- MSBA North Star Lawyer, 2013-2016, 2020
- Recognized as one of Benchmark Litigation's Under 40 Hot List, 2016-2018
- Listed as a "Rising Star" by Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2006-2007, 2009-2016
- Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer, 2009
